Time limits after a rejected claim — and a calculator

Write to the insurer's grievance officer straight away; it must resolve the grievance within 14 days. The Insurance Ombudsman must be approached within one year of the insurer's final reply, and the consumer commission within two years of the rejection. Enter your dates below to see your own deadlines.

The deadlines in one place

• Grievance officer: write as soon as possible; reply due within 14 days
• Bima Bharosa (IRDAI): after the 14 days, or if the reply does not help
• Insurance Ombudsman: after the insurer rejects your grievance or one month passes without a reply — and within one year of its final reply
• Consumer commission: within two years of the rejection; a delay can be condoned for sufficient reason
• Reimbursement claim: within the period in your policy, usually 15–30 days from discharge

Related guides

• Insurance Ombudsman complaint — format
• Consumer complaint against an insurer — format
• Grievance letter to the insurer — format
• Claim rejected? What to do
• All rejected-claim guides

Can I go to the Ombudsman after one year?

Generally no. If the year has passed, the consumer commission (two years) is the usual route.

Does the time stop while the insurer reconsiders?

The Ombudsman's year runs from the insurer's final reply to your representation, so a fresh reply on reconsideration starts it again.