If an insurance claim is rejected, there are several legal procedures and avenues that a policyholder can pursue to challenge the rejection and seek a fair resolution. Here’s a step-
by-step guide to the legal procedure if your insurance claim is rejected:
1. Review of the Policy and Rejection Notice
2. Contact the Insurance Company for Clarification
3. Submit an Appeal to the Insurance Company
4. Approach the Insurance Ombudsman or Consumer Court
What do Do-Policyholders can approach the ombudsman concerned in case of a rejection, but only after approaching the insurance company first.
Note: “If your insurance claim is rejected or the amount given is less than what you need, you must first file a complaint with the insurer. After that, you can either go to the ombudsman or a consumer court, but you can't do both at the same time."
Approach: Consumer Court or Ombudsman
If you find that your grievance is still unresolved to your satisfaction by the insurance company, you have two primary options: the insurance ombudsman or the courts. Here's a breakdown of which route might be right for you:
1. Insurance Ombudsman
While it is not mandatory for policyholders to approach the insurance ombudsman first, it is often beneficial. The ombudsman is specifically trained to handle insurance-related grievances, and its process is more of a mediation than a legal adjudication, typically offering recommendations rather than binding rulings.
Advantages of the Ombudsman:
- Time-bound process: The ombudsman is a quicker route compared to courts.
- Cost-effective: You do not need a lawyer, and the process is simpler.
- Mediation-focused: The ombudsman may encourage settlement rather than a formal legal judgment, making it a less adversarial route.
- Acceptance of the award: If the complaint is resolved through the ombudsman, the policyholder must accept the settlement in full and final resolution.
Limitations:
- The ombudsman’s recommendation is not binding on the complainant, and if the policyholder is dissatisfied with the outcome, they can still pursue legal action.
2. Consumer Court or Civil Court
If the ombudsman’s recommendation does not meet your expectations or you prefer a more formal approach, you can approach either a civil court or a consumer court.
Advantages of Consumer Court:
- Jurisdiction: Consumer courts are specifically set up to address disputes between consumers (including policyholders) and service providers, making it a suitable venue for such complaints.
- Cost-effective and quicker: Consumer courts tend to be less expensive and faster than civil courts.
- Higher likelihood of compliance: Insurance companies are more likely to honor judgments from a consumer court.
Civil Court:
- Longer process: Civil court proceedings can be time-consuming, expensive, and complex.