Navigating Insurance Claims After a Fatal Car Accident & Life Insurance Eligibility for NRIs

Handling insurance matters during a tragedy can be emotionally overwhelming, especially when legal processes such as an FIR are still pending. Below is a clear guide for helping the victim’s family with the claim process, followed by detailed information for NRIs seeking life insurance coverage in India.

1. Insurance Claim Process After a Fatal Car Accident (FIR Pending)

Navigating the insurance claim process after a fatal accident can feel complicated, particularly when the FIR is still under preparation. The requirement for an FIR varies depending on the nature of the accident and the insurer’s procedures.

• Inform the Insurer Immediately: Notify the insurance company as early as possible so they can guide the family with necessary steps and documentation.
• Prepare Essential Documents: Assist the family in gathering:
  • Death certificate
  • Claimant’s KYC documents
  • Medical reports (if applicable)
  • Copy of the FIR (if required by insurer)
  • Postmortem report (if conducted)
  • Accident details or hospital discharge summary
• Communicate Regularly: Maintain open communication with the insurer and provide additional documents if requested. This helps avoid delays.
• FIR Pending Is Not Always a Barrier: For certain policies and circumstances, insurers may process claims with alternate supporting documents while FIR is being finalized.

Staying in touch with the insurer, being transparent, and ensuring all required documents are ready will greatly improve the smoothness and speed of the claims process.

2. Life Insurance Eligibility for NRIs: Requirements & Process

As a software engineer living in the U.S., obtaining life insurance from India can be advantageous due to lower premiums, better benefits, and smoother processes supported by Indian insurers.

Eligibility Criteria

• NRI (Non-Resident Indian), PIO, or OCI status is accepted.
• Valid passport and overseas residency details.
• Clear income documentation (if required by the insurer).
• Good health as per the insurer’s underwriting guidelines.

Required Documentation

• Passport copy (with entry/exit stamps)
• PAN card / Form 60
• NRI questionnaire provided by insurer
• Income proof (salary slips, tax returns, or bank statements)
• Overseas address proof

Do NRIs Need to Visit India for Medical Tests?

Usually, no visit to India is required. Many Indian insurers offer:

• Medical tests arranged abroad through partnered diagnostic centers.
• Home medical check-ups in select countries.
• Fully digital onboarding for documentation and signatures.

This seamless digital process ensures you can purchase your policy securely and efficiently from overseas.

Final Guidance

Whether assisting a grieving family with an insurance claim or securing life coverage as an NRI, the key is to communicate clearly with the insurer, understand their documentation requirements, and stay proactive. Indian insurers are now equipped with strong digital systems that make both claim handling and policy issuance significantly smoother.

Inputs attributed to Rajesh Krishnan, Chief Operations Officer, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance.