What Is the Insurance Ombudsman?

The Insurance Ombudsman is a quasi-judicial body established under the RPG Rules 2017 by the Government of India to resolve insurance complaints quickly and without court intervention. There are 17 Ombudsman offices across India, each covering specific states and UTs. The service is 100% free.

Types of Complaints You Can FileClaim rejection (full or partial)Delay in claim settlement beyond IRDAI timelinesDispute on premium paid or policy termsNon-issuance of policy after premium paymentMisrepresentation by agent during policy sale (mis-selling)Any grievance relating to personal lines of insurance (life, health, motor)Ombudsman vs Consumer Court vs IRDAI IGMSFeatureInsurance OmbudsmanConsumer Court (NCDRC)IRDAI IGMSCostFreeCourt fees applyFreeTime to resolve1-3 months6 months - 3 years30-45 days (for acknowledgment)Lawyer needed?NoYes (recommended)NoClaim limitUp to ₹30 LakhUp to ₹2 Crore (State), unlimited (National)No limit (complaint only)Binding on insurer?Yes (if accepted by complainant)Yes (court order)No (recommendation only)Appeal possible?No (one-time resolution)Yes (appellate courts)N/A💡 Best Strategy: First file on IRDAI IGMS (igms.irda.gov.in) — insurer must respond in 15 days. If unresolved after 30 days, approach the Insurance Ombudsman. If Ombudsman award is unsatisfactory, go to Consumer Court. This 3-step escalation works in 95% of cases.How to File a Complaint with Insurance OmbudsmanFirst approach the insurer: File a written complaint with the insurance company's grievance cell. Wait 30 days for response.No resolution? Visit cioins.co.in (Council for Insurance Ombudsmen website).File online complaint: Fill the complaint form with policy details, complaint description, and supporting documents.Select your Ombudsman: Based on the insurer's branch location or your address.Attend hearing: Ombudsman schedules a hearing (video/physical). Present your case — no lawyer needed.Receive award: Ombudsman issues award within 3 months. If you accept, it's binding on the insurer.Documents Needed✅ Policy copy✅ Claim form submitted to insurer✅ Rejection/repudiation letter from insurer✅ All correspondence with insurer✅ Medical reports, bills, FIR (as applicable)✅ IGMS complaint acknowledgment (if filed)Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I file Ombudsman complaint for commercial/business insurance?

No. Ombudsman only handles personal lines — life, health, motor, travel insurance bought by individuals. Business/commercial insurance disputes must go through courts or arbitration.

What if my claim exceeds ₹30 Lakh?

Ombudsman can only award up to ₹30 Lakh. For higher claims, approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (District/State/National level depending on claim amount).

Insurance Ombudsman India: Free Complaint Resolution for Rejected Claims

By Admin • Feb 23, 2026 • 📖 4 min read • ✅ Updated Feb 24, 2026

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Admin

Insurance & financial content specialist at PolicyBaazar. Helping Indians make informed insurance decisions with expert analysis and unbiased reviews.

📅 Published: Feb 23, 2026 🔄 Updated: Feb 24, 2026 📖 830 words ⏱️ 4 min read

Insurance Ombudsman India: Free Complaint Resolution for Rejected Claims

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