Claim Settlement Ratio Explained & Compared
Understand what claim settlement ratio means, why it's crucial for choosing term insurance, and compare CSR of all major insurance companies in India.
95%+
Good CSR Threshold
98%+
Excellent CSR
3-5 Years
Trend Analysis Period
Understanding Claim Settlement Ratio
CSR is the percentage of claims an insurance company settles against the total claims received in a financial year. A CSR of 98% means the insurer settled 98 out of every 100 claims received. IRDAI publishes these ratios annually.
A high CSR indicates the insurer's reliability in honoring claims. When your family files a claim during an already difficult time, you want them to face minimal hurdles. Companies with high CSR tend to have smoother claim processes.
Look at CSR over 3-5 years, not just one year. A consistently high CSR (above 95%) over multiple years is more reliable than a single year's spike. Avoid insurers with volatile or declining CSR trends.
A high CSR with high claim volume is more impressive than high CSR with few claims. An insurer handling 30,000+ claims with 98%+ CSR demonstrates robust claim processing capabilities at scale.
Claim Settlement Ratio Comparison (FY 2022-23)
| Insurance Company | CSR (%) | Claims Handled | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Life | 99.34% | 31,245 | Excellent |
| HDFC Life | 99.35% | 28,987 | Excellent |
| Tata AIA | 99.13% | 15,678 | Excellent |
| ICICI Prudential | 98.58% | 24,532 | Very Good |
| Bajaj Allianz | 99.02% | 19,876 | Excellent |
| Kotak Life | 98.82% | 13,456 | Very Good |
| SBI Life | 97.88% | 32,145 | Good |
| Aditya Birla Sun Life | 98.05% | 11,234 | Very Good |
| PNB MetLife | 98.17% | 8,765 | Very Good |
| Aviva Life | 98.25% | 5,432 | Very Good |
Source: IRDAI Annual Report FY 2022-23 | CSR may vary slightly based on claim type
Common CSR Myths vs Reality
High CSR means guaranteed claim approval
CSR is a historical indicator, not a guarantee. Your claim can still be rejected for non-disclosure, fraud, or policy exclusion. Honest disclosure and policy understanding are crucial.
Only CSR matters when choosing insurer
Consider premium competitiveness, policy features, customer service, riders, and financial stability along with CSR. A holistic view helps make better decisions.
New insurers have unreliable CSR
New insurers need time to establish track record. Look at their parent company's reputation, solvency ratio, and product features. Some new insurers offer excellent value.
Public sector insurers have lower CSR
LIC has consistently maintained high CSR (98.52% in FY 2022-23). Both public and private insurers can have excellent claim settlement records. Judge by data, not ownership.
Important Tips for Claim Settlement
- Disclose all health conditions, habits, and occupation details honestly at the time of purchase
- Pay premiums on time - lapsed policies lead to claim rejection
- Update nominee details and keep them informed about the policy
- Keep all policy documents and medical records accessible to your family
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About Term Insurance
Choose a Reliable Insurer
Compare term insurance plans from top insurers with high claim settlement ratios. Make sure your family's claim is honored when they need it most.