Introduction
Have you ever been sold an insurance policy that didn’t match what you were promised? Maybe the seller assured you of guaranteed returns, Money in lapsed policy, Interest free loan, Free foreign trips, or job guarantee but none of it was true. If that’s the case, you’ve likely been a victim of mis-selling of insurance, and you have the right to take action.
At Insurance Samadhan, we’ve helped thousands of policyholders who were misled into buying the wrong policies. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to file a complaint against insurance mis-selling in India, using the official IRDAI grievance redressal mechanism. Don’t worry we’ll keep it simple and clear, just like we do with our customers who come to us with life insurance mis selling complaints.
What Is Insurance Mis-selling?
Insurance mis-selling happens when a policy is sold to you using false promises, half-truths, or hidden terms. This could include:
1. Promises of guaranteed returns higher returns than FD
2. Assuring you refund of premium and bonus on lapsed policy
3. Installation of tower with monthly income
4. Job Guarantee/ Scholarship to the child
5. Falsely saying the policy is a fixed deposit or short-term investment
6. Pushing life insurance to elderly people without proper explanation
7. Misrepresenting a savings plan as a health plan
8. Interest free loan offer
If this has happened to you, you can and should raise a complaint.
Step 1: First, File a Complaint with Your Insurance Company
Before you file an IRDA complaint against insurance company, you need to give them a fair chance to resolve your issue. Every insurance company has a Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) who handles customer complaints.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Visit your insurer’s website and find the GRO contact details.
2. Send them a written complaint explaining what went wrong and what you want as a resolution.
3. Attach all relevant documents like your policy copy, any emails or WhatsApp chats with the seller, and proof of mis-selling if you have it.
4. Wait for a response. As per IRDAI guidelines, insurers should respond within 15 days, but give them up to 30 days.
If you don’t hear back or you’re not happy with their response, you can move to the next step.
Step 2: File a Complaint with IRDAI Bima Bharosa
If your insurer hasn’t resolved your complaint, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is your next option. They have a Grievance Redressal Cell that handles complaints from policyholders like you.
You can file a misselling of insurance complaint through any of the following ways:
1. Bima Bharosa Portal – The Best Way
Visit https://bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in and register. This portal allows you to:
a) File your complaint online
b) Upload supporting documents
c) Track the status of your complaint in real-time
d) Get notifications on updates
It’s the easiest and most efficient option.
2. Email to IRDAI
Other than the portal, an option is to email your complaint to complaints@irdai.gov.in.
Make sure to:
a) Include your full name, policy number, and insurer’s name
b) Describe the mis-selling issue clearly
c) Attach supporting documents
d) Use a clear subject line like: “Complaint against [Insurer Name] for Mis-selling – Policy No. XXXXX”
3. Call the IRDAI Toll-Free Helpline
Dial 155255 or 1800 4254 732.
This is helpful if you need guidance or want to know what to include in your complaint.
Important Points to Remember
1. Only you (the policyholder or nominee) can file the complaint, not sellers, third parties, or advocates.
2. You’ll need to fill out the official IRDAI Complaint Registration Form, available on policyholder.gov.in. Complaints without complete information may not be accepted.
3. Be specific in your complaint. Instead of saying “I was misled,” explain exactly what the seller told you, how it differed from the policy, and what you were expecting.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve submitted your complaint, IRDAI will forward it to the insurance company’s senior grievance cell for review. They’ll ask for an explanation and then respond to you.
You’ll get a complaint reference number. If you filed through the Bima Bharosa portal, you can log in anytime and check updates.
Still Not Resolved? Here’s What You Can Do Next
If you’re not satisfied with the resolution from IRDAI or your insurer continues to deny your claim, you still have options:
1. Insurance Ombudsman
If the amount involved is under ₹50 lakh, you can approach the Insurance Ombudsman. This is a cost-free way to resolve disputes, and many cases get settled at this level.
2. Consumer Court
If the complaint involves a large amount or serious fraud, you can go to consumer court. While this takes more time, it’s a valid legal route if your grievance remains unresolved.
Final Thoughts
Mis-selling of insurance in India is more common than most people think but that doesn’t mean you have to stay silent. If you were misled into buying a policy you didn’t need or weren’t fully informed about, filing a complaint in IRDA is your right.
The key is to follow the correct process:
1. Start with your insurance company’s grievance cell
2. Escalate to IRDAI through the Bima Bharosa portal
3. Use proper documentation and stick to the facts
4. Escalate to the Ombudsman or consumer court if needed
And if all of this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. At Insurance Samadhan, we’re here to guide you at every step whether it’s drafting your life insurance mis-selling complaints, reviewing your documents, or helping you understand the next move.
You’ve paid your premiums in good faith. Now it’s time to make sure you get the transparency and justice you were promised.
Click here to register your complaint with Insurance Samadhan
Visit our website: insurancesamadhan.com
Mail us at corporate@insurancesamadhan.com
