How To File An Insurance Claim In The Philippines

How to file an insurance claim in the Philippines

If you’re wondering how to file an insurance claim in the Philippines, this straightforward guide will walk you through the documents, the timeline, and the exact steps that most life, auto and property insurers will ask for. Sun Life Philippines+1

No jargon — only practical, local steps you can do today (photograph evidence, fill forms, and who to call if the insurer stalls). This is written to match what insurers and the Insurance Commission expect. AIA Philippines+1

Read the three-paragraph intro, skim the quick checklist, then follow the step-by-step for your claim type. By the end you’ll know how to file an insurance claim in the Philippines without the usual back-and-forth. prulifeuk.com.ph

Quick checklist — before you start

Quick checklist — before you start how to file an insurance claim in the Philippines, have these ready: policy number, a clear copy of the policy (front page), valid IDs, original PSA/LCR copies for death claims (if applicable), police report for vehicle theft/accident, photos of damage, medical records or hospital receipts (if applicable), and a filled claim form (insurer provides this). Insurance Philippines+2RESPICIO & CO.+2

Step-by-step (universal)

Secure the scene & safety — for accidents/injuries, get medical attention first and call authorities if needed.
Document everything — photos, witness contacts, hospital receipts, police report, and repair estimates. These reduce delays. Oona Insurance+1
Notify your insurer ASAP — most insurers have online “claim notification” forms or hotlines; notify them even if you don’t have every document yet. This starts the claim clock. AIA Philippines+1
Submit the claim form + required documents — use the insurer’s online portal, email, branch or agent. Ask for a reference or claim number. generali.com.ph+1
Expect an adjuster or requests for more info — the insurer may inspect or ask for medical/police records. Give complete sets to avoid “ping-pong” requests. RESPICIO & CO.
Follow up, then escalate if necessary — keep dates, names, and reference numbers. If your claim is unreasonably delayed, the Insurance Commission has an assistance/complaint form. Insurance Philippines+1

What insurers usually require (by claim type)

Life / Death claims — claimant statement form, original PSA death certificate, policy contract, beneficiary IDs, marriage/birth certificates (to prove relationship), and medical records if death was due to illness. Some companies process “speedy” cases faster if all documents are complete. prulifeuk.com.ph+1

Auto claims (comprehensive / third-party) — police report, insurer claim form, photos of scene and damage, driver’s license, vehicle OR/CR and registration, repair estimate or receipts, and signed statements from parties/witnesses. If the other driver is uninsured, your insurer will advise on subrogation or third-party filing. Oona Insurance+1

Property / Fire claims — proof of ownership/contents, photos, fire/police report, claim form, repair/valuation estimates, and original policy. For business interruption or contents, additional invoices and inventory lists are usually needed. ICLG Business Reports+1

Typical timelines — what to expect

Under the Insurance Code and court jurisprudence, non-life insurers should pay within 30 days after proof of loss and ascertainment; if ascertainment isn’t done within 60 days, payment must be made within 90 days. Life claims (maturity or death) have similar statutory clocks (e.g., 60 days for some life proceeds). ICLG Business Reports+1
Under the Insurance Commission / RA 11765 consumer rules, insurers are also expected to respond to written claims/complaints promptly — internal response standards (e.g., 15 business days for initial resolution in many cases) have been formalized under recent IMCs/IRRs. Many insurers advertise 10–30 working days processing for routine, complete claims. Insurance Philippines+1

How to speed up approval (practical tips)

Send one complete package (originals where required + certified copies). Multiple partial submissions cause repeated requests. RESPICIO & CO.
Get PSA/LCR copies early for death claims — these are commonly requested and often delay payouts. RESPICIO & CO.
Take clear photos + a short timeline (bullet points) describing the incident — adjusters love simple, chronological evidence. Oona Insurance

If the insurer stalls — escalation route

Contact insurer’s claims unit with your claim reference and request a written status. Keep copies of all emails/messages. generali.com.ph
Use the Insurance Commission Assistance / Claimant’s Assistance Request Form (attach your policy, denial letter or insurer replies, police report and IDs) — you can email or deliver it to the IC main or district offices. The IC also offers mediation and can issue a Certificate of Non-Settlement to support a formal complaint. Insurance Philippines+1

Short FAQs

Q: How long until I get paid?
A: If all documents are complete, many insurers quote 10–30 working days; statutory maximums under the Insurance Code and related rules set deadlines (30/60/90 days or 60 days for life) depending on type and ascertainment. If delayed, escalate to the Insurance Commission. AIA Philippines+1

Q: Can someone else file for me?
A: Yes — with a signed authorization/letter of representation and valid IDs. For death claims, heirs or legal representatives must present estate/settlement documents if payment is to the estate. prulifeuk.com.ph+1

Q: What if the insurer denies my claim?
A: Ask for a formal denial letter with reasons, then (1) request internal reconsideration and (2) if unresolved, file the IC Assistance Form and, if needed, a formal complaint with the IC. Keep timelines and documentation. Insurance Philippines+1

Conclusion (recap)

Now you know how to file an insurance claim in the Philippines: notify, document, submit, follow up. If you get stuck, remember how to file an insurance claim in the Philippines also includes using the Insurance Commission’s assistance form and consumer protections. For a final nudge, if you’re unsure, call your insurer, gather PSA/police/medical papers, and use the IC contact points — that’s exactly how to file an insurance claim in the Philippines the shortest, cleanest way. Insurance Philippines+1