IRDAI has named November 2026 as “Grievance Resolution Month.” The aim is to clear pending policyholder complaints, especially the old ones. The initiative was announced on 29 October 2026 and implemented on 31st October, 2026.
What IRDAI Announced for Grievance
IRDAI kicked off Grievance Resolution Month on 31 October 2026, and it will run across the insurance industry through November. The initiative is about more than cutting the number of pending grievances. IRDAI wants each one resolved in a meaningful, fair and lasting way, so that policyholders trust the sector more. Insurers, insurance councils, Insurance Ombudsmen and other stakeholders are expected to take part actively for the whole month.
How the Month Was Kicked Off
Over 100 stakeholders from across the insurance ecosystem joined the event.
Deepak Sood, Member (Non-Life), IRDAI, chaired the meeting.
Dr. Debasish Prusty, Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), was present.
The Secretaries General of the Life Insurance Council, General Insurance Council and Council for Insurance Ombudsmen attended.
Insurance Ombudsmen, insurer CEOs and senior insurer representatives also took part.
The event served to sensitise the industry and other stakeholders to the initiative’s objectives and expected outcomes.
The Numbers Behind the Move
All figures are as on 31 March 2026, per IRDAI.
| Forum | Pending cases |
|---|---|
| Consumer Commissions and judicial courts | About 2.21 lakh |
| Of these, pending over a year | 72.49% (roughly 1.6 lakh cases, our calculation) |
| Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals (MACT) | About 11 lakh |
Also worth noting: Insurance Ombudsmen resolved 41,055 complaints in FY26, per IRDAI and nearly 79% of those were decided in favour of policyholders.
What Insurers Have Been Asked to Do
Review all pending grievances and disputes.
Prioritise the oldest cases first.
Settle litigation amicably where legally and factually sustainable.
Comply promptly with Insurance Ombudsman awards.
Speed up cases pending at other forums.
Strengthen litigation management to avoid delays.
Find the recurring causes of complaints and fix them.
Who Is Supporting the Drive
The Life Insurance Council, General Insurance Council and Council for Insurance Ombudsmen will brief member insurers.
IRDAI, the Councils and State-wise Lead Insurers will run outreach programmes nationwide.
Tier-II and Tier-III cities get special focus, where access to redressal is limited.
Insurers have been asked to publicise the drive at branches and on digital channels.
What Policyholders Can Do This Month
If you have an unresolved complaint, use the existing route:
Write to your insurer’s Grievance Redressal Officer first.
If there is no reply in 14 days, or you are unhappy with the response given by the insurer, escalate the complaint to IRDAI.
File on the Bima Bharosa portal.
Call the toll-free numbers 155255 or 1800-4254-732.
Email complaints@irdai.gov.in.
Keep your policy number, claim reference, and all earlier correspondence ready.
These escalation steps come from a Department of Financial Services advisory issued in August 2026.
Source -
https://irdai.gov.in/web/guest/document-detail?documentId=9976902
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRDAI’s Grievance Resolution Month 2026?
IRDAI’s Grievance Resolution Month is an industry-wide initiative observed in November 2026 to resolve pending policyholder complaints and improve grievance redressal.
When will IRDAI observe Grievance Resolution Month 2026?
The initiative will run throughout November 2026. IRDAI officially launched it on 31 October 2026.
What is the objective of Grievance Resolution Month?
The initiative aims to reduce pending grievances and ensure fair, meaningful and sustainable resolutions for policyholders.
Who will participate in Grievance Resolution Month 2026?
The initiative involves insurers, Insurance Ombudsmen, insurance councils and other stakeholders across the insurance industry.
How can policyholders resolve pending insurance complaints?
Policyholders can approach their insurer’s grievance redressal department. Unresolved complaints can be escalated through IRDAI’s Bima Bharosa portal or the Insurance Ombudsman, as applicable.
Does Grievance Resolution Month 2026 cover motor insurance complaints?
Yes. The initiative covers grievances across insurance segments, including motor insurance claims and policy servicing complaints.
