IRDAI declares November 2026 Grievance Resolution Month to clear pending insurance disputes

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) will run a "Grievance Resolution Month" across the insurance industry in November 2026. In a press release dated 29 October 2026, the regulator said the aim is to speed up the resolution of pending policyholder grievances and disputes, especially long-pending ones.

What Happened

IRDAI said the number of unresolved grievances remains a concern. As on 31 March 2026, about 2.21 lakh cases were pending before consumer commissions and courts, and around 72.49% of them had been pending for more than a year. Around 11 lakh cases were reportedly pending before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT), the special tribunal that hears road-accident compensation claims.

During the month, insurers have been advised to review their pending grievances and disputes and identify cases that can be resolved early. IRDAI has encouraged them to prioritise long-pending cases, review pending litigation on its merits and settle amicably where that is legally and factually sustainable, comply promptly with Insurance Ombudsman awards, speed up grievances pending at any other forum, strengthen how they manage litigation, and fix recurring causes of complaints.

The regulator said the objective is not merely to increase the number of disposed cases but to ensure fair and lasting resolution. The Life Insurance Council, the General Insurance Council and the Council for Insurance Ombudsmen have been asked to support the initiative. IRDAI, with the councils and state-wise lead insurers, will hold outreach programmes across the country, with special emphasis on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where access to grievance redressal is limited.

What It Means

Policyholders with a long-pending complaint, a disputed claim or an unpaid Insurance Ombudsman award have a window in November 2026 in which insurers have been asked to review such cases and settle them where they can. Insurers and the councils have been encouraged to publicise the initiative at branch level and through digital media, so policyholders can follow up with their insurer during the month.

The press release does not set new penalties or deadlines; it is an advisory to insurers. Policyholders whose disputes remain unresolved can still use the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or file a consumer complaint through e-Daakhil.

Source: IRDAI press release