List of Best Life Insurance Companies in India 2024 (2024)

Following is the list of best life insurance companies in India 2024:

Top 15 Insurance Companies In India

Some of the best life insurance companies have been enlisted in the section below:

1. Life Insurance Corporation of India

The Life Insurance Corporation of India, commonly known as LIC, stands as India's largest and foremost life insurance company, owned by the Government of India. Established in 1956, LIC ranks among the top 10 insurance companies in India. It has successfully extended insurance coverage to every corner of the country, operating through a network of 2048 branch offices, 113 divisional offices, 8 zonal offices, and 1381 satellite offices.

LIC's reputation as a trustworthy insurance brand is underpinned by its exceptional customer service, available through digital platforms, branch offices, and strategic partnerships. Catering to diverse customer segments, LIC offers a variety of life insurance products that address unique needs.

Throughout its journey, LIC has achieved numerous milestones and garnered recognition and awards, such as:

• Winning an impressive 35 Awards in 2021–2022, including significant accolades like the FICCI Insurance Industry Award for Best Campaign and the India Most Trusted Insurance Brand Award by Insurance Alerts.
• Earning recognition through awards like the Customer Service Excellence Award and Claims Service Leader Large.
• Consistently securing the Reader's Digest Trusted Brand Award.
• Being repeatedly voted 'India's Most Trusted Brand' in the BFSI category according to the Brand Trust Report.

2. Max Life Insurance Company

Another prominent player in the Indian insurance landscape is Max Life Insurance Company, founded in 2000. It holds the distinction of being the largest non-bank private sector insurance company in the country. Max Life Insurance is a joint venture between Max India Ltd and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company. With assets under management amounting to INR 1,07,510 crores, it has experienced rapid growth in the Indian insurance sector.

Notable achievements include:

• Winning the 'Best Finance Team Of The Year' award by ET Ascent in 2022.
• Being acknowledged by Economic Times as one of the 'Best BFSI Brands 2022'.
• Achieving a commendable claim settlement ratio of 99.34% in 2021-22.
• Receiving honours such as 'Claims Service Leader' and 'Excellence in Claims Service' from CMO Asia Awards.

3. HDFC Life Insurance Company

HDFC Life Insurance Company, a prominent insurance firm in India, is a collaborative effort between HDFC Ltd, a leading housing finance institution in India, and Standard Life Aberdeen, a global investment company. Established in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance provides a diverse range of insurance and investment solutions to various customer segments. Its robust digital platform further facilitates customer engagement. The company has garnered numerous awards and recognition for its consistent contributions to the Indian Insurance Industry. Here are some notable achievements:

• In 2023, HDFC Life received the ICAI Silver Shield award.
• In 2021, HDFC Life was honoured with the YUVA Unstoppable Changemaker award.
• The company was designated as a Superbrand in 2021.
• HDFC Life secured a place among the 'Best 50 PCI Companies for 2019.'
• It was ranked as the 'Most Valuable Private Life Insurance Indian Brand.'
• HDFC Life received the 'Creative Excellence Award' at the INDIAA awards 2018.

4. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company, backed by ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited, is another prominent insurance entity in India. Established in 2000, ICICI Prudential Life has established a nationwide presence through its robust bancassurance channel and multiple distribution avenues. With a customer-centric approach, ICICI Prudential Life offers a variety of long-term protection and savings plans tailored for different customer segments. The company has garnered numerous accolades and awards for its excellence in the insurance field. Here are some of his notable recognitions:

• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance was awarded Gold in the 'BFSI category' at the ET BrandEquity Kaleido Awards 2022.
• The company was listed as one of the Top 20 BSE100 companies by Institutional Investor Advisory Services India (IiAS) in 2022.
• ICICI Prudential Life was recognised among the 'BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands 2020' and also received the 'Best Contact Centre' award at the Customer Fest Leadership Awards 2021.
• The company was honoured with the 'Life Insurance Company of the Year' award at the India Summit and Awards 2019.

5. Tata AIA Life Insurance Company

Tata AIA Life Insurance Company forms a partnership between Tata Sons Private Limited, one of the most expansive business conglomerates, and AIA Group Limited, the largest insurance group in Asia. Their policies offer uncomplicated resolutions for distinct insurance requirements, accompanied by exceptional customer service. Let's explore several of the accomplishments the company has garnered.

• The claim settlement ratio for Tata AIA Life Insurance in the fiscal year 2021-22 stood at an impressive 98.53%.
• Tata AIA Life Insurance was honoured with the Extraordinary Award during the 5th edition of the Brand Vision Summit 2019-20.
• In 2019, Tata AIA Life Insurance secured the 2019 Aon Best Employer Award.
• The company clinched the Kincentric Best Employer Award for an uninterrupted six-year span.

6. Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company

Bharti AXA Life Insurance was established in 2006 through a joint effort between AXA Group and Bharti Enterprises. The robust financial expertise and domestic business acumen of these entities have established a solid foundation for the company. The company's distribution network spans 123 cities nationwide, encompassing 254 offices. An assortment of plans, ranging from protection to savings, health, and group plans, are conveniently available through their online platform.

• In the fiscal year 2021-22, the company's claim settlement ratio reached an outstanding 99.09%, showcasing its remarkable performance.
• Bharti AXA garnered recognition for its excellence in the insurance realm, receiving the ASSOCHAM Award in March 2019 and an additional award for its customer service excellence.

7. Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company, founded in 2001, is a collaboration between Bajaj Finserv Limited of the Bajaj Group. The company is renowned for its robust, innovative products and timely customer service. Notably, its claim settlement ratio for 2021-22 stood at 98.48%. The company has received numerous accolades and acknowledgements for its contributions to the insurance industry. Here are some of the awards bestowed upon Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance:

• Bajaj Allianz Life received the Digital Technology Senate Awards in 2021.
• In 2020, Bajaj Allianz Life was honoured with the Red Hat APAC Innovations Award.
• The company earned recognition as the 'Digital Marketer of the Year 2018' in the insurance category.
• Bajaj Allianz secured the 'Customer Service Excellence Award' at the NASSCOM BPM Strategy Summit 2018.

8. SBI Life Insurance Company

SBI Life Insurance Company is a collaborative endeavour involving the State Bank of India (SBI), India's largest bank, and BNP Paribas Cardif, a French multinational bank and financial services company. Originally launched as a bancassurance business, SBI Life has expanded into a multi-distribution channel. Through a combination of excellent customer service and innovative products, the company has achieved consistent year-on-year growth. SBI Life has garnered numerous awards and recognitions for its contributions to the industry. Some of these accolades include:

• In 2022, SBI Life Insurance was honoured with the "Certificate of Excellence" for being the "Most Trusted Private Life Insurance Company."
• The company received the Golden Peaco*ck Award in 2021 for Risk Management.
• In 2020, SBI Life was named the 'Insurer of the Year' by FICCI.
• SBI Life earned the Best Covid Response-Towards Customers Towards Communities award at the ASSOCHAM 13th Global E-Summit 2020.
• In the insurance category, SBI Life won the 'Brand of the Year 2016-17' award.
• The company secured the 'Private Sector Life Insurance Company of the Year' award at the Fintelekt Insurance Awards.

9. Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Company

Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Company, established in 2001, is among the prominent insurance providers in India, catering to different population segments. With over 10 million policyholders, Reliance has facilitated widespread insurance coverage through its extensive distribution network encompassing 713 branches. Reliance Life offers a range of products to meet the diverse needs of individuals.

• The company was awarded the BFSI Leadership Awards 2022 for being the Life Insurer Of The Year.
• In 2022, Reliance Life was certified as a Great Place To Work.
• Reliance Life received the Best Digital Customer Experience Award and TechCircle Business Transformation Awards in 2021.
• The company received the 'Innovative Insurance Provider of the Year' award at the ET BFSI Excellence Awards 2019.

10. Aegon Life Insurance Company

Founded in 2008, AEGON Life Insurance Company is renowned for providing diverse life insurance solutions to a wide array of customer segments. Positioned as a modern company, AEGON Life boasts a strong digital presence and an extensive product portfolio. The company achieved an impressive 99.03% claim settlement ratio in the fiscal year 2021-22. With its comprehensive range of products and exceptional services, AEGON Life has garnered several awards and recognitions, including:

• AEGON Life received the 'Digital Company of the Year – 2020' award and the ET BFSI Award in 2019.
• The company was honoured with the 'E-business Leaders Award' at the Indian Insurance Awards.
• AEGON Life was recognised with the 'Best Model Insurer Asia Award.'
• The company received the 'Best Service Quality Program' at the Service Quality Awards in 2016.
• AEGON Life earned the title of 'Most Recommended Life Insurance Brand 2013.'

11. Aviva Life Insurance Company

Aviva Life Insurance Company operates as a collaboration between Aviva plc, a British insurance company, and the Indian conglomerate Dabur Group. Boasting over 121 branches and a workforce exceeding 9000 employees, Aviva Life delivers a comprehensive range of insurance products spanning protection, savings, and retirement plans. Its online services, customer support, and various other facets have established the company as one of India's leading insurance providers.

• Recognised as the 'Best and Most Trusted Brand of 2019,' Aviva Life Insurance Company has garnered acclaim.
• It was also named the Most Trusted Private Life Insurance Brand for both 2018 and 2019 by the TRA Brand Trust Report in India.

12. Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company

The Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company, established in 2000, functions as a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited. A merger of Aditya Birla Group and Sun Life Financial, a prominent Canadian financial services organisation, resulted in the formation of Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company. This insurance provider, referred to as Birla Sun Life, stands out among India's premier insurance companies, offering a diverse portfolio of insurance solutions encompassing protection, pension, savings, and innovative products.

• The company has garnered numerous awards for its significant contributions to the industry.
• Noteworthy accolades include the Insurance Asia Awards' recognition as Domestic Life Insurer of the Year and the reception of four awards at the 2018 ET Now BFSI Awards.
• The company's commitment to risk management was acknowledged through the Best Risk Management Team accolade at the Legal Era Risk Award 2017.

13. Kotak Life Insurance Company

Finally, Kotak Life Insurance Company stands out as one of India's fastest-growing and premier insurance providers, boasting an extensive base of approximately 32.8 million policyholders. A subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank, Kotak Life Insurance Company extends a diverse array of insurance products catering to various segments of society, each characterised by unique features.

Kotak Life Insurance Company offers an array of benefits, including protection, wealth generation, tax advantages, and more. The company's range of plans encompasses savings and investment options, child plans, savings plans, and retirement plans. Further information on these plans is available in the details below.

14. PNB MetLife Insurance Company

PNB MetLife Insurance Company, established in 2001, ranks among India's premier insurance firms. With a presence spanning over 7,000 locations, the company employs a variety of distribution channels to provide an array of life insurance and savings products to customers. The company's claim settlement ratio for the year 2021-22 stood at 97.33%. PNB MetLife Insuance has garnered numerous awards for its outstanding contributions to the insurance sector.

• PNB MetLife received the Insure Next 2023 award in the 'Best Credit Protection' category.
• The company was honoured with the 'Best in Diversity and Inclusion' award at the People Matters Awards 2019.
• PNB MetLife's Mera Heart and Cancer Care plans were recognised with the 'Best Product Innovation' award at the National Awards for Excellence in Insurance.
• The company has been distinguished as the 'Most Sustainable Company of India.'

15. Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company

Canara HSBC Life Insurance was founded in 2008 and has since become one of India's leading insurance companies. The establishment resulted from the collaboration of two major public sector banks in India – Canara Bank and Bank of Commerce – along with HSBC Insurance Holdings Limited. With a customer base encompassing approximately 60 million individuals, Canara HSBC OBC Life boasts an extensive network of banks and distribution channels, making its insurance products accessible to people across the nation.

• Canara HSBC Life Insurance was honoured with the Most Well-Planned Business Travel award by MTM in 2023.
• The company received the Amiable Insurer award at the ET Insurance Summit and Awards 2022.
• In 2020, Canara HSBC Life Insurance was named the Life Insurance Company of the Year 2020 by CMO Asia.
• The company was recognised as India's Most Trusted Company in 2019.
• Furthermore, in 2016, it earned the distinction of being the Most Trusted Financial Brand.

How to Buy Life Insurance Plan with InsuranceDekho?

You can buy a life insurance plan with InsuranceDekho in a few simple steps. Listed below are the steps you need to follow to buy a chosen life insurance plan:

• Click on Official Website: First, click on the official website of InsuranceDekho and then from the menu, go to the life insurance option.
• Enter Details: Next, enter details such as name, mobile number, age, and gender. You will also have to enter if you are smoker or non-smoker.
• View Life Insurance Quotes: Once you have entered all the details, you will be redirected to quotes page. A list of life insurance plans will be visible, you can compare these plans and choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.
• Make Payment: After you have chosen the life insurance plan, proceed with premium payment. Finally, when the payment is completed, you will receive policy details on your email address.

How To Choose The Correct Life Insurance Company In India?

It is important to pick an insurance plan that fulfills an individual's insurance requirements as well as fits in the budget. However, one should not be influenced by low premiums while buying the insurance plan they should thoroughly research the insurance company and must identify their insurance requirements before buying a life insurance plan.

There are a lot of life insurance companies to opt for here are some factors you should consider before choosing a particular insurance company:

1. Financial strength: The life insurance company should have a strong financial footing so that it can pay out your claims in case of your death. You can check the financial strength of a life insurance company by looking at its ratings from agencies like CRISIL and ICRA.
2. Claim Settlement Ratio: The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of an insurance company reflects its effectiveness and reliability. It represents the number of claims settled in a financial year compared to the total number of claims, indicating the company's activeness in claim settlement. A high CSR indicates the insurer's dedication and loyalty toward its customers. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) reviews an insurance company's CSR, making it a crucial factor to consider when choosing a reliable insurer.
3. Customer Care Service: Customer Care Service is an important factor to be considered while purchasing an insurance plan. A person should always choose an insurance company that provides good quality customer care service. While purchasing a life insurance policy, a customer should always keep in mind that there is the availability of 24x7 customer care service to resolve all of their queries and provide assistance when needed.
4. Availability of Riders: Life Insurance Riders are additional benefits that an insurance company offers at the time of purchasing the life insurance plans. They are purchased with the plan increasing the premium and they enhance the life cover as well. A person should always ensure the insurance company offers riders or offer an option to add riders to the insurance policy. Some of the common riders offered by the insurance companies are Critical Illness Rider, Accidental Death Benefit Rider, Accidental Total or Permanent Disability Rider, and Waiver of Premium Rider. With these optional additional riders being offered a person can make better decisions by choosing the best plan and rider offered with it.
5. Persistency Ratio of the Company: The persistency ratio of the company depicts the number of policyholders who have renewed their life insurance policy with the same insurance company. It is the ratio of the total number of policyholders to the number of policyholders who renewed their policies. The persistency ratio of the company represents the satisfaction of the consumers with the insurance provider. An insurance company's persistency ratio is kept under observation by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).
6. Feedbacks and Reviews: Generally an applicant does not pay attention to the feedback and reviews that an insurance company receives from the consumers. One should always go through the feedback/reviews of the company and look out for the complaints/bad reviews. This should give the applicant an idea of which insurance company is better than others and if the insurance company should be opted for or not.
7. Product offerings: The life insurance company should offer a variety of products to meet your different needs. For example, you may want a term life insurance plan to protect your family in case of your death, or you may want a ULIP plan to save for your retirement.

Choosing What's Best Life Insurance for You

The top 10 life insurance companies in India have mastered the art of tailoring their policies to cater to diverse needs and life stages. In this section, we'll delve into the distinct ways in which these insurers stand out through their tailored policy offerings.

Catering to Life Stages and Financial Goals

Each life stage brings with it different financial needs and priorities. The best life insurance companies understand this and offer policies that reflect this understanding. For instance, while a young professional might prioritise a policy that offers ample coverage with lower premiums, a married individual with children might seek a policy that combines protection with savings for their children's education and marriage. These insurers excel at offering term plans, endowment plans, ULIPs, and child plans that align precisely with these diverse life stages and financial objectives.

Personalised Riders and Add-Ons

One of the standout features of these insurers is their ability to customise policies through riders and add-ons. Riders are supplementary benefits that can be added to a base policy, enhancing its coverage to suit specific needs. These insurers offer a variety of riders, from critical illness and accidental death riders to waiver of premium and income benefit riders. By allowing policyholders to cherry-pick the riders that resonate with their circ*mstances, these companies ensure that policyholders get precisely the coverage they require.

Flexibility in Premium Payment and Coverage Amount

Recognising that financial situations can vary widely, these insurers provide flexibility in premium payment and coverage amount. This means that policyholders can choose premium payment terms that suit their financial capabilities, whether it's a single premium, limited premium, or regular premium option. Additionally, these companies often allow policyholders to adjust the coverage amount to meet changing life circ*mstances, ensuring that the policy remains relevant over time.

Innovative Solutions for Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial security, and the best life insurance companies have not overlooked this fact. They offer pension plans that ensure a steady income stream post-retirement, allowing individuals to maintain their lifestyle even after they stop working. These pension plans can be tailored to start payouts at different ages, providing flexibility to policyholders in planning their retirement.

Balancing Investment and Protection

For those looking to combine investment opportunities with insurance coverage, these insurers offer ULIPs that cater to varying risk appetites and investment goals. ULIPs provide policyholders with the flexibility to invest in market-linked funds while ensuring life coverage. The option to switch between different funds and adjust investment strategies allows policyholders to tailor their ULIPs according to their risk tolerance and financial aspirations.

Niche Offerings for Specific Needs

The best life insurance companies go beyond the conventional and offer niche policies that cater to specific needs. For instance, policies designed for women might include coverage for critical illnesses that predominantly affect women. Moreover, policies for individuals with high net worth might offer substantial coverage while providing investment growth potential.

Customer-Centric Approach

What truly sets these insurers apart is their commitment to understanding their customers' needs and evolving with the times. They continuously innovate their product offerings based on changing market dynamics, regulatory developments, and customer feedback. This customer-centric approach ensures that their policies remain relevant and valuable to a wide range of individuals.

In a nutshell, the ability to offer tailored policies that suit diverse life situations and financial goals sets the best life insurance companies in India apart. Their commitment to customisation, flexibility, and customer satisfaction ensures that individuals can find the perfect policy that aligns with their unique circ*mstances. Whether it's a young professional planning for the future or a retiree seeking a steady income stream, these insurers have crafted policies that truly cater to individual needs.

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, life insurance is a crucial financial tool that offers security and support to your loved ones in case of an unforeseen event. With many options of life insurance companies, it's essential to choose a reliable insurer with a high Claim Settlement Ratio and excellent customer service. Researching the top life insurance companies in India and their offerings will help you make an informed decision that best suits your specific needs and ensures a stable future for your family.