Complaint deadline calculator: when to escalate and the last date to file
For anyone in India whose insurer or bank has not replied, rejected their complaint, or sent a reply they are unhappy with.
Insurance: go to the Insurance Ombudsman after a rejection, an unsatisfactory reply, or one month with no reply, and file within one year of that point. Banks: wait 30 days (unless you already have a reply you dislike), then file with the RBI Ombudsman within 90 days.
How it works
- Pick who the complaint is against: an insurer, or a bank or other lender covered by the RBI Ombudsman.
- Enter the date you sent your written complaint to the company, and what it has done since: no reply, a rejection, or a reply you are not satisfied with.
- You get two dates: the first day you can escalate to the ombudsman, and the last day to file. Each date shows the rule, the official source and the date we last checked it.
- It runs only on your phone or computer. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere or saved.
How do I work out my ombudsman deadline?
Insurance: file with the Ombudsman within one year of the insurer's rejection or reply, or of one month passing with no reply after it received your complaint. Banks: wait 30 days after the bank received your complaint, unless it has already replied, then file with the RBI Ombudsman within 90 days, or 90 days from its last reply if later.
This is a guide, not legal advice. Check the official rules linked under each result before you act, and file early rather than on the last day.
The rules the calculator uses
| Complaint | Rule (official wording, shortened) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Insurer: resolving your complaint | Acknowledgement immediately; insurers should provide resolution within 14 days, with reasons if they do not accept the complaint. | IRDAI Master Circular, 2024 |
| Insurance Ombudsman: when you can file | After the insurer rejects your complaint, or you get no reply within one month after it received your complaint, or you are not satisfied with its reply. | Insurance Ombudsman Rules, rule 14(3)(a) |
| Insurance Ombudsman: last date | Within one year after you receive the rejection, or the decision you are not satisfied with, or after one month passes from sending your written complaint with no reply. The Ombudsman may condone a delay (rule 14(4)). | Rule 14(3)(b) and 14(4); CIO FAQs |
| IRDAI Bima Bharosa | If the complaint is not attended to within 15 days of registration, or the insurer's resolution is not satisfactory, you may approach the Insurance Ombudsman. | Bima Bharosa: Our Process |
| RBI Ombudsman: when you can file | If you get no reply within 30 days after the entity received your complaint (or the longer time set by RBI, NPCI or card-network guidelines), or you are not satisfied with its reply. | RBI FAQs, RB-IOS 2026 |
| RBI Ombudsman: last date | Within 90 days from the date the waiting period ends or from the entity's last communication, whichever is later. Later complaints are not maintainable. | RBI FAQs, RB-IOS 2026 |
How we count the dates
- Days are calendar days. RBI's 30-day wait ends 30 days after your complaint date, and you can file from the next day. The last date is 90 days after the wait ends, or 90 days after the bank's last reply if that is later.
- Months and years are calendar months. If the same date does not exist in the later month (for example 31 January plus one month), we use the last day of that month, which is the earlier, safer date.
- If the insurer replies more than a month late, two of the rule's starting points apply. We show the earlier last date, to be safe.
- We use the date you sent the complaint. RBI counts its 30 days, and the Ombudsman Rules count the first month, from when the company received it. If you posted a letter, wait a few extra days before filing.
What the calculator leaves out
- Longer waits for card or UPI disputes. RBI says a longer time set by RBI, NPCI or card-network rules applies where one exists. We have not checked those periods, so we do not show them. If one applies, your dates move later.
- Limitation for the first complaint. RBI needs your complaint to the bank to be made within the limitation period under the Limitation Act, 1963. We do not calculate that.
- Courts and consumer commissions. A consumer commission complaint must be filed within two years of the cause of action (Consumer Protection Act, 2019, section 69). We do not calculate that date. See consumer court complaint on e-Jagriti.
- Other sectors (credit cards outside RBI's scheme, telecom, e-commerce) will be added only after we check their official rules.
Quick answers
When can I go to the Insurance Ombudsman?
After the insurer rejects your complaint, or you get no reply within one month after it received your complaint, or you are not satisfied with its reply.
What is the last date to file with the Insurance Ombudsman?
Within one year after you receive the rejection, or the decision you are not satisfied with, or after one month passes from sending your written complaint with no reply. The Ombudsman may condone a delay.
How long must I wait before going to the RBI Ombudsman?
30 days after the entity received your complaint, or the longer time set by RBI, NPCI or card-network guidelines. You can go earlier if you are not satisfied with its reply.
What is the last date to file with the RBI Ombudsman?
Within 90 days from the date the waiting period ends or from the entity's last communication, whichever is later.
Is anything I enter in the calculator saved or sent?
No. It runs only on your phone or computer. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere or saved.
Last checked: 24 October 2026, source: https://cioins.co.in/notification/Insurance%20Ombudsman%20Rules,%202017(%20as%20amended%20till%2009.11.2023).pdf
All official sources used
- Insurance Ombudsman Rules, 2017 (as amended till 9 November 2023), rule 14(3) and 14(4): https://cioins.co.in/notification/Insurance%20Ombudsman%20Rules,%202017(%20as%20amended%20till%2009.11.2023).pdf (checked 24 October 2026)
- Council for Insurance Ombudsmen: FAQs (one month, one year, Rs 50 lakh): https://cioins.co.in/Faqs (checked 24 October 2026)
- IRDAI, Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders' Interests, 5 September 2024 (14-day complaint resolution): https://irdai.gov.in/en/document-detail?documentId=5625747 (checked 24 October 2026)
- IRDAI Bima Bharosa: Our Process (15 days, then the Ombudsman): https://bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in/Home/OurProcess (checked 24 October 2026)
- RBI, FAQs on the Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 (30-day wait, 90-day window): https://www.rbi.org.in/commonperson/english/scripts/FAQs.aspx?Id=3407 (checked 24 October 2026)
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (section 69: two-year limit for consumer complaints): https://consumeraffairs.gov.in/public/upload/files/CP%20Act%202019_1732700731.pdf (checked 25 October 2026)
Disclaimer. This page is general information to help you find the right official channel. It is not legal, financial or insurance advice, and it is not affiliated with any regulator, insurer, bank or company. Rules and contact details change, so always confirm with the official body before you act. Each guide links its official sources with the date we checked them. If your case is complex or the amount is large, talk to a qualified professional.