Insurance Surveyor Licence: IRDAI Registration for Surveyors and Loss Assessors
An insurance surveyor licence lets you assess losses on behalf of insurers, in classes such as fire, marine, motor and engineering. IRDAI licenses individuals and firms under its 2015 Surveyors and Loss Assessors Regulations. We prepare the file, apply on the IRDAI portal and manage renewals.
What it is
An insurance surveyor and loss assessor is a licensed professional who inspects a loss, finds its cause and assesses the amount payable. Insurers rely on this report when they settle a claim. You act independently of both the insurer and the policyholder, and that independence is why IRDAI licenses the work.
The rules are in the IRDAI (Surveyors and Loss Assessors) Regulations, 2015, made under the Insurance Act, 1938. A licence is granted by department: fire, marine cargo, marine hull, engineering, motor, miscellaneous, loss of profit and crop. A firm can hold a licence too, if it is a company or LLP set up for the purpose.
Who it applies to
Engineers and technical people
A mechanical engineer in Faridabad who has spent ten years around factory machinery already reads damage the way a motor or engineering surveyor must. Civil, electrical and marine engineers follow similar paths.
CAs, CMAs and insurance professionals
Chartered accountants, cost accountants and insurance qualification holders may fit departments such as loss of profit or miscellaneous, depending on the qualifications listed for each department.
Surveyor firms
At least two directors or partners must themselves be licensed surveyors. A private limited company or an LLP is the usual structure.
Why it matters
Work from insurers
Here is the catch: insurers must appoint licensed surveyors for claims above the limits the law sets. A licence puts you on the list they can appoint from.
Recognised standing
An IRDAI licence tells insurers, banks and claimants that you work to a regulated code of conduct.
A practice you can grow
A firm licence lets you take on trained surveyors and handle larger claims in more departments than one person can.
Documents required
For individuals
- Degree or diploma certificates matching the department
- Proof of age (minimum 18 years), identity and address
- Proof of practical training under a licensed surveyor, or proof of experience for an exemption
- Recent photograph and signature
For firms
- Certificate of incorporation or LLP registration, with PAN
- MOA and AOA, or LLP agreement, covering surveying and loss assessment
- Licences and qualifications of the two directors or partners
- Board resolution authorising the application
For renewal
- Existing licence and IRDAI login details
- Proof of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Work experience record for the licence period
- Renewal fee payment proof
Individual or firm licence
Many surveyors start alone and later move to a firm. The table shows the main differences.
| Individual | Firm (company or LLP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies | One qualified person | The entity, with at least two licensed directors or partners |
| Application fee | ₹1,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Renewal fee | ₹1,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Validity | Three years | Three years |
| Renewal application | At least 30 days before expiry | At least 30 days before expiry |
Fees are as stated in the 2015 Regulations. IRDAI’s portal shows the current amount at the time you apply.
How it works
Pick your department
We match your degree and experience to the department you can apply for: fire, marine, motor, engineering or another.
Finish the practical training
You work under a licensed surveyor, usually for about 12 months, unless you qualify for an exemption through relevant experience.
Apply on the IRDAI portal
We register your profile, upload the documents, pay the fee and track the application. IRDAI sets the examination, which you sit yourself.
Collect the licence, then keep it live
After the exam and approval you receive a three-year licence. We diarise renewal 30 days before expiry and help you collect CPD proof.
Timelines
Application to licence
Roughly three to six months, mostly driven by training completion and the exam schedule. Complete documents save time.
Renewal
Your renewal application must reach IRDAI at least 30 days before the licence expires.
Each survey
A survey report is due within 30 days of your appointment. Records are kept for at least three years.
What happens if you miss it
Licence lapses
In practice, if renewal is not filed in time your licence can expire. Insurers cannot appoint you until it is regularised.
Code of conduct breach
The regulations require reports within 30 days, three years of record-keeping and disclosure of material changes within 15 days. Breaches can lead to action against the licence.
Work without a licence
Insurers cannot accept survey reports from an unlicensed person for claims that require a licensed surveyor.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs an insurance surveyor licence?
Anyone who wants to inspect losses and assess claims for insurers needs an IRDAI licence under the 2015 Surveyors and Loss Assessors Regulations. It applies to individuals and firms. Without it, an insurer cannot rely on your report for claims that require a licensed surveyor. We can tell you which departments your qualification covers.
What qualifications do I need?
You need a qualification that matches the department, such as a B.E., B.Tech, CA, CMA or an insurance qualification, depending on the class. You must be at least 18 years old. Most applicants also complete practical training under a licensed surveyor. We check your certificates against the department before you apply.
How long is the licence valid?
Three years, for both individuals and firms. Your renewal application must reach IRDAI at least 30 days before the expiry date. Renewal also needs proof of continuing professional development. We diarise the date and prepare the renewal file.
How long does it take to get licensed?
Plan for roughly three to six months. The time depends on completing the practical training, getting a seat in the IRDAI exam and clearing it. Complete documents help, and so does booking the exam early. We cannot shorten IRDAI’s exam cycle, but we make sure nothing else slows you down.
Can a company get a surveyor licence?
Yes. A company or LLP can be licensed if at least two of its directors or partners are licensed surveyors. The entity pays a ₹5,000 application fee as stated in the regulations. We help set up the company or LLP with the right objects clause, then file the application.
What are the licence fees?
The 2015 Regulations state a ₹1,000 application fee and ₹1,000 renewal fee for individuals, and ₹5,000 for each for firms. The fee is non-refundable. IRDAI’s portal shows the amount in force when you apply. Training and exam charges are separate. We confirm the current figure before you pay.
What does a surveyor have to do after the licence?
You must follow IRDAI’s code of conduct: submit survey reports within 30 days of appointment, keep records for at least three years, avoid conflicts of interest and disclose material changes within 15 days. Renewal needs CPD proof. We help keep records and dates in order.
Can Taxhint sit the exam or do the training for me?
No. The practical training and the IRDAI exam are yours to complete. We handle what surrounds them: eligibility check, document file, portal application, queries, firm formation and renewals. We keep the paperwork on track while you build your technical record.
What it costs
Our fee plus the government fee that applies to your case, quoted before you commit. Tell us the situation and we will price it exactly.
Government charges include IRDAI’s application and renewal fee, as stated in the regulations, plus any training or exam fee of the recognised body. If you want a firm, the cost of forming a company or LLP is separate.
Ready to begin?
Tell us your qualification and the department you have in mind. We will map the training, exam and application path for you.