Finding a Loved One’s Life Insurance Policy
If you cannot find a policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free life insurance policy locator.
Shanti
10/22/20262 min read
Finding a Loved One’s Life Insurance Policy
After a loved one passes away, families often have to manage many financial matters at once. A life insurance policy may be easy to miss, especially if beneficiaries do not know which company issued it. A careful search can help you find a policy and begin the process of claiming its benefits.
Start with personal and financial records
Look through paper files and digital records for a policy document, letters from an insurance company, emails, or bank and credit card statements showing premium payments. Your loved one may have had more than one policy, so check each record carefully.
Contact people who may have helped manage their finances
A financial advisor or attorney may know whether your loved one had life insurance. You can also contact former employers. Coverage may have been provided through workplace benefits or a retirement plan, even after employment ended.
Use a policy search service
If you cannot find a policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free life insurance policy locator. You can submit a request, which is sent to participating insurance companies. If a company finds a policy, it will contact you. The search may not find every policy, but it can provide another way to look.
Contact the insurer and file a claim
Once you identify the insurance company, ask what documents are needed to file a claim. You may be asked to provide a certified copy of the death certificate, identification, and information about the deceased, such as their full name and Social Security number. The insurer may request additional documents as it reviews the claim.
If the policy names more than one beneficiary, each person may need to submit a claim. Ask the insurer about the available payment options, which may include a lump sum or payments over time.
Make the information easy for your family to find
If you have life insurance, let your beneficiaries know the name of the insurance company and where to find the policy documents. Keeping this information in a secure, accessible place can make things easier for your family later.
Requirements and processing times vary by insurer and policy. Contact the insurance company for instructions specific to the policy.
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