Filing Life Insurance Claims: A Complete Guide

Filing a life insurance claim is one of the most important financial steps after a death — and one of the most stressful. This guide covers how to find policies, what documents you need, and how the claims process works.

Step 1: Find the Policies

Many families don’t know about all existing policies. Here’s where to look:

Check their files, safe, or filing cabinet for policy documents
Review bank statements for premium payments to insurance companies
Contact their employer — many jobs include group life insurance
Check with their professional associations, unions, or alumni groups
Search the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator at eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator — this free tool checks participating insurers
Contact your state’s unclaimed property office

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Every insurance company requires:

Certified death certificate — an original, not a photocopy
Claimant’s ID — your photo identification
Policy number — if you have it (not required to start a claim)
Claim form — the insurer will provide this

Step 3: File the Claim

Call the insurance company. Ask for their claims department. Give them the policy number and the insured person’s name and date of death.

Complete the claim form. The insurer will mail or email this to you. Fill it out carefully — errors can delay payment.

Submit everything together. Send the completed form, death certificate, and your ID. Keep copies of everything.

Choose your payout option. Most insurers offer a lump sum, installments, or an interest-bearing account. Lump sum is most common.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Most life insurance claims are paid within 30 to 60 days of filing. Some states require insurers to pay within 30 days of receiving a complete claim.

Claims may take longer if:

The death occurred within the first two years of the policy (contestability period)
The cause of death is under investigation
There are multiple beneficiaries or a disputed beneficiary
Required documents are missing or incomplete

What If a Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied, don’t give up. Common reasons and remedies:

Lapsed policy: Check if there’s a grace period or if premiums can be paid retroactively.

Contestability denial: If the insured died within two years of purchase, the insurer can investigate. Consult an attorney if you believe the denial is wrong.

Beneficiary dispute: If multiple people claim the benefit, the insurer may require a court order. Get legal advice.

You can also file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance if you believe the denial is unfair.

Unclaimed life insurance benefits total over $7 billion in the US alone. Many families simply don’t know a policy exists. Always check.

Don’t want to handle this yourself?

Koda Vault handles all of this for you — every phone call, every form, every follow-up. We move at your pace, and we treat your loved one’s affairs with the same care you would.

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