What do I need to file a life insurance claim?

The policy or carrier name and policy number, a certified death certificate, and the carrier's claimant statement completed by the beneficiary. Most carriers accept claims online or by phone.

How long does a life insurance claim take?

Once documents are complete, carriers typically pay within days to a few weeks; deaths inside the two-year contestability period can take longer because medical records may be reviewed. Timing varies by carrier.

Can the funeral home be paid directly from the policy?

Often yes — through an assignment of benefits that the funeral home arranges with the carrier, so the family does not pay up front.

For the person handling things

How To File A Life Insurance Claim

If you are reading this because someone has died: we are sorry. Here is what to do, in order, and what to expect. Call us and we will do it with you.

Documents, a pen and a calculator on a desk

Illustrative photo.

Quick answer

To file a life insurance claim you need the policy (or the carrier name and policy number), a certified death certificate, and the carrier's claim form, which names the beneficiary and how to be paid. Most carriers accept claims online or by phone, and pay by check or electronic transfer once the documents are complete. The beneficiary — not the estate — files the claim and receives the money.

Step By Step

1. Find The PolicyLook for the policy, a premium statement or a bank draft to the carrier. If you cannot find it, the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator lets you ask participating carriers to search for policies on the deceased.

2. Order Certified Death CertificatesFrom the funeral home or the county vital-records office. Order several; each carrier, bank and agency wants its own.

3. Call The Carrier (Or Us)The carrier's claims line opens the claim and sends the form. Our agents can do this with you — call 561-816-3446. Have the policy number, the date of death and the beneficiary's contact information.

4. Complete The Claimant's StatementEach beneficiary completes a form: identity, relationship, how to be paid (lump sum is usual). Some carriers require it notarized.

5. The Carrier ReviewsIf the policy is past its contestability period (two years) and outside any graded period, review is usually quick. Deaths inside the first two years may require medical records before payment, and guaranteed acceptance policies pay the graded amount for natural death in that window.

6. PaymentBy check or electronic transfer to the beneficiary. The death benefit is generally not taxable income to the beneficiary (IRC §101(a)); interest paid for delay is.

What Can Slow A Claim

A Beneficiary Who Cannot Be Found

Keep beneficiary names and contact details current, and name a contingent beneficiary.

A Minor Named Directly

Carriers cannot pay a child; a court-appointed guardian or a trust is needed. Name an adult or a trust instead.

"The Estate" As Beneficiary

Money paid to an estate goes through probate — months, not days. Name a person.

Funeral homes will often accept an assignment of part of the death benefit to cover the funeral bill directly, so the family does not pay up front. Ask the funeral director; the carrier confirms coverage and pays the home from the proceeds.

Call 561-816-3446 — We Will Help Planning Ahead Instead?