When a loved one passes away, the insured’s life insurance policy can provide a death benefit that helps family members to pay for medical payments, end-of-life expenses and funeral costs. The first step in filing a life insurance claim is to contact the insured’s agent who can be the intermediary between you and the insurance company and help things to go smoothly. The agent will help you complete the life insurance claim forms and work with the life insurance company to claim your benefits.

If you are looking for a new life insurance policy and want a reliable, knowledgeable professional to help you make the right choice, contact an independent agent in the Trusted Choice® network who specializes in life insurance. These agents are focused on providing the best possible service, from helping you choose the right plan to navigating the claims process.
Obtain multiple original copies of the official death certificate from the funeral director
Contact your insurance agent to inquire about the claims process and paperwork
File the paperwork and the original death certificate with the life insurance company

At any point in the process, you should be able to reach the insurance company to obtain assistance, even if it is outside of business hours and your agent is not available.

If you cannot find a policy you believe to exist, there are a number of ways to find a missing policy. One way is to contact the Missing Policy Service at the American Council of Life Insurance in Washington, DC.