How to File a Life Insurance Claim
If you've lost someone, filing a claim shouldn't add to the stress. Here's exactly how the process works, step by step — and what to expect along the way.
How to file a claim
Take it one step at a time. You can do all of this yourself — and you're welcome to call if you'd rather have a hand.
Locate the policy and confirm details
Find the policy document or statement and note the insurer, policy number, and named beneficiaries. If you can't find it, the same search steps used for lost policies apply.
Order certified death certificates
Request several certified copies from the funeral home or vital records office. Insurers and other institutions usually require certified originals, not photocopies.
Contact the insurer and request a claim form
Call the insurance company's claims department to notify them and request the claimant's statement (the claim form). They'll tell you exactly what they need.
Submit the claim with documents
Return the completed claim form with a certified death certificate. Each named beneficiary generally files their own claim for their share.
Choose how the benefit is paid
Beneficiaries can often choose a lump sum or other payout options. Take your time — there's usually no rush to decide, and you can ask questions before choosing.
Know the typical timeline
Many straightforward claims are paid within a few weeks of the insurer receiving complete documents. Claims within the policy's first two years (the contestability period) may take longer while the insurer reviews the application.
If you're unsure where to start, can't find the policy, or just want someone to walk through the steps with you, a licensed agent can help — free, with no sales pitch during a hard time.
Compare life insurance options
A quick, plain-English look at the main types of coverage and what each is good for.
Term Life Insurance
Affordable protection for a set period
- Lowest premiums of any type
- Coverage for 10, 20, or 30 years
- Simple, straightforward protection
- Well suited to mortgage or income protection
- Often convertible to permanent later
- No cash value — pure coverage
Want to know if term life fits your situation? A licensed agent can walk you through it — free, no obligation.
Whole Life Insurance
Permanent coverage that lasts your lifetime
- Lifetime coverage that never expires
- Builds guaranteed cash value over time
- Fixed premiums that don't increase
- Can borrow against the cash value
- Tax-advantaged growth component
- Guaranteed death benefit
Want to know if whole life fits your situation? A licensed agent can walk you through it — free, no obligation.
Universal Life Insurance
Flexible permanent coverage you can adjust
- Flexible premium payments
- Adjustable death benefit
- Builds cash value with interest
- Permanent, adaptable protection
- Cash value can help pay premiums
- Often lower cost than whole life
Want to know if universal life fits your situation? A licensed agent can walk you through it — free, no obligation.
Indexed Universal Insurance
Growth tied to a market index, with a floor
- Cash value linked to a market index
- Floor helps protect against losses
- Flexible premiums and coverage
- Higher growth potential than fixed
- Tax-deferred accumulation
- Permanent death benefit
Want to know if indexed universal fits your situation? A licensed agent can walk you through it — free, no obligation.
Final Expense Insurance
Simple coverage for end-of-life costs
- Designed for ages 50–85
- Covers funeral and burial costs
- Simplified or no-exam underwriting
- Typically $5,000–$25,000
- Fixed rate that doesn't rise
- Whole-life coverage that won't expire
Want to know if final expense fits your situation? A licensed agent can walk you through it — free, no obligation.
Where we can lighten the load
If any of this feels overwhelming, that's okay.
You can't find the policy
We'll help you confirm whether coverage exists and locate the carrier first.
You're not sure of your rights
We'll explain how beneficiary payouts work, including when there's more than one.
You don't know the next step
We'll lay out exactly what to gather and who to contact, in order.
Prefer to talk it through?
A licensed agent can answer your questions directly — free, and with no obligation. They'll help first; there's never any pressure.
Help first. No pressure.
You reach a real person
A licensed agent picks up — no phone tree, no script. You explain what you're trying to figure out.
They answer your questions
Their first job is to actually help with what you came for, in plain English, at your pace.
You decide what's next
If options make sense for you, they'll lay them out. If not, that's fine too. The decision is always yours.
Straight talk: our agents are licensed insurance professionals. If coverage turns out to fit your situation, they can help with that — but only after they've helped with what you actually called about.
Answers to what people ask most
How long does a claim take to pay out?
Many straightforward claims are paid within a few weeks once the insurer has a completed claim form and certified death certificate. Claims in the first two years may take longer due to a standard review.
What documents will I need?
Typically certified copies of the death certificate and the insurer's completed claim form, along with the policy details. The insurer will give you an exact list.
What if there are several beneficiaries?
Each named beneficiary generally files separately and receives their own share directly from the insurer. We can explain how it works for the specific policy.
What if I can't find the policy?
Start with the steps for finding a lost policy — personal records, financial statements, the NAIC locator, and state unclaimed property. We're glad to help you search.
Is there any cost to get help with a claim?
No. There's no charge to call and no obligation. Helping you through the process is the point.
Explore other life insurance topics
Each one walks you through it step by step — no cost, no sign-up.
Find a Lost Policy
Locate an old or unknown policy, including free national tools.
Read the guideUnderstand Your Policy
Read your coverage in plain English and check it still fits.
Read the guideLower Your Premium
Honest ways to pay less for the coverage you already have.
Read the guideHow Quotes Work
What affects your rate and how to get an accurate number.
Read the guideFinal Expense Basics
Burial coverage for ages 50 to 85, explained simply.
Read the guideAnnuities Explained
Fixed, indexed, variable, and immediate — how each works.
Read the guideRetirement Planning
Turn savings into income that lasts, in plain English.
Read the guideReal help, in their words
A few notes from people we've helped. No pressure, just answers.
“The agent spent time walking me through what my policy actually covers — no sales pitch, just clear answers.”
“I expected a hard sell. Instead they answered my questions and let me go. Refreshing.”
“They helped me figure out how to update my beneficiary after a big life change. Patient with all my questions.”
“My mother passed and I had no idea how to start a claim. They walked me through every step.”
“I didn't understand my statements at all. They explained everything in plain English.”
“Honest, straightforward, and they never pressured me to buy anything. Exactly the help I needed.”
Need a hand with a claim?
A licensed agent will walk you through it step by step — free, no obligation, no pressure.
Call a licensed agent(888) 691-4676