How to File a Life Insurance Claim

Losing a loved one is never easy, and navigating the responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. Life insurance offers financial support during those challenging times and can help cover funeral costs, outstanding debts, or daily living expenses. Understanding how to file a life insurance claim is crucial for receiving the benefits quickly.
What is a life insurance claim?
A life insurance claim is a request made by a beneficiary to receive a life insurance payout or death benefit following the policyowner’s death.
How to file a life insurance claim:
1. Contact the insurance provider
To start the claims process, locate the policyowner’s life insurance provider and/or agent. To find this information, contact the policyowner’s estate planning attorney, financial advisor, or other individual who has access to their financial information. Their agent can instruct you on next steps and documents you’ll need for the claims process.
2. Gather documents
You’ll likely need copies of the insured’s death certificate and life insurance policy documents/information. To get certified copies of the death certificate, contact the funeral home or individual overseeing the deceased’s remains. A death certificate should include personal information about the deceased, their cause of death, and should be signed by a medical examiner or a coroner. It’s recommended to get at least 10 copies of the death certificate to cover all requirements, but check with your respective state for details.
3. Complete necessary paperwork
You will likely be asked to fill out some paperwork regarding the claim from the policyowner’s insurance agent. Make sure you have all required documents upon submission, and pay attention to details on the paperwork to avoid delays in the payout process.
4. Submit your claim
After all required paperwork is signed, you can submit your claim to the insurance company. Before any life insurance benefits are paid out, the claim must be processed and approved with the deceased’s life insurance company.
Is there a time limit for filing a life insurance claim?
There’s no deadline for filing a life insurance claim, but submitting your claim soon after the death can help speed up the process. Be sure to review the policy for any exclusions to ensure you don’t overlook crucial steps or time-sensitive requirements.
How long will it take to receive the death benefit after submitting the claim?
Filing a complete and accurate claim promptly allows you to receive the death benefit sooner. Every insurance provider has its own claims process, so contact the policyowner’s agent if you have specific questions.
Who can file a life insurance claim?
Following the policyowner’s death, a beneficiary listed on their life insurance policy can submit a claim. If the primary beneficiary is unable or unwilling to accept the financial settlement from the death benefit, the contingent beneficiary may file the claim instead. Without a designated beneficiary on the life insurance policy, the insurance company will typically pay the policy benefits to the estate of the deceased, which will later be handled through the probate process.
If you still have questions about filing a claim, your insurance agent can walk you through the process and provide assistance along the way. If you don’t have a life insurance policy set up yet, now is the best time to get the coverage your loved ones deserve. Find an Alfa® agent near you to get started.
Get a Free Term Life Quote |
All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.