What Information Is Needed for a Life Insurance Claim?

What Information Is Needed for a Life Insurance Claim?
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Collecting on a life insurance policy may be a difficult process for you that mentally finalizes the death of a loved one, but it can bring you relief from financial stress and a sense of closure. A variety of companies manage life insurance policies, but the general information you need to submit for a life insurance payout is similar. If you do not have access to all needed information, contact the insurance company that manages the policy to determine the minimum requirements for claim processing.

Types of Information

Most insurance companies require you to provide policy information, death confirmation and personal identification information when you file a life insurance claim. These types of information are used to access the policy record, confirm adherence to the policy terms and establish beneficiaries for a proper payout process. In some cases, you may be required to submit proof that all premiums were paid before the policy holder passed away.

Function

Policy information helps an insurance company finalize a life insurance claim. Submitting information is one way you can notify the insurance company of the policy holder's passing, start the process of obtaining a payout and stop additional premium payment requirements.

Identification

The simplest method for you to find out what information you need for a life insurance claim is to contact the company that manages the policy. If you do not know the name of the insurance company, review your loved one's files for policy information, contact the previous employer for possible life insurance benefits, analyze tax filings that recorded interest or earnings from a life insurance policy or contact the the unclaimed property office in the state where your loved one resided for insurance company leads.

Information Requirements

Information requirements may feature policy-specific information such as the account number and the exact name that was listed on the policy. Prepare to supply your personal identification information such as your social security number, driver's license or other identification to establish you are the correct life insurance beneficiary. You will also be required to submit a finalized death certificate as proof of the policy holder's passing.

Considerations

Estimate the life insurance payout total before submitting a claim. Compare the amount the company presents as the payout total to your estimated amount to ensure you receive the amount specified in the policy information. If the life insurance policy documents are stored in a safe deposit box, you may have to wait until items are released before filing a claim.

References

Article reviewed by Sue Hargis Spigel Last updated on: May 9, 2010

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