Managing Your Policy / How to File a Claim

Filing a death benefit claim: procedure

Our condolences on your loss. This process is administrative in nature rather than complex, and the following procedure outlines each step so expectations are clear from the outset.

1. Locate the policy documentation

Identify the policy document, a declarations page, or a recent premium statement — these typically contain the carrier name and policy number, expediting the process. Where none are available, our guide to locating an undocumented policy outlines additional sources.

2. Contact the carrier's claims department

Contact the carrier directly to initiate the claim. A policy number expedites the process, though most carriers can locate a policy using the deceased's name and date of birth in its absence.

3. Complete the claim form in its entirety

The carrier will provide its specific claim form, by mail or electronic download, requesting information regarding the deceased, beneficiary contact and identification details, and the preferred payout method. Complete every applicable field — an incomplete form is the most frequently cited cause of processing delay.

4. Submit a certified death certificate

A certified copy, bearing an official raised seal from the issuing authority, is required — a photocopy is insufficient. Funeral homes typically assist with ordering these. Requesting multiple certified copies at the outset is advisable, as other institutions (financial institutions, additional policies, the estate) will generally require their own original.

5. Submit the claim and respond to review requests

Following submission, the carrier conducts a review prior to disbursement, which may include follow-up inquiries — particularly where the policy remains within its contestability period or where the cause of death requires clarification. Prompt response to any request maintains processing momentum.