How to Find Out If a Deceased Person Has a Life Insurance Policy
A practical guide to finding a deceased person's life insurance policy. Learn effective strategies and essential resources.
Finding a deceased loved one’s life insurance policy can be challenging, as many policies go unclaimed because beneficiaries are unaware or lack documentation. A systematic approach is essential to determine if a policy was in force.
Gathering Essential Information
Collecting specific details about the deceased is the first step. Key information includes their full legal name (including former names), date of birth, and date of death. The Social Security Number (SSN) is an important identifier for database searches and locating records. A certified copy of the death certificate is needed for policy claims and search services. Also, list the deceased’s last known addresses and any former residences.
Direct Search Methods
Begin by thoroughly reviewing the deceased’s personal records. This involves examining physical documents such as old files, safe deposit box contents, and paper correspondence for any insurance-related documents. Digital files, including emails and computer documents, should also be checked for policy information or premium notices.
Review financial statements, bank statements, and canceled checks for recurring premium payments. Income tax returns from previous years might show interest income from, or expenses paid to, life insurance companies. Contacting professionals who managed the deceased’s affairs, such as financial advisors, attorneys, or accountants, can provide insights into any policies they were aware of.
If the deceased was employed, check with their employer’s human resources department or benefits office, as many companies offer group life insurance policies. Union memberships or professional associations are also potential sources of group policies. Speak with close family members and friends for information about existing policies or insurance agents.
Database and State Resources
When direct inquiries do not yield a policy, formal search tools and state resources become invaluable. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free online Life Insurance Policy Locator Service, allowing individuals to search for a deceased loved one’s policy. To use this service, one must provide the deceased’s Social Security Number, legal names, date of birth, and date of death. Participating life insurance companies then access this secure database to search their records, and if a match is found and the requester is a beneficiary, the insurance company will directly contact them, typically within 90 days.
Another resource is the MIB (Medical Information Bureau) Policy Locator Service, which can be used to search for life insurance applications submitted to MIB member companies. This service is generally available for a fee and primarily provides information to estate executors or administrators. It is important to note that the MIB service covers underwritten life insurance applications from January 1, 1996, onward, but does not confirm if a policy was issued, in force, or provide beneficiary details.
Life insurance benefits can also become “unclaimed property” if an insurer cannot locate the beneficiary after a certain period. Each state maintains its own unclaimed property database, which can be searched online for free. These databases may contain life insurance proceeds and other unclaimed funds. To search, one typically enters the deceased’s name and possibly previous addresses, and if a match is found, the state’s unclaimed property office will provide instructions for filing a claim, which usually requires proof of identity and relationship to the deceased.