Life insurance
Call each carrier with policy number and certified death certificate; confirm named beneficiaries
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
The insurer's claims department, their agent or broker, and the employer for group coverage. The NAIC locator service searches participating insurers.
How
Review a year of statements for premium payments to identify each insurer.
Ask the employer about group life and accidental death coverage, which is separate from personal policies.
Submit the claim directly as beneficiary, which usually requires no probate at all.
Use the free NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator for policies you suspect but cannot find.
What to bring
A certified copy of the death certificate with cause of death
The policy number
The insurer's claim form
Your ID and proof you are the beneficiary
Timing
Complete claims are commonly paid within 2 to 8 weeks.
Sources
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.