Notify life, health, auto, and homeowners insurers; start claims with policy numbers if you have them
Each insurer's claims department. Life, health, auto, homeowners, and any credit or mortgage life coverage are separate claims.
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
Each insurer's claims department. Life, health, auto, homeowners, and any credit or mortgage life coverage are separate claims.
How
Review 12 months of bank and credit card statements for premium payments to identify every insurer.
File the life insurance claim directly, beneficiaries claim in their own right and generally do not need probate.
Keep auto and homeowners coverage in force during administration, and tell the insurer about the change in occupancy or driver.
If you suspect a policy but cannot find it, use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, which searches participating insurers for free.
What to bring
A certified copy of the death certificate, usually with cause of death
Policy numbers
The insurer's claim forms
Your ID and proof that you are the beneficiary
Timing
Life claims are commonly paid within 2 to 8 weeks once the claim is complete.
Sources
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.