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How to File a Life Insurance Claim

After losing a loved one, dealing with life insurance paperwork can feel overwhelming. However, understanding how to file a life insurance claim can help you receive your death benefit payout sooner and provide financial support for funeral costs, bills and other expenses. Below, we break down how to claim life insurance after death and how long the life insurance claim process can take.

4 min. read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • A life insurance claim is a request from a beneficiary to receive the policy's death benefit after the policyholder passes away.
  • To file a claim, you'll typically need to contact the life insurance company, complete a claim form and provide a certified death certificate.
  • Life insurance claims may be delayed or denied if information is missing, the policy lapsed or the insurer needs to review the cause of death.

What is a life insurance claim?

A life insurance claim is a request to receive the life insurance death benefit after a policyholder passes away. The average life insurance payout ranges from $66,000 to $285,000.1

As a beneficiary, filing a life insurance claim typically involves:

  • Contacting the policyholder's insurer
  • Submitting the required paperwork
  • Deciding how you want to receive the payout

If the insurer approves your claim, you'll receive the death benefit through your preferred payment method. If the life insurance policy lists multiple beneficiaries, each person typically needs to submit their own claim form.

Steps to file a life insurance claim

While the life insurance claim process can vary by insurer, it usually involves these five steps.

1. Identify the life insurance company

Start by determining which insurer holds the policy. Policy documents usually list the company name, policy number and contact information.

If you can't find the paperwork, check with the policyholder's financial advisor, estate planning attorney or employer. You can also search for unclaimed life insurance policies through state insurance department tools or life insurance policy locators.

2. Get certified copies of the death certificate

Life insurance companies require you to submit a death certificate to verify the policyholder's passing. You can usually request certified copies through the funeral home or local vital records office.

3. File the claim

Next, contact the insurer to initiate the claim. They'll provide a claim form and explain what documents you need, such as:

  • The completed claim form
  • A certified death certificate
  • The policy number, if available
  • Proof of your identity

Carefully review your answers before submitting the claim, since any missing or incorrect information may delay your payout.

4. Choose how you want to receive the payout

Insurers may offer several life insurance payout options, depending on the policy. Common options include:2

  • Lump sum: You receive the full death benefit in one payment.
  • Specific income option: You receive regular payments over a set period.
  • Life income option: You receive payments for life, based on your age and the death benefit amount.
  • Retained asset account: The insurer holds the funds in an interest-bearing account, and you can access the money as needed.

Each option has different tax considerations, so you may want to speak with a tax professional before making your decision.

5. Wait for the insurer to review the claim

After you submit the claim, the insurer will verify the policy details, confirm your identity and review the cause of death. Staying in touch with them during this process can help you monitor your claim's progress and respond quickly if they need more information.

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How long do life insurance claims take?

Life insurance claims usually take 14 to 60 days from filing to payout, though timing can vary.3 Claims may take longer if:

  • Documents are missing
  • The policy is new
  • The cause of death requires further review
  • The insurer suspects fraud

The type of life insurance policy may also affect timing. For example, a term policy may be simpler to review than a permanent life insurance policy with more complex features.

What can delay or deny a life insurance claim?

A life insurance claim may be delayed or denied for several reasons, including:4

  • Missing documents or errors on the claim form
  • A lapsed policy due to unpaid premiums
  • A term policy that expired before the policyholder passed away
  • Misrepresentation on the original application
  • Death during the contestability period
  • Policy exclusions, such as certain deaths related to criminal activity

If your claim is denied, the insurer should explain the reason in writing and provide information about the appeals process.

What rights do life insurance beneficiaries have?

As a life insurance beneficiary, you have the right to understand the claim process and receive clear information from the insurer. You may also be able to request the policy amount, ask why a claim is delayed or denied, review documents the insurer used to evaluate the claim and file an appeal. Understanding your rights can help you respond if the claim is delayed or denied.

What to do after a life insurance claim denial

A claim denial doesn't mean the process is over. After reviewing the denial letter, you can file an appeal by:

  • Confirming the policy terms
  • Gathering supporting documents, such as premium payment records, medical records, police reports and other evidence
  • Following the insurer's appeal instructions

If you believe the claim was wrongly denied, consider contacting your state insurance department or consulting with an attorney who understands insurance law.

Explore Aflac's life insurance policies

Filing a life insurance claim may sound complicated, especially while you're grieving the loss of a loved one. In many cases, the process is straightforward once you understand the steps involved.

If you're interested in setting up a life insurance policy, Aflac offers several options that can provide financial support for the people you care about most. Chat with an agent today to learn about our coverage options and get a quote.

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