How to File a Life Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step

-- Updated April 2026 --

Filing a life insurance claim is something most people have never done before—and it often comes at one of the hardest times in life. Knowing what to expect (and what documents to gather) can help reduce stress and prevent avoidable delays.

This guide walks you through the life insurance claims process—from locating the policy to choosing how you want to receive the payout—plus what to do if you can’t find coverage information.

How do you file a life insurance claim? (Short answer)

To collect a death benefit, contact the insurance company that issued the policy, complete a claim form, and submit a certified death certificate along with policy details and beneficiary information. The insurer reviews the documents and (if the claim is straightforward) typically pays the death benefit within about 14 to 60 days.

How do you file a life insurance claim? (Full details)

The loss of a family member or close friend can be an emotionally traumatic event for anyone. The following step-by-step explanation of how to submit a life insurance claim will help streamline the process when the insured passes, so you can focus on grieving your loss and consoling the surviving family and friends.

1. Locate the life insurance policy. Find a copy of the policy or note the policy number. Coverage is typically in effect as long as premiums are paid. If you can’t locate the policy, contact the insurer or use the policy locator tools listed later in this article.
2. Contact the insurance company. Notify the insurer or the agent who issued the policy to begin the claims process.
3. Complete a claim form. The insurance company will provide a claim form (often called a request for benefits) that the beneficiary must complete.
4. Submit the required documents. Having documents ready can help prevent delays and speed up claim processing.
   • Certified death certificate, available from the funeral home or directly from the state or county health department where the death occurred.
   • Life insurance policy number or a copy of the policy.
   • Beneficiary information to confirm your identity and eligibility to receive the death benefit.
   • Completed claim form from the insurance company or downloaded from their website.
   • Medical or accident reports for the insured (if requested).
5. Receive the life insurance payout. After verifying the documents and policy details, the insurer releases the death benefit to the beneficiary. The beneficiary can use the money for whatever purposes they choose—to cover funeral costs, replace lost income, mortgage or rent payments, education or other living expenses.

Life insurance proceeds are paid out in one of several ways. The money can be taken as a single lump sum, in installments, or held in an interest-earning savings account to be distributed later. If you’re a beneficiary and unsure of how to take the payout, it’s a good idea to talk with your life insurance agent or trusted advisor for a recommendation.

How long does it take to receive a life insurance payout?

Most life insurance claims are processed within 14 to 60 days after the insurer receives all required documents. Claims may take longer if additional documentation is needed or if the claim is filed during the contestability period, during which the insurer reviews the policy application.

Why might a life insurance claim be delayed or denied?

During the life insurance claim process, the insurance company reviews all materials submitted by the beneficiaries to verify the policy conditions that have been met. Depending on what they find, payment could be delayed until missing documents are provided or, in other cases, a claim might be denied. Here are some of the things that could cause a claim to be denied or delayed:

• Fraud or misrepresentation on the application (such as failing to identify current medical conditions or falsifying medical history)
• Cause of death is specifically excluded from coverage under a particular policy (including from such risky activities as skydiving or rock climbing)
• Policy lapses (due to factors like missed premium payments)
• Missing or incomplete paperwork
• The policy is less than 2 years old, and the contestability period is still in effect (causing delayed payout).

What if you can’t find the life insurance policy?

Whether you’re not sure if the deceased had life insurance coverage in effect at the time they passed or you’re simply unable to locate the policy, there are several steps you can take to find out if there are unclaimed life insurance benefits.

• Start by checking the deceased’s bank accounts or credit card statements for records of premium payments.
• Contact any accountants or attorneys they may have used.
• Use the free tool at the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators to locate lost or unclaimed insurance money and other property.
• Get consumer tips on finding unclaimed life insurance policies from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the American Council of Life Insurers and state Insurance Department websites.