How Can I Find Out If Someone Had Life Insurance After Their Death?
There are times when a family member dies unexpectedly and they have never talked about end of life plans with their people. If you find yourself in the position of having to come in after the fact and pull financials together you know what a hard task this can be.
There Is No National Database
There is no national database to check for life insurance policies. But, with these helpful tips you should be able to find the information you need.
Many of the following steps will require you to present a death certificate.
First you need to acquire a death certificate. Many of the following steps will require you to present a death certificate. You may also need the social security number for the deceased.
You can get this at the office of vital statistics in the county or state where the death occurred. The executor of the estate will have a copy as will a family member.
Check the mail
Other places to check include old tax returns as any dividends will be listed as income. Check the mail, the deceased could continue to receive contact from their insurance company for a year or more.
Check bank statements, previous employers, family members, and financial advisors.
Twenty Nine states do offer free searches for lost life insurance
Twenty Nine states, including Ohio do offer free searches for lost life insurance through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for residents. Link below:
https://eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator/#/welcome
You can check through the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators
If the insurance company knows a client has passed but they cannot find the beneficiary, the funds must be turned over to the state in which the policy was purchased as unclaimed property. You can check through the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
Link: https://unclaimed.org/
If all else fails, you can hire a private detective agency.
Every year millions of dollars go unclaimed.
Every year millions of dollars go unclaimed. So, if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of helping to settle an estate and you believe there is life insurance out there, use these tips to help your search.
To learn more about how Crunelle Insurance Agency can help you cut through the complexity and determine your best course of action, we invite you to contact us at 614-876-4634 or info@crunelleins.com.
Life is unpredictable. We help you protect it.