How can I find out if an insurance policy is still valid?

Asked by: Lennie Rosenbaum  |  Last update: June 8, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (69 votes)

The best way is to contact the policy's issuer (the life insurance company). Their records are key: even if you see your name listed on an old policy document, the deceased may have changed their beneficiaries (or the allocation of benefits among those beneficiaries) after that document was printed.

How can I find out if an insurance policy is still active?

Contact employers. Many employers offer some form of group life insurance to their employees. Even if your loved one was retired, you can check with his or her former employer to see if the group life insurance policy is still active.

Is there a database to search life insurance policies?

To help solve this issue, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created the Life Insurance Policy Locator, a free online tool that helps consumers find their deceased loved one's life insurance policies and annuity contracts.

Is there a way to check for life insurance policies?

If you suspect that a loved one had a life policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has created a Life Insurance Policy Locator service to help consumers locate benefits from life insurance policies or annuity contracts purchased anywhere in the United States.

How do I find out if there is an insurance policy in my name?

You might want to contact the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for their free Life Insurance Policy Locator Service, which looks for policies on the databases of many insurance companies. Another great resource could be your state's Department of Insurance (DOI).

How to find out if a secret life insurance policy is taken out on you

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How can I look up my insurance policy?

Contact Your Insurance Agent

You can also call your provider directly. An agent will be able to assist you in locating the policy number, but to do so, they will need to verify your account for security reasons — and they may even ask you to confirm your date of birth, address, or other personal details.

Can you find a life insurance policy with a social security number?

In your web browser, navigate to naic.org, hover over Consumer, and click Life Insurance Policy Locator under Tools. Submit a search request by entering the deceased's information from the death certificate: Social Security number. Legal first name.

How to find old insurance policies?

Search through paper and digital files, bank safe deposit boxes, and other storage spaces for insurance-related documents. Check bank statements for checks or automatic drafts to life insurance companies. Check the deceased's mail and email for premium or dividend notices.

Is life insurance public record?

Today, most life insurance companies now conduct public record searches to determine if an insured is deceased. If the company discovers a death, it must pay the beneficiary within a specific period of time; these periods differ by state and can range from one to seven years.

How do you find out if a life insurance policy was left to you?

If your parent or loved one had life insurance and you know which company holds the policy, contact the insurer directly. They can tell you if you were named a beneficiary and, if so, help you file a claim.

How do I check an old life insurance policy?

How do I find a lost life insurance policy?
  1. Search personal records.
  2. Contact insurance companies.
  3. Review bank statements.
  4. Check with employers.
  5. Consult professionals.

Is there a database for insurance?

All-payer claims databases (APCDs) are large State databases that include medical claims, pharmacy claims, dental claims, and eligibility and provider files collected from private and public payers. APCD data are reported directly by insurers to States, usually as part of a State mandate.

Is naic policy locator legit?

The online policy locator requests are secure, confidential, and free. Participating insurance companies are responsible for contacting beneficiaries and reporting matches to state insurance departments through the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator.

How do I make sure my insurance is active?

Quick Guide on How to Check If Your Health Insurance is Active Online:
  1. Log in to your insurance provider's website or mobile app.
  2. Navigate to the "My Policies" or "Coverage Summary" section.
  3. Look for "Active" status next to your policy.

How do I know if my policy is expired?

It can be done through your insurance provider's website, the Insurance Information Bureau's (IIB) or VAHAN portal, or just by using a QR code scan. To renew your policy well in time before its expiry, routine checks will help you avoid complications in case of an accident or claim.

How do I know if I still have insurance?

HealthCare.gov, is a portal for finding information about your health insurance options. You can also contact HealthCare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 or go to https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/.

How do I check my life insurance policy?

The best way is to contact the policy's issuer (the life insurance company). Their records are key: even if you see your name listed on an old policy document, the deceased may have changed their beneficiaries (or the allocation of benefits among those beneficiaries) after that document was printed.

How to find out if someone left you money after they died?

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators' website www.unclaimed.org is an excellent resource. This association consists of state officials charged with the responsibility of reuniting lost owners with their unclaimed property.

Is an old life insurance policy worth anything?

A policy that lapsed before the policyholder died has no value. But if the policy was still in force when the insured died, that policy's death benefit may still be available to the beneficiary. Note that the death benefit amount could be different from the policy's original face value. Several factors can cause this.

How to find out if an insurance policy is still good?

To find out if a life insurance policy is valid, you can check with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Is there a database for life insurance policies?

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator (LIPL) helps to connect consumers with their deceased loved ones' lost life insurance policies and annuity contracts.

What happens to unclaimed life insurance policies?

In many cases, however, the proceeds of the life insurance policy plus any interest earned get sent over to the policyholder's state after a certain number of years. Named beneficiaries can then collect their unclaimed payout via the state treasury.

Does life insurance count against Social Security?

A life insurance payout won't typically impact your benefits if you're collecting Social Security due to retirement. However, if you have a disability and use the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, life insurance can affect your Social Security benefit.

How to find old policy number?

If you cannot locate your policy documents, you can retrieve your policy number from other sources like SMS/email notifications from your insurance provider. You can also visit their website and login to the portal or contact the customer service department for assistance.

How do you find out if you are a life insurance beneficiary?

How to find out if you've been named a beneficiary
  1. Talk to your loved one while they're still alive. ...
  2. Look through financial documents. ...
  3. Contact the life insurance company. ...
  4. Use a life insurance policy locator. ...
  5. Check with the policyholder's state.