What documents are required for life insurance claim?

Asked by: Sierra Schowalter II  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)

Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate. This is the standard documentation required for filing a life insurance claim. Contact your life insurance agent. The agent who sold the policy can help fill out necessary forms and act as an intermediary with the insurance company.

What information is needed to file a life insurance claim?

Typically, the certified copy of a death certificate and the claims form are the only documents required to file a life insurance claim, though some insurers may accept a copy of the death certificate.

What proof is required in case of a death claim?

Duly filled and signed Claimant Statement Form. Recent photograph of the claimant. Death Certificate issued by local government authority of the person insured in the policy (Life Assured) Signed copy of photo identity proof of the claimant.

What proof do you need for life insurance?

Documents needed for life insurance

Your full name. Your date of birth. Your social security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) Your driver's license number.

Do I need a death certificate to claim life insurance?

A copy of a death certificate for the deceased beneficiary is required. If there is no surviving beneficiary, terms of the policy or contract will determine who is entitled to the benefits.

How to File a Life Insurance Death Claim

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What voids a life insurance claim?

Life insurance may not pay out if the policy expires, premiums aren't paid, or there are false statements on the application. Other reasons include death from illegal activities, suicide, or homicide, with insurers investigating claims thoroughly.

How to claim life insurance money after a death?

To file a claim, the beneficiary will need to notify the insurance company's claims department. The claims department then sends a form for the beneficiary to complete and return along with the policy and a certified copy of the insured's death certificate.

What not to say when applying for life insurance?

Tobacco use: Lying about smoking on a life insurance application likely constitutes a misrepresentation, even if you only smoke occasionally. Drug and alcohol use: Someone who engages in drug or alcohol misuse may omit this information.

What will disqualify me from life insurance?

A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Previous injuries might be considered pre-existing conditions, depending on their severity and any lasting effects.

Do life insurance documents need to be notarized?

Insurance Documents: Documents of these types that often require notarization can include: Insurance Claim Forms, Beneficiary Request Forms, Change of Ownership Documents as well as any other form required by Insurance Companies to be Notarized.

What is the time limit for death claims in life insurance?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandates insurance companies to settle death claims within 30 days. The guideline applies to all cases where no investigation into the death is required. If there is an investigation, the timeline extends to a maximum of 120 days.

What paperwork is required after death?

Generally, you will need one certified copy of the death certificate for each major asset, such as cars, land, or bank accounts, for which you will need to transfer ownership. You may also need a certified copy for items such as life insurance policies, veterans' survivor benefits, and annuities.

What is satisfactory proof of death?

a certified copy of the death certificate, OR. a written statement by the attending physician containing (1) the name and address of the physician who must be duly licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. (2) the name of the deceased (3) the date, time and place of death, and (4) the immediate cause of death.

How long does life insurance take to pay out?

In many cases, it takes anywhere from 14 to 60 days for beneficiaries to receive a life insurance payout. But many factors impact this time frame. These include the insurance company's procedures, when the claim is filed, how long the policy was active, the cause of death, and state laws regarding insurance payouts.

What is proof of beneficiary for life insurance?

Contact the insurance company

This will likely require you to submit proof that you're a beneficiary, like your driver's license or social security number and the policyholder's death certificate.

What is the two year rule for life insurance?

If you pass away in the first two years of your life insurance coverage, the insurance company has a right to contest or question your claim.

What disqualifies me for life insurance?

They can include engaging in risky hobbies and behaviors like skydiving; having a history of DUIs or speeding tickets; having a dangerous job like roofing; having a criminal record or a less than ideal financial history; being a smoker; and failing a drug test.

What reasons will life insurance not pay?

17 Common Reasons Life Insurance Won't Pay Out
  • Nonpayment of Premiums.
  • Death during the Contestability Period.
  • Misrepresentation on Application.
  • Employer Failed to Submit a Disability Waiver of Premium.
  • Problems with the Beneficiary.
  • Policy was included in a Trust or a Will.
  • Denials Due to Suicide Exclusion.

How long does it take for a beneficiary to receive money?

How long does it take for beneficiaries to receive life insurance money? Life insurers typically take 14 to 60 days to pay out the death benefit after the beneficiary files the claim. This is because they must verify the policy terms and policyholder's death certificate and confirm who the beneficiaries are.

How far back do life insurance companies look?

When initially underwriting a life insurance policy, life insurance companies sometimes check up to 10 years of an applicant's medical records.

What is the 80% rule 1 point?

The 80% rule means that an insurer will only fully cover the cost of damage to a house if the owner has purchased insurance coverage equal to at least 80% of the house's total replacement value.

What should I not tell my insurance company?

The insurance adjuster doesn't need to hear your entire life story. Sharing personal anecdotes or irrelevant experiences might even hurt your claim. Stick to the facts and avoid extra details about your family, job history, prior injuries, or unrelated accidents.

What two items are required for a life insurance claim?

A certified copy of the death certificate (obtained from the state or county where the insured passed away or from the funeral director) A completed claim form (also known as a request for benefits) available from the insurance company that issued the policy.

What disqualifies life insurance payout?

Life insurance proceeds can be denied. Some denials are legitimate, like in case of policy lapses, material misrepresentations, or exclusions in the form of illegal activities or war. In other cases, bad-faith insurers use elaborate methods to reject claims so they do not have to pay the proceeds.

How long after someone dies do you get insurance money?

As long as the required paperwork is in order and the policy isn't being contested, a life insurance claim can often be paid within 30 days of the death of the insured. However, each claim is different and there may be state regulations that require additional processing time.