How Can I Find Out What Life Insurance Someone Has?
When a loved one passes away, one of the things you need to do is find out if they had a life insurance policy. Here are some ways to find out:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Talk to Friends, Family Members, and Acquaintances | Ask people outside the immediate family if they know if the deceased had a policy. |
| Search Personal Belongings | Check paperwork in the deceased’s home and business. Access safe deposit boxes with the key and proof of relation. |
| Check Old Bills & Mail | Look for premium notices and updates from life insurance companies in the deceased’s mail and email. Check credit card and other financial statements. |
| Contact Employers and Member Organizations | Ask past and present employers and professional and social organizations of which the deceased was a member if they had a policy. |
| Do an Online Search | Use free search tools on websites such as unclaimed.org or hire a company to search for a lost policy. |
| Call Your State Insurance Commissioner’s Office | Contact the Insurance Commissioner in your state to perform a search. |
It’s important to note that next of kin and policy beneficiaries can request information about a policy, but they may need to provide proof to the insurance company. If a policy is found, to make a claim, you will need several pieces of documentation, including a death certificate, policy documents, and proof of identity.
If you need to know if your living relative has life insurance, follow the same steps as above. It’s always best to ask a loved one directly if they have a policy, but there may be situations where that’s not possible.
Knowing how to find out what life insurance someone has can help you settle their estate and pay any final expenses. By using these methods, you’ll be able to find the critical documents you need.
