Filing a life insurance claim after a loved one’s death can feel overwhelming, especially while you are still grieving. Insurance companies often advertise a fast and simple claims process, but in reality, delays and denials are common. Missing paperwork, beneficiary issues, contestability reviews, or vague policy language can quickly turn what should be a straightforward claim into a months-long ordeal.
Our life insurance attorneys regularly assist beneficiaries who thought they followed every rule, only to face unexpected resistance from the insurer. Understanding how to properly file a claim, and where problems usually arise, can significantly increase your chances of a smooth and timely payout.
Below is a step-by-step guide to filing a life insurance claim, along with real-world examples of where claims often go wrong.
What Documents Are Required to File a Life Insurance Claim?
Most insurers require several core documents before they will process a claim. These usually include:
• A certified copy of the death certificate
• The life insurance policy or policy number
• A completed claim form from the insurer
• Proof of identity and relationship to the insured
• Any additional documents the insurer requests
Each item matters. Even small technical issues can delay or derail a claim.
Example: In one case we handled, an insurer denied a widow’s claim solely because she submitted a photocopy of the death certificate rather than a certified copy. Once we challenged the denial and provided the correct documentation, the insurer paid the claim within days.
How to File a Life Insurance Claim Step by Step
Step One: Obtain Certified Death Certificates
A life insurance claim cannot begin without a certified death certificate. Funeral homes often assist with ordering these, or they can be obtained through the local vital records office.
Always request multiple certified copies. Life insurance companies, banks, pension plans, and retirement accounts often each require their own original certificate.
Step Two: Locate the Life Insurance Policy
If you do not have the policy, do not assume it does not exist. Check with:
• The deceased’s employer or former employer
• Human resources departments
• Financial advisors or accountants
• Attorneys who handled estate planning
• Safe deposit boxes or personal records
If the insurer is unknown, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners policy locator can help identify potential policies.
Example: A son we represented discovered a $250,000 employer-provided policy months after his father’s death when an HR department located enrollment records that had never been shared with the family.
Step Three: Notify the Insurance Company
Contact the insurer’s claims department or the agent who sold the policy. Ask for a claim packet and confirm whether submission can be completed online, by mail, or both.
Document every interaction. Write down names, dates, and what was said. If communication stalls or becomes evasive, legal counsel can compel a response under insurance regulations.
Step Four: Complete the Claim Form Carefully
The claim form must be filled out accurately and completely. Errors, even minor ones, can trigger delays or investigations.
Double-check names, dates, Social Security numbers, and beneficiary information. Insurers often place claims on hold over small inconsistencies rather than asking for clarification.
Example: A claim was delayed for weeks because the beneficiary’s name was spelled differently on the policy than on her identification. Once corrected, the claim was approved.
Step Five: Submit All Supporting Documents Together
Submit the claim form, certified death certificate, and identification at the same time. Keep copies of everything and use a delivery method that provides proof of receipt.
It is common for insurers to claim documents were not received, particularly during contestability reviews or when a denial is being considered.
Step Six: Respond Promptly to Follow-Up Requests
If the policyholder died within the first two years of the policy, the insurer may conduct a contestability review. This often includes requests for medical records, pharmacy histories, or physician statements.
These requests should not be ignored, but they should be handled carefully.
Example: An insurer demanded five years of medical records after a natural heart attack death. We intervened, limited the scope of the request, and secured a full payout without further delay.
Step Seven: Choose Your Payout Method Wisely
Once the claim is approved, the insurer will offer payout options. Most beneficiaries choose a lump sum, but some insurers encourage retained asset accounts that allow them to hold the money and earn interest.
Before choosing a payout option, consider speaking with a financial advisor to understand the tax and financial implications.
Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Delayed or Denied
Many claim problems are predictable. The most frequent causes include:
• Alleged misrepresentation on the application
• Death during the contestability period
• Disputes over beneficiary designations
• Claims of policy lapse for nonpayment
• Unclear or disputed cause of death
• Excessive or repeated documentation requests
Example: We recovered a $2 million payout after an insurer alleged misrepresentation about smoking. Medical records proved full disclosure, and the denial was reversed.
When Should You Involve a Life Insurance Attorney?
You do not need an attorney to submit a routine claim. You should, however, speak with one immediately if:
• The insurer requests medical records or investigates the cause of death
• The claim is denied or remains under review longer than 30 days
• There are competing beneficiaries or family disputes
• The death occurred within the contestability period
• The insurer becomes unresponsive or evasive
Even claims that appear simple can escalate quickly.
Example: In one case, a daughter was the named beneficiary, but a second spouse filed a competing claim. With legal intervention, the rightful beneficiary received the full payout without court litigation.
Final Thoughts: Filing Correctly and Protecting Your Rights
Filing a life insurance claim involves more than submitting paperwork. Insurers scrutinize details, deadlines, and documentation, especially when large sums are involved. While many claims are paid without issue, others are delayed or denied for reasons that are legally questionable.
Knowing the proper steps, understanding where insurers push back, and recognizing when to involve legal counsel can protect the benefit your loved one intended you to receive. When something feels wrong, it usually is, and early action makes all the difference.