Filing a life insurance claim after a loved one’s death can feel overwhelming, especially when you're still coping with grief. While insurers often promote a smooth and simple process, the reality is that delays and denials are all too common, especially when documentation is incomplete, the policy is contested, or the insurer uses vague language to stall payouts. Knowing how to properly file a claim and avoid common pitfalls can make the difference between a quick payout and months of frustrating delays.
Our life insurance attorneys regularly help beneficiaries navigate complex claims and fight back when insurance companies withhold rightful benefits. Below, we break down the steps involved in filing a life insurance claim, and offer examples of what can go wrong if you're not careful. Learn how to appeal a life insurance claim denial in Indiana
What documents are required to file a life insurance claim?
To file a life insurance claim, you’ll typically need the following:
A certified copy of the death certificate
The life insurance policy or policy number
A completed claim form
Proof of identity and relationship to the insured
Any additional documentation the insurer requests
Each of these can become a source of delay if mishandled. For instance, in one case we handled, the insurer denied a widow’s claim because she submitted a photocopy of the death certificate instead of a certified version. Once we intervened, the claim was paid within days.
How to File a Life Insurance Claim (Step-by-Step)
1. Secure the Death Certificate
You cannot start a life insurance claim without a certified death certificate. These can usually be obtained from the funeral home or the local registrar’s office. Always request multiple copies, as banks, pension plans, and insurance carriers often each require their own certified version.
2. Locate the Life Insurance Policy
If you don’t have the policy, check with the decedent’s employer, financial advisor, or attorney. Look through safe deposit boxes or use the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) policy locator tool. In a recent case, a son located a forgotten $250,000 policy through an employer HR department two months after the funeral—proof that persistence pays off.
3. Contact the Insurance Company
Notify the insurer of the death by calling the claims department or the agent who sold the policy. Ask for the claim packet, which can often be completed online or sent via email. Make sure you document all communications. If the insurer becomes unresponsive, legal counsel can compel a reply under state insurance laws.
4. Complete the Claim Form Accurately
Provide all requested information, including the policyholder’s name, policy number, and your relationship as the beneficiary. Be honest and thorough. If the insurer finds inconsistencies—such as a typo in the Social Security number or conflicting dates of death, they may “pause” the claim indefinitely. Double-check everything before submitting.
5. Submit All Supporting Documents
Send the completed claim form along with a certified death certificate and any required identification. Keep copies and request proof of delivery. Insurers often claim they “never received” a document, particularly if a policy is close to lapsing or within the contestability window.
6. Respond Promptly to Additional Requests
If the death occurred within the first two years of the policy (the contestability period), the insurer may scrutinize the claim more closely. They might ask for medical records or doctor statements. For example, a beneficiary was asked to produce five years of medical records after her husband died of a heart attack—despite the death being natural. We stepped in, and the carrier paid in full.
7. Choose How to Receive the Death Benefit
Once approved, the insurer will offer payout options, typically a lump sum or structured annuity payments. Be cautious: some insurers push retained asset accounts that generate profit for them while offering little benefit to you. Speak with a financial advisor before making a decision.
What Causes Delays or Denials in Life Insurance Claims?
Claims can be delayed or denied for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable with proper documentation and legal awareness. The most common issues include:
Alleged misrepresentation: If the insured failed to disclose a health condition or risky occupation, the insurer might try to rescind the policy.
Death within the contestability period: Insurers often investigate recent policies more aggressively, even in clear-cut deaths.
Outdated beneficiary designations: An ex-spouse or deceased person may still be named, leading to disputes or interpleader actions.
Policy lapse due to nonpayment: If premiums were missed, the insurer might claim the policy was inactive—even if they failed to provide proper notice.
Unclear cause of death: In cases involving accidents, substance use, or suicide, the insurer may deny based on exclusions.
Delays due to excessive documentation requests: Sometimes, insurers create “document fatigue” to pressure beneficiaries into giving up.
In one recent example, our firm recovered a $2 million payout after an insurer claimed a client had misrepresented his smoking status. We proved the insured had fully disclosed his tobacco use, and the claim was paid in full after a short legal battle.
Should You Hire an Attorney to File a Life Insurance Claim?
You don’t need an attorney to file a basic life insurance claim, but you absolutely should consult one if:
The insurer requests medical records or questions the cause of death
The claim is denied or “under investigation” for more than 30 days
There are multiple beneficiaries, or a dispute over who is entitled to the benefit
The policyholder died during the contestability period
The insurer is slow to respond or seems to be stalling
Even seemingly simple claims can turn complex. In one case, a daughter was the listed beneficiary, but the insured’s second wife filed a competing claim. With our help, the rightful beneficiary received the full payout, without going to court.
Final Thoughts: Take the Right Steps, and Know When to Get Help
Filing a life insurance claim involves more than just paperwork. It requires careful attention to deadlines, documents, and details that insurers can use against you. While many claims are paid smoothly, others are denied for vague or unfair reasons. Knowing what to expect, and when to involve a life insurance attorney—can save you months of stress and protect the benefit your loved one intended for you.