Filing a life insurance claim is rarely easy. It usually comes at a time of grief, stress, and urgency. In a straightforward case, insurers often pay within 7 to 14 business days once they receive complete paperwork. Delays beyond that window can signal problems. If the insurer keeps asking for more documents, becomes unresponsive, or stalls past 30 days, it may be positioning itself to deny the claim. Acting early protects your rights.
Step by Step Guide to Filing a Life Insurance Claim
Step 1: Locate the Life Insurance Policy
Start by finding the policy or enough details to identify it. Look for:
The insurer’s name and contact information
The policy number
The insured’s full name and date of birth
Coverage amount and listed beneficiaries
If the policy itself is missing, check bank statements for premium payments, old mail from the insurer, or records held by the deceased’s attorney or financial advisor. Funeral homes and estate lawyers sometimes have copies or leads.
Step 2: Contact the Insurer or Agent
Once you have basic details:
Call the insurance agent listed on the policy, or
Contact the insurer directly by phone or through its website
For employer provided group life insurance, reach out to the employer’s HR or benefits department. Group policies often require different forms and procedures.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Most insurers require:
A certified death certificate
A completed claim form, often called a Statement of Claim
Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license
Proof of relationship to the insured, when applicable
Order multiple certified copies of the death certificate. Insurers sometimes request more than one.
Step 4: Submit the Claim and Keep Copies
Submit the claim using the insurer’s preferred method. This may be online, by mail, or through an agent. Keep copies of everything. Ask for written confirmation that the claim was received and note the date.
Step 5: Monitor the Claim Closely
If you have not received acknowledgment within 10 business days, follow up. If two weeks pass with no response, or if the insurer keeps requesting the same documents, be cautious. Repetitive or unnecessary requests can be a delay tactic.
Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Delayed
Delays are not always improper, but many are avoidable. Common causes include:
Incomplete or inaccurate claim forms
Missing death certificates or medical records
Beneficiary disputes or outdated designations
Death during the contestability period, usually the first two years
Allegations of misrepresentation or fraud
Pending investigations into the cause of death
If any of these apply, especially during the contestability period, proceed carefully.
What If You Cannot Identify the Insurance Company?
If you believe a policy exists but cannot find it:
Review bank and credit card statements for premium payments
Contact former employers about group life insurance
Check tax records for insurer related forms
Search safes, filing cabinets, and safe deposit boxes
Use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, a free nationwide search tool
Many valid claims go unpaid simply because the policy was never located.
When to Contact a Life Insurance Attorney
You should strongly consider legal help if:
The insurer does not acknowledge the claim within 14 days
You are asked to resubmit the same documents repeatedly
You receive a vague or confusing denial letter
The insurer raises issues during the contestability period
The reason for delay or denial does not make sense
An attorney can identify bad faith, apply legal pressure, and often resolve disputes faster than beneficiaries can alone.
Do Not Let an Insurer Take Advantage of You
Insurance companies know many families will not challenge delays or denials. You do not have to accept silence, stalling, or technical excuses. Excessive delays may violate state law, and improper denials are frequently reversed when challenged. Many life insurance attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning no fee unless benefits are recovered.
FAQ: Life Insurance Claim Process
How long does a life insurance payout usually take?
Many claims are paid within 7 to 14 business days once complete paperwork is received.
What documents are required?
Typically a certified death certificate, a claim form, proof of identity, and proof of relationship if required.
What if I cannot find the policy?
Search financial records, contact employers, and use the NAIC Policy Locator to identify the insurer.
What is the contestability period?
Usually the first two years after the policy starts, when insurers may investigate application accuracy.
Can a life insurance company deny a claim for any reason?
No. Denials must be based on valid policy terms such as exclusions, fraud, or material misrepresentation.
Is legal help always necessary?
Not for simple claims. It becomes important when there are delays, disputes, or denials.
Can an insurer delay payment indefinitely?
No. Most states require insurers to act within a reasonable timeframe, often 30 to 60 days.
What if the beneficiary designation is disputed?
The insurer may file an interpleader action and let a court decide. Legal representation is strongly recommended.
Do group life insurance policies follow different rules?
Yes. Group policies under ERISA or federal programs have strict procedures and deadlines that often require specialized legal guidance.