How to Manage Copies of a Death Record to Collect on Life Insurance Policies

If you are due to receive life insurance benefits after the death of a loved one, then you will need to know at least the basics of their policy information in order to contact the insurance company. Be prepared to prove that you are who you claim to be, as well as that the policy holder is indeed dead. For this purpose, you will need a copy of the death certificate. Check to find out if a certified copy is necessary, but you may be able to use a photocopy in many cases.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stamp
• Envelope
• Fees for the copy

Manage Copies of a Death Record

1. Contact the county clerk in the state in which the death certificate was filed to find out if you can get a copy of the certificate in person.

2. Contact the state Office of Vital Records if you cannot contact the proper county or do not know which county to contact (or if the county in question cannot get you the proper information). See the Resources section below for Information on state offices.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the directions exactly. If you need a notarized statement with your request, be sure to get it or your application will be rejected.
• Do not buy more than one certified copy of a certificate. Anyone requesting a certified copy should return it to you.