How to File Insurance Forms
Most people have to fill out many kinds of insurance forms for different reasons--health insurance, auto insurance, property insurance and life insurance. Although there are a lot of similarities when it comes to completing and filing insurance forms, differences also exist. Most health insurance plans file insurance claims for their patients. Auto and home insurance forms are fairly simple documents, normally completed and filed in the presence of an agent. But filing a life insurance form can pose obstacles because of emotional issues and the very real possibility that policies can't be located, or the company may not be known.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Insurance policy
- Policy information
- Information about deceased
- Death certificate
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain a death certificate. For recently deceased people, the funeral home can provide certified copies. Most keep permanent records. Older records can be obtained through your state's vital records department.
-
2
Find the insurance policy of the deceased person. If it's a close relative--a parent, say--you probably have a good idea of where he kept his important papers. Search bank records, tax returns, credit card receipts and other paperwork to try to locate evidence of premium payments or correspondence. If you can't locate the policy (or policies--many people have more than one life insurance or death-benefit policy), you can use the services of a policy-locating service, which will conduct a nationwide search for a fee. The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) recommends MIB Solutions, the largest policy locator in the U.S. You also can try your state's insurance commission.
-
-
3
Contact all people who might know about the policy. The deceased's former employer, other relatives, a bank or credit union where the deceased did business or friends and neighbors may be able to help. If they don't where a policy is, they may know where your loved one banked or did business. Also, if the deceased had insurance policies with other companies--auto, home or health, for example--you can check with them. Many people conduct insurance business with a single company.
-
4
Contact the agent of your loved one's insurance company, or contact the company directly. If you've found the policy, they'll request policy information in order to provide you with a claim form. Ask the agent what documentation other than the claim form you need to provide, such as a death certificate. These usually are pretty simple forms to complete. Many companies offer the forms online. There are sample forms available for you to review.
-
5
Complete the claim form. You'll have to provide your own personal and contact information, as well as what relation you were to the deceased. You'll have to give the same information regarding the deceased. Some companies will accept a claim without a death certificate, but that can cause substantial delays in processing (and paying benefits). You probably have to attest that the information you've provided is true and complete to your knowledge, then sign and date the form.
-
6
Mail the form to the insurance company, or submit it electronically if that option is available.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don't forget to check for other possible insurances, such as VA benefits if the deceased was a military veteran.
Check with former employers of your loved one about any life insurance or death benefits that may be due to you or other beneficiaries.
Ask for an appointment with the insurance company agent if you're having trouble filling out the claim form.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
