How to Find Life Insurance Policies in Your Name

Life insurance provides financial security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, it’s estimated that over $1 billion in life insurance benefits go unclaimed each year because beneficiaries are unaware of existing policies.

If you suspect there may be a life insurance policy with your name on it, there are steps you can take to track it down. This guide will explain how to locate life insurance policies that may be in your name.

Check With Insurance Companies Directly

The easiest way to find a life insurance policy is to contact the insurance company directly.

• Check with companies you’ve done business with. If you’ve purchased life insurance in the past, start by reaching out to those companies first. Call their customer service line and provide your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The agent can search their records to see if an active policy exists.

• Contact companies of deceased loved ones. If you’re searching for a policy taken out by a deceased relative, call companies they were known to have done business with. Provide the deceased’s full legal name, birth date, death date, and SSN. The company can check if they issued a policy in that person’s name.

• Ask about group insurance. Many employers provide group life insurance plans for employees. If you suspect you or a deceased relative had coverage through an employer, contact the company’s benefits administrator. They can confirm if you were enrolled in a group plan.

• Check with agents. Independent insurance agents and financial advisors may also keep records of policies they’ve sold. Reach out to any agents you or the deceased may have worked with to inquire about possible policies.

Search State Unclaimed Property Databases

Every state maintains a database of unclaimed property, including unclaimed life insurance benefits. Here’s how to check for policies:

• Go to MissingMoney.com and select your state. This redirects you to your state’s unclaimed property site.

• Enter your full legal name. For a deceased person, enter their name and city they lived in.

• Browse the search results for any life insurance or annuity contracts listed. If found, follow your state’s claims process.

• Repeat the search regularly, since new policies are added to state databases all the time.

Use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free policy locator service:

• Go to naic.org and click “Life Insurance Policy Locator” under the Consumers tab.

• Register for an account with your email and name.

• Enter the deceased’s full legal name, date of birth, SSN, and date of death.

• Participating insurers cross-check this data against their records. If there’s a match, they contact you directly.

• You’ll be notified if a policy is found, usually within 90 days. No notification means none was identified.

Review Financial Documents and Records

Digging through the financial paperwork of yourself or a deceased loved one may uncover clues:

• Look for statements, receipts, canceled checks, or tax documents referencing a life insurance company. These indicate a policy was likely purchased.

• Search bank safe deposit boxes for policy documents. Insurers also send annual statements that may have been filed away.

• Review old email or postal mail for letters, premium notices, or communications from insurance companies.

• Check the “beneficiary” listings on retirement accounts and bank accounts, which could name a life insurance policy.

• If the person had an financial advisor, attorney, or accountant, reach out and ask if they have any record of a policy.

Use Online Search Tools

Specialized online tools can also aid in tracking down elusive life insurance policies:

• PolicyGenius Policy Finder – Free search engine that queries multiple insurers at once.

• Life Policy Locate – Paid service that conducts detailed searches for $75 per person.

• Unclaimed.org – Database of unclaimed property listings aggregated from official state sources.

Hire a Professional Search Firm

For difficult cases where previous efforts have uncovered no leads, you may need to enlist the services of a professional search firm. For a fee, they perform in-depth searches across numerous data sources and insurer records. Some top firms include:

• American Association for Lost Policyholders (ALP)

• MIB Policy Locator Service

• Verus Financial Life Insurance Locators

Tips for Beneficiaries Claiming Life Insurance

If your search turns up a life insurance policy naming you as the beneficiary, here are important tips to ensure you receive the payout:

• Obtain an official death certificate. This is usually required to start the claims process.

• Contact the insurer promptly. Notification laws vary by state, but you generally must file a claim within 1-3 years.

• Complete all required forms. The insurer will provide claim forms and instructions on documentation needed.

• Follow up regularly. It can take up to 90 days to process a claim and issue payment. Check in every 30 days until received.

• Consult a probate attorney. If issues arise such as competing claims on the policy, get legal assistance.

Finding unknown life insurance policies takes diligence and patience, but the financial security makes the effort worthwhile. With persistence and the right tools, uncovering benefits left behind by loved ones is possible. Don’t give up your search until you’ve explored every option to ensure you receive the proceeds you’re entitled to.