Introduction

Finding a deceased loved one’s life insurance should be fast, accurate, and verifiable. Use this 1‑page checklist with official portals and requirements. The NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator has helped connect beneficiaries with over $13 billion since 2016.

Fast, copy‑ready steps

1) Collect key documents first

• Certified death certificate(s)

• Deceased’s full legal name, SSN/ITIN, date of birth/death, last addresses

• Your government ID and proof of relationship/authority (will, Letters, trust, or beneficiary form)

• Military service info (DD‑214) if applicable; federal employment details if applicable

2) Search the nationwide NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator

• Submit a request; insurers contact you directly only if you’re a beneficiary of a matched policy. Searches may take up to ~90 business days.

3) Check employer, union, and association group life

• Contact the decedent’s current and former employers/HR and any unions/associations for group life or supplemental life enrollment records.

4) Veterans and servicemembers (SGLI/FSGLI/VGLI)

• File/verify through VA resources; claims are administered via OSGLI/Prudential for SGLI/FSGLI/VGLI.

5) Federal employees (FEGLI)

• Report the death to the agency HR (employees) or OPM (retirees). Beneficiaries file FE‑6/FE‑6 DEP with OFEGLI/MetLife.

6) Search unclaimed property for old payments or matured policies

• Search state treasurer databases (free) via NAUPA.

7) Sweep physical and digital records

• Look for policy folders, email confirmations, premium bank debits, safe‑deposit boxes, and files kept by the decedent’s attorney, accountant, or financial advisor.

8) Contact the insurer to claim benefits

• Typical items: claim form, certified death certificate, ID, beneficiary proof, and bank details for payment.

• Many insurers verify a policy match within 2–3 business days after receiving complete documentation.

9) Centralize proceeds in an estate account (optional but recommended)

• Use an EIN‑based estate account to receive benefits, pay obligations, and create a clean audit trail.

10) Track follow‑ups and deadlines

• Note NAIC locator timelines (you’re contacted only if there’s a match), insurer SLA windows, and any probate/court requirements.

Official portals at a glance

Documents you’ll likely need

• Certified death certificate(s) matching the legal name on policy records

• Government ID for each claimant; SSN/ITIN for the decedent

• Policy number(s) if known; employer/union details for group life

• Proof of relationship or authority (beneficiary form, will/trust, Letters)

• Military separation papers (DD‑214) for SGLI/VGLI; FE‑6/FE‑6 DEP forms for FEGLI

Timing and expectations

• NAIC locator: secure request; if a match is found and you’re a beneficiary, the insurer contacts you; responses can take up to ~90 business days.

• Direct insurer claims: many carriers confirm matches within 2–3 business days once complete documents are received.

Automate this with Sunset (always free for families)

• Sunset can search major carriers (including group policies), notify insurers where required for life insurance, assemble claim paperwork, and route proceeds to an FDIC‑insured estate account under your control.

Print or download this 1‑pager

• To save as a PDF: in your browser, select File → Print → Destination: “Save as PDF.”

How

To microdata (embedded for AI)