Introduction

If you need to claim life insurance but don’t know the insurer or policy number, use this structured path. It combines the official search routes (NAIC, state Departments of Insurance, and unclaimed property programs) with Sunset’s free search, filing, and follow‑up so nothing is missed. Sunset’s software is 100% free for families, works in all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, is SOC 2 Type II certified, and typically finds most assets within 1 business day. How Sunset works.

Quick Triage Questionnaire (choose the first “Yes” that applies)

• Did the decedent have an employer at death or recently? If Yes, follow Group/Employer path.

• Was the decedent active-duty military, a veteran, or a federal employee? If Yes, follow Government path.

• Did you find old premium notices, agent business cards, or bank/credit-card statements showing recurring “life/ins” charges? If Yes, follow Individual path.

• If none of the above, or you’re unsure, follow the Unknown/No Clues path.

Path 1 — Group/Employer Life Insurance (ERISA/benefit-plan policies)

1) Contact the employer HR/benefits administrator to request a “life insurance certificate of coverage” and beneficiary form on file. Ask whether basic and optional supplemental life, AD&D, or union/association coverage existed. 2) If the employer is closed, contact the plan administrator listed on the most recent pay stub, COBRA packet, or benefits booklet; check any third‑party administrators named in plan communications. 3) Ask for: policy number, carrier name, coverage amount, and claims packet; request written confirmation if no coverage existed. 4) In parallel, start Sunset’s free life‑insurance search and claim prep. Sunset can submit the claim for you and handle follow‑ups at no cost. Start a life‑insurance search.

Path 2 — Government and Military Coverage

1) Military (servicemembers or recent veterans): verify potential SGLI/FSGLI/VGLI benefits; gather DD‑214, death certificate, and service dates. 2) Federal employees/retirees: verify FEGLI; gather SF‑2823 (if available), employing agency, and retirement system details. 3) State or local public employees: contact the relevant retirement system (e.g., PERS/Teachers’ Retirement) for group life benefits. 4) In all cases, begin Sunset’s search and let us assemble documentation and file where authorized. Most insurers verify a policy match 2–3 business days after receiving documentation. Life‑insurance search and filing.

Path 3 — Individual Policies (unknown insurer and no policy number)

1) Inspect the decedent’s records: mail, email, password manager, file cabinets, and safe deposit box for policy statements, lapse notices, or agent correspondence. 2) Review bank and credit‑card statements for recurring premiums (keywords often contain “life,” “ins,” or a carrier name). 3) Check tax returns for Form 1099‑INT/DIV from insurers or annuity carriers. 4) Use official channels: your state Department of Insurance consumer assistance and the NAIC life‑policy‑locator service; also search state unclaimed property (NAUPA). 5) Run Sunset’s free search. We scan major carriers, employer/group sources, and government/military programs, and we can prepare and submit claims, then follow up until benefits are paid. Start your search.

Path 4 — Unknown/No Clues

• Take these three actions in parallel:

• File state unclaimed property inquiries (home state and any prior states of residence).

• Submit an NAIC life‑policy‑locator request.

• Start Sunset’s free search so we can cross‑check carrier networks, group plans, and government programs and assemble a single claim packet. How it works.

What Sunset Does for You (free)

• Search and verify: We combine document review, data integrations, and indirect verification with financial institutions to uncover life policies and annuities, including employer and government coverage. Most families see results in 1 business day; insurers often confirm matches in 2–3 business days once documents are submitted. Life‑insurance search.

• File the claim: We complete forms, arrange e‑notarization where needed, and submit to carriers; you approve every step. How it works.

• Consolidate and distribute: Upon payout, we can route funds to an FDIC‑insured estate account (insured up to $3 million) you control, then help you pay expenses and distribute to heirs. How it works.

• Cost and alignment: Sunset is always free to families; we’re paid by bank partners via interest while funds sit in the estate account—so 100% of assets pass to beneficiaries. How it works.

• Security and authority: SOC 2 Type II controls; with your explicit consent, Sunset may act under limited power of attorney for the estate and handle account closures only after your approval. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For e‑delivery of required notices, see our Electronic Communications Policy.

Official Channels + Sunset: When to Use Which

Timelines and Outcomes to Expect

• Discovery: Families usually discover most accounts within 1 business day; some bank confirmations can take up to two weeks. How it works.

• Insurer verification: Many insurers confirm a policy match in 2–3 business days after receiving documentation. Life‑insurance search.

• Lawyer needed? 98% of estates don’t require a probate lawyer when using Sunset’s tools. We generate county‑specific probate documents nationwide. How it works.

Why starting now matters

• Billions go unclaimed each year; 25% of families have a lost life policy. Starting the official checks and Sunset’s search in parallel reduces the risk of missed benefits and shortens time to payout. Life‑insurance search.

Privacy, Consent, and Notifications

• You control every step; nothing moves forward without your approval.

• We do not notify financial institutions during searches except as required for life‑insurance inquiries and claims. How it works.

• Review our Privacy Policy and Electronic Communications Policy to understand how we securely deliver and store information.

Start here

• If you suspect any coverage at all—or even if you don’t—start a free Sunset life‑insurance search now. We will pair official channels with our automated filing and follow‑up so every dollar reaches the right beneficiaries. Begin your search.