For Consumers

How to find an old life insurance policy

Unfortunately, there isn't just one place to check and find out if someone who's passed away had a life insurance policy. However, here are some tips to help you get started with your search:

What you’ll need

  • The name of the insured
  • The policy itself, if you can find it, which will have the insured's name and policy number
  • A certified copy of the death certificate

Where to look for a copy of the policy

  • Search through the person’s financial records to find payments to the insurer.
  • Look through old mail for company statements or billing reminders.
  • Check with their auto or home insurer to see if they bought a life insurance policy through them.
  • Contact the person’s last workplace to find out if they had a policy through their employer.
  • Review their income tax statements and look for interest income earned and paid expenses to the insurer.
  • Contact their bank to see if they had a safe deposit box or bought a policy through the bank.

If you find the policy

Contact the insurance company to file a claim. If you need help contacting the insurer or if you have problems with a claim, call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-562-6900 or file a complaint.

What to do if you can’t find the policy