Our top life insurance attorneys just resolved a 200k MassMutual life insurance claim. If you’ve had a loved one pass away and they had a life insurance policy out in their name, it’s important that you file a claim to receive the benefits. Knowing how to do so will help you expedite the process.
How to File a Claim
Fortunately, it’s a pretty easy process to file the claim once you know where to start!
Get the Policy Information
In order to file a life insurance policy claim, you need to know whether you’re eligible to do so first. To get this information, you’ll need to know who the beneficiary of the policy is, as they’re the ones who will need to file the claim. If there isn’t a beneficiary, the next of kin should handle the process.
If you can’t find the information on who the beneficiary is on the policy, contact the insurance company themselves. They’ll be able to give you any information you’re looking for, including what they’ll need during the claims process. If you’re not sure who the company is, check with your loved one’s employer or their financial records to see who they were paying for the policy.
Get a Death Certificate
Any life insurance company will require a copy of the death certificate to be sent to them for any claims process. You’ll need to send the company a certified copy, which you can receive either through the funeral home or the vital records department. Once you do that, you can send it off to the insurance company
Fill Out Any Forms
Life insurance companies will have claims forms for you to fill out in addition to the copy of the death certificate you have to send. You can request them from the company themselves, and they’ll send them to you. The forms will ask for detailed information about the policyholder and their death information. When finished, send this paperwork in, and the insurance company will review it.
What’s the Time Limit on Filing a Claim?
The amount of time you have to file a claim is usually dependent on the policy that the deceased was holding. Looking at the original policy or contacting the insurance company will allow you to find out what the timeline is for your particular scenario.
If you file for a payout after the allotted time, the insurance company may deny your claim. However, working with a life insurance lawyer in this scenario can help you potentially receive the payout even after the timeline has passed.
Avoiding Issues with Claim Filing
In order for your loved ones to receive the payout of your policy in a timely manner, it’s best for you to follow the required steps perfectly. This can help avoid delays or unnecessary denials of their claim.
When filing a claim, make sure to do these things:
- Make sure all information is correct
- Always pay your premium
- Ensure you’ve designated a beneficiary
- Send in any requested documents promptly
Takeaway
When a loved one passes away, it’s a stressful time. Making sure you have the right information on filing a life insurance claim can help relieve a stress so you can focus on more important matters and receive the payout in a timely manner.