What if I can’t find a family member’s policy?

When a loved one passes away it can be difficult to determine what type of life insurance coverage they may have had. In a perfect world everyone would leave detailed records for use by their loved ones, but it is not a perfect world.

Tracking down a life insurance policy for a deceased loved one can require some detective work, but it is important to persevere.

A good place to start is with the individual’s checkbook. Look for cancelled checks and automatic payments made to insurance companies, then follow up with a letter or phone call inquiring about any existing policies.

If no such records can be found it is a good idea to write to all the life insurers in the area to ask about coverage.

As a last resort family members may be able to get the information they need from their state’s insurance commissioner or similar government body.