What documents do I need to file a life insurance claim?

For a coverage review, a claimant typically needs identification, a certified death certificate, and the insurer's claim forms, but the original paper policy is not always required. For this insurance planning decision, the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator can help request a search from participating insurers when a person has died. When current policy values are considered, compare the coverage need and the contract terms before comparing price, because a cheaper policy that solves a different problem is not necessarily better. Work from the written contract and a current illustration or benefit summary, and get the licensed professional's written explanation of any guarantee, exclusion, surrender restriction, or beneficiary provision that could affect the decision.