How to Find a Life Insurance Policy

If you are searching for a deceased loved one's policy or annuity, start with the free NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator and the person's records. Do not pay an unknown service before using official resources.

1

Search records

Review mail, email, bank statements, tax records, employer benefits, safe-deposit information, and known advisers.

2

Use the official locator

Submit the deceased person's information through the NAIC service if you are eligible.

3

Check state resources

Use the state regulator and unclaimed-property office for additional official paths.

Information the NAIC process may request

  • Your name, mailing address, and email.
  • The deceased person's legal name.
  • Date of birth and date of death.
  • Social Security number or qualifying tax identifier.
  • Relationship to the deceased and veteran status.

How results work

Participating insurers search their records. If a policy is found and you are the beneficiary or authorized representative, the insurer may contact you directly. The NAIC states that no contact is sent when no match is found or you are not the beneficiary.

Use the official instructions

The locator is free. Submit sensitive information only through the official service.

NAIC locator instructions

What a state department can—and cannot—do

A state insurance department can help identify the correct regulator, verify companies, explain complaint channels, and point to locator resources. It usually does not maintain a public record of every individual life insurance policy.

Find your state insurance regulator.