How to Find and File a Claim on an Insurance Policy After a Death | Honorly
INSURANCE & BENEFITS

How to find and file a claim on an insurance policy after a death

Updated September 2026
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QUICK ANSWER

Before any single claim can be filed, every active policy needs to be located — life, homeowners, auto, and disability.

AT A GLANCE
Typical timeline 1–3 weeks to locate policies, 2–6 weeks per claim
Who can do this Executor or named beneficiary
Documents needed Death certificate, policy number (if known), claim form
Note Homeowners and auto policies often need updating even when no claim is filed
WHAT'S INVOLVED

How do you find and file a claim on an insurance policy after a death?

  1. 01
    Search financial records, mail, and email for evidence of active policies.
  2. 02
    Contact each insurer to confirm the policy is active and request their claim packet.
  3. 03
    Submit the death certificate and any policy-specific documentation.
  4. 04
    Track the claim to payout or resolution.
  5. 05
    Update or cancel policies (auto, homeowners) that are no longer needed.
HOW HONORLY HELPS

How does Honorly help?

Our asset-discovery process actively searches for policies families don't know about.

We manage each insurer's claim packet and follow up until it's resolved.

We update or cancel property and auto policies so nothing lapses or overcharges.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about insurance policies

What if we don't know which insurance company to contact?

State insurance departments and industry locator services can help identify unclaimed policies; Honorly's asset-discovery process checks these as a matter of course.

Do all insurance payouts go through probate?

No — policies with a named beneficiary typically pay out directly and bypass probate.

How long can we wait to file a claim?

Most states allow several years, but filing promptly avoids lapses in coverage on related policies (auto, home) and delays in payout.

About Honorly

Let us handle it.

Honorly is an estate settlement service that handles the administrative, financial, and legal tasks that follow a loved one's passing, so families aren't left to figure everything out alone.

We handle the calls, paperwork, and follow-ups that come after a loss, so your family can focus on each other.

Talk to our team