How to Notify an Insurance Company of a Death

If you’re reading this, it likely means someone you care about has passed away. First, I’m truly sorry. Losing someone you love is difficult enough without having to navigate paperwork, policies, and procedures. I’ve been practicing law for more than fifty years, and I can tell you this: you’re not alone, and this step is more straightforward than it seems.

Notifying an insurance company of a death is one of those tasks that rarely gets mentioned, but it plays a big role in making sure everything gets handled properly. Whether it’s life insurance, homeowner’s, auto, or health insurance, someone has to make the call and submit the right information. If it feels like a lot, that’s normal. Let’s walk through it together.

Why Insurance Companies Need to Be Notified

Insurance companies are not automatically informed when someone dies. Unless someone contacts them, the account stays active. That can lead to premiums being pulled, delays in processing claims, or even missed benefits.

By notifying the insurance company, you trigger the claims process and begin the paperwork to close or transfer accounts. For life insurance in particular, this step is required before any death benefits can be released.

What You’ll Need Before You Contact Them

Here are the basic details most insurance companies ask for:

• The full name of the deceased

• Their date of birth

• The date of death

• Policy number, if known

• A copy of the death certificate

• Your name and contact information

• Your relationship to the deceased

• Legal documentation giving you authority to act on their behalf (if required)

It’s okay if you don’t have everything. Some companies will help you find the policy number with identifying information, and you can follow up later with documentation. The important thing is to start the conversation.

Should You Call or Write?

Do both. Start with a phone call. Most insurance companies have a customer service or claims number that will get you to the right department. They’ll tell you what they need and how to submit it.

Then, follow up in writing. A written notice provides a record of your communication, which can be helpful if there’s a delay or mix-up. You can send a letter by mail, email, or through the company’s online portal if they have one.

Not sure what to say? A well-written notification letter can help make the process smoother. It does not need to be long or complicated, just clear and respectful.

Sample Notification Language

Here’s a general structure you can use when writing the letter:

• Identify yourself and your relationship to the deceased

• State that you are notifying them of the death

• Include the deceased’s name, date of death, and policy number

• Request information about next steps or required documentation

• Offer your contact details and ask for confirmation that they received your message

Keep it professional but compassionate. The goal is to give them what they need to start processing the account and to create a paper trail for yourself.

Tips from the Trenches

After decades of walking families through this process, here are a few things I always recommend:

Keep copies of everything.
That includes emails, letters, forms, death certificates, and proof of delivery. You never know when you’ll need to reference them.

Send your letter using trackable mail or request a confirmation email.
It helps avoid the dreaded “we never received it” conversation.

Follow up if you don’t hear back.
Wait about 10 business days, then call or write again. Things can fall through the cracks, especially in large organizations.

Be patient, but firm.
The claims process takes time. Ask for timelines and check in as needed. If something feels off, ask for clarification.

Make a checklist.
If your loved one had multiple policies, list each one and check them off as you go. It’s easy to forget one, especially if they had old accounts you weren’t aware of.

Final Thought

You’re doing the hard work that most people don’t see. Sorting through policies, making phone calls, and writing letters might not feel meaningful in the moment, but it’s part of honoring someone’s life and protecting the people they left behind.

If you find yourself needing a bit more help writing that letter, there are templates available that can take some of the guesswork out of it. Sometimes a little structure makes a big difference.

You’ve got this. And if no one’s said it yet, you’re doing a great job handling something that’s never easy.