How to Find a Lost Life Insurance Policy

Ray Cogan
man and woman search through file folders in living room

It’s estimated that $1 billion in benefits from forgotten and lost life insurance policies are sitting unclaimed in America, says Consumer Reports. Could you be among the estimated 1 in 600 people who may be the beneficiary of an unclaimed life insurance policy?

If so, there are ways to find out. Here are some tips to help.

5 Ways to Locate a Lost Life Insurance Policy

  • Comb the house.  Sometimes the thing we’re missing is right under our nose. First, go through any files or safe deposit boxes where the lost life insurance policy may be before launching a full-fledged investigation.
  • Think back to the beginning.  Which insurance agent may have sold it? Which insurance company may have issued it? What was the name and Social Security number of the person who bought it? Was the policy a term or permanent life policy? Any information you can remember will help the insurance agent and/or customer representative you contact.

    Related: What’s the Difference Between Term and Whole Life Insurance?

    You might also have to contact any attorneys, financial advisers, accountants or other advisers who might have had something to do with issuing the policy.

    Also consider contacting the deceased individual’s former employer. Many times the policies are group policies that were originally taken out through an employer.

    If the policyholder passed away relatively recently and you have the authority or permission, take a look at the deceased person’s bank statements for premium payments or policy-related material.
  • Contact your state’s insurance department.  Generally, an insurance company that is unable to locate a policy’s beneficiary is required to turn over the benefits to the state’s unclaimed property office after a certain number of years have passed. Think about the state in which the policy could have been issued. Then visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website to learn how to  contact your state insurance department.
  • Look it up online. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a free website that makes it easy to search a number of life insurance and annuity companies at once. You can run a search if you’re the executor or legal representative of a deceased person, or if you have reason to believe you’re a beneficiary.

    Submit a request or read the FAQ at the Life Insurance Policy Locator Service website. You can also check in with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators , which operates the website MissingMoney.com.
  • Watch out for scammers.  There are life insurance scams out there whereby an “insurer” promises to reunite you with unclaimed funds. Don’t immediately respond to someone claiming to be the representative of an insurance company. Instead, call that insurance company’s claims number to see if the offer is legit.

How to prevent a lost life insurance policy in the first place

Life insurance is a powerful agent of relief. Taking care of the future needs of your loved ones makes you feel capable, purposeful and satisfied.

Spare yourself and your beneficiaries from the hassle caused by a lost life insurance policy by following this advice:

  • Clearly name your beneficiaries on the policy.
  • Let your beneficiaries know about the policy. Also tell them the name of the insurance agent and company that issued the policy.
  • Keep your insurance documents in a safe, logical place like a fireproof safe or bank safe. Not sure what kind of safe to buy? Read our guide to safe storage of important documents.

When you count on ERIE to help plan for the future, we’ll help you consider the variables, lay out the options and make the process comfortable and efficient.

Learn more about our flexible and affordable life insurance* options, or find a local ERIE agent to talk it through in person.

*ERIE life insurance products and services are provided by Erie Family Life Insurance Company, a member of Erie Insurance Group, and are not available in New York.

This story was originally published in 2014. It was updated with new information in 2019.

pool party Lindquist Insurance
By Ray Cogan July 21, 2025
Before your next BBQ, road trip, or storm watch, give us a call. Our experienced insurance advisors will review your current coverage, answer your questions, and help you feel confident that no matter what summer brings, you’re ready for it. Call Lindquist Insurance today or visit our website to schedule a policy revie
family on vacation
By Ray Cogan July 11, 2025
Before your next adventure, make sure you’re fully protected with the right car insurance. At Lindquist Insurance, we’re committed to helping Maryland drivers enjoy the journey with confidence. Call Lindquist Insurance (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote.
Annapolis MD waterfront
By Ray Cogan June 24, 2025
Connect with an insurance agent in Frederick this summer. Find out why now is the ideal time to reach out and build a relationship with a local insurance agent you can trust.
dock in Annapolis MD
By Ray Cogan June 10, 2025
We offer business insurance in Frederick. Prepare for seasonal risks with business insurance that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike.
employee taking inventory
By Ray Cogan May 26, 2025
Is your insurance company keeping up with your growth? Our Frederick insurance agency offers personal and proactive services that keep you focused on growth.
heavy rain hitting gutters
By Ray Cogan May 12, 2025
We offer business insurance in Frederick. Prepare for seasonal risks with business insurance that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike.
cars in heavy traffic
By Ray Cogan April 28, 2025
Switch car insurance in Frederick and the surrounding areas with the help of an insurance agent. It can be a smooth and stress-free experience with the right insurance agent.
young female driver
By Ray Cogan April 15, 2025
We offer car insurance in Frederick. We work with first-time drivers to find a policy that fits their needs and budget without sacrificing the coverage needed to drive confidently.
alarm clock and money - Lindquist Insurance
By Ray Cogan March 25, 2025
Our insurance agent in Frederick can save you time and money. We can navigate the complexities of insurance, ensuring you get the best coverage at the most affordable rates.
More Posts