Managing Your Policy / Find a Lost Policy

Locating an undocumented policy: a systematic approach

Whether personal records have been misplaced or a policy is believed to exist for a family member without accessible documentation, a systematic review of the following sources should be completed before concluding that no policy exists.

Begin with financial records

Bank and checking account statements are typically the most efficient starting point — review for a recurring disbursement to an insurance carrier, whether monthly, quarterly, or annually. Canceled checks, credit card statements, and physical filing systems, including safe deposit boxes, are common repositories for this documentation.

Review email and physical correspondence

Carriers routinely issue annual statements, premium notices, and policy anniversary correspondence. Search email using any known carrier name, or general terms such as "premium," "policy," or "statement." Physical mail and filing systems should also be reviewed.

Contact the originating agent, where identifiable

Where the originating agent or agency is known, direct contact is advisable — agencies typically retain records well beyond the point of sale and may be able to confirm the existence of a policy independent of personal documentation.

Verify potential employer-sponsored coverage

Where the individual was employed full-time, group or supplemental life insurance through an employer should be verified. This represents a distinct category from an individually owned final expense policy and is a commonly overlooked source.

Query the state unclaimed property registry

Every state maintains an unclaimed property database, and life insurance proceeds are routed there where a carrier was unable to locate a beneficiary. A search for "[your state] unclaimed property" will identify the appropriate official lookup tool, at no cost, and should be checked against every name and prior address associated with the individual.

Utilize the NAIC policy locator service

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners administers a complimentary life insurance policy locator service. A request containing basic identifying information is submitted and forwarded to participating carriers for verification of a matching policy — a legitimate resource specifically designed for this circumstance.