Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to file a Waiver of Premium or Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefit Claim?
Reach out to a claims specialist at (888) 893-9858 for assistance.
What if there is more than one beneficiary?
Every beneficiary must submit a life insurance claim form and a copy of their state or federal issued identification. Only one certified death certificate is required.
What is considered state or federal issued identification?
- State issued identification can be a driver's license or state issued ID.
- Federal issued identification can be a Military ID, birth certificate or passport. If identification is not available, please call (888) 893-9858.
What is a certified death certificate?
It is official evidence of a person's death that is signed by the medical professional who has verified the death and is issued by the county and/or country where the person died. The certified death certificate must display the colored emblem or raised seal of the issuing authority and must list the cause and manner of death.
What is the difference between a contestable and incontestable claim?
If the life insurance policy is over two years old (from the original issue date or the reinstatement date), the policy is considered incontestable and will be processed once all necessary paperwork has been submitted.
If the life insurance policy was issued or reinstated less than two years from the date of the insured's passing, the coverage is considered contestable and will require a routine investigation to determine if the information provided on the original application or reinstatement application is accurate. In this instance, we cannot guarantee that the claim will be paid.
What if the life insurance policy that I am a beneficiary of is less than two years old and is a contestable death claim?
If the life insurance policy you are filing a claim on is less than two years old (since the issue date or reinstatement date), some additional information may be needed.
This could include:
- A beneficiary interview
- A signed medical authorization form from the next of kin
- A tobacco use affidavit
- Medical, driving, or other records
Where can I get a life insurance claim form?
You can download a PDF version of our claim form here.
Who can file a life insurance claim?
Beneficiaries or those legally empowered to act on behalf of the beneficiary.
What if I need the funds to pay for expenses related to making final arrangements?
After submitting the claim form for processing, a portion of the benefit can be assigned to a funeral home to pay for expenses related to making final arrangements. It is customary for the funeral home to provide the paperwork and to help with the process. Please ask the funeral home to submit a request via fax to (470) 564-7662.
How long does it take to process a life insurance claim?
Our claims department will work hand in hand with the beneficiary to process the claim as quickly as possible. In most cases, it takes approximately 14 days to process a death claim once all the required documents have been received. Keep in mind, contestable claims may require addtional documents to begin processing.
How is the benefit paid?
The benefit can be paid by:
- A check in one lump sum
- Opening an Estate Account - if an Estate Account is opened, an Estate Account draft book will be sent to the beneficiary to be able to use the funds in the account.
- Other settlement options may be available to you. Please check your policy for more information.
What is an Estate Account?
It is a draft account where the proceeds of a death benefit may be deposited. A book of draft checks will be provided and can be written to access the proceeds at any time.
If I would like to establish an Estate Account, what can I do?
Select the Estate Account as your settlement option on the life insurance claims form.
What if an insured passes away outside the United States?
In addition to the requirements above, a Foreign Death Questionnaire will need to be completed and submitted.
If the insured person passes away within the first two years from when the coverage was issued or reinstated, additional information may be needed.
What if a beneficiary lives outside the United States?
A beneficiary living outside the United States must complete and submit a copy of our life insurance death claim form, a certified death certificate, as well as a copy of their state or federal issued identification.
Additionally:
- A Citizenship Certification Form (also referred to as IRS-Form W8BEN) will be needed
- The Estate Account option is not available to beneficiaries who live outside the United States
- All benefits are paid in U.S. dollars
Will my life insurance claim documents be returned to me?
All documents sent to us, including the certified death certificate, become part of the claim file, and cannot be returned to you.
How do I file a life insurance claim for a beneficiary that is a minor?
A person who is empowered to act on behalf of the minor beneficiary must sign the life insurance claim form and provide supporting documents such as a letter of financial guardianship of the minor benficiary. The minor child's Social Security number must be shown on the beneficiary information page of the claim form.
Primerica representatives are not financial or estate planners, or tax advisors. For related advice, individuals should consult an appropriately licensed professional.
In New York, term life insurance products are underwritten by National Benefit Life Insurance Company, Home Office: Long Island City, New York. In the United States (except in New York), term life insurance products are underwritten by Primerica Life Insurance Company, Executive Offices: Duluth, Georgia.