How to Use the Life Insurance Policy Locator

Every year, millions of dollars in life insurance benefits remain unclaimed. Sometimes, beneficiaries can't find their deceased relative's policies or, in some cases, may not even know the policies exist. To help solve this issue, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created the Life Insurance Policy Locator, a free online tool that helps consumers find their deceased loved one’s life insurance policies and annuity contracts.  

Steps You Need to Take  

The locator is easy to use. In your web browser, navigate to naic.org, hover over Consumer, and click Life Insurance Policy Locator under Tools.

• Create an account by entering your email address and name. 
• Create a password. 
• Wait 30 minutes 
• Login and agree to the process. 
• Enter your name and address. 
• Submit a search request by entering the deceased’s information from the death certificate: 
  • Social security number 
  • Legal first name 
  • Legal last name 
  • Date of birth 
  • Date of death

After all required fields have been filled, click on the submit button.  

Your request will be stored in a secure, encrypted database where participating life insurance and annuity companies can access the information through a secure portal. You will receive a “Do Not Reply” email confirming the request details you submitted. If a policy is found and you are the beneficiary, the life insurance or annuity company will contact you directly, usually within 90 days. 

You will not be contacted if no policy is found or you are not the beneficiary. Please note that the NAIC has no policy or beneficiary information. 

For assistance related to the Life Insurance Policy Locator, you can contact the NAIC Help Desk at help@naic.org or you can review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on this topic.

If you want to contact someone in the SCDOI's Office of Consumer Services, you can email us at consumers@doi.sc.gov or call us at 803-737-6180. 

Learn more about the NAIC.

NAIC source material.