A Step-by-Step Guide for Families During a Difficult Time
By OLPolicy | Licensed Insurance Specialists | Call (866) 757-5350
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things a family can go through. The last thing you want to deal with in those painful first days is paperwork and phone calls with an insurance company. But the truth is, filing a final expense insurance claim is actually one of the simpler insurance processes out there – and when it’s handled correctly, the money can reach your family within days.
This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step, How to File a Final Expense Insurance Claim? No confusing insurance terms. Just clear, practical information so you can file a claim quickly, avoid common mistakes and get the funds your loved one set aside for exactly this moment.
| Quick Answer
To file a final expense insurance claim, notify the insurance company of the death, complete a beneficiary claim form and submit a certified copy of the death certificate. Most claims are approved and paid within 7 to 30 days. Call OLPolicy at (866) 757-5350 if you need help locating a policy or navigating the process. |
A final expense insurance claim is the formal request a beneficiary submits to the insurance company to receive the death benefit after the policyholder passes away. In simple terms, it’s how the person named on the policy collects the money that was set aside to cover funeral costs, medical bills and other end-of-life expenses.
Unlike large life insurance policies that may require extensive legal review, final expense claims are designed to be processed quickly and simply. The benefit amounts are smaller – typically between $5,000 and $50,000 – which means insurers can review and approve them much faster than traditional life insurance claims.
The beneficiary (the person named in the policy) is the one who files the claim. This is usually a spouse, adult child, or close family member who was designated by the policyholder.
| OLPolicy Specialist Tip
If you’re not sure whether your loved one had a final expense policy – or who their insurer was – check their mail, email, bank statements, or any paperwork filed at home. You can also call OLPolicy at (866) 757-5350 and we’ll help you locate any active policies. |
Getting your paperwork together before you call the insurance company will make the whole process much smoother. Here’s what most final expense insurers will ask for:
| Document | Details |
| Certified Death Certificate | You’ll need at least one official copy – preferably two or three. These are issued by the county or state vital records office, not a funeral home. |
| Policy Information | The policy number, the insurance company’s name and the policyholder’s full legal name. If you can’t find it, the insurer can look it up with the policyholder’s Social Security number. |
| Beneficiary Claim Form | The insurance company will send or email this to you. It’s a short form confirming your identity and your relationship to the deceased. |
| Proof of Identity | A valid government-issued ID for the beneficiary – such as a driver’s license or passport. |
| Beneficiary’s Banking Info | If you prefer direct deposit, most insurers will ask for a voided check or bank account details. |
Most families obtain three to five certified copies of the death certificate. You’ll need them for the insurance claim, but also for banks, the Social Security Administration, pension accounts and other institutions.
Follow these steps in order. The process is straightforward and most families complete it within one to two days of gathering their documents.
| Step 1: Locate the Policy
Find the insurance policy documents. Look for a physical folder, filing cabinet, safe, or email inbox. Key details you need: the insurance company name, the policy number and the policyholder’s full legal name and date of birth. If you can’t find the paperwork, a bank statement showing an insurance premium deduction can help identify the company. |
| Step 2: Obtain Certified Copies of the Death Certificate
Contact the funeral home – they typically order death certificates on behalf of the family. You can also order them directly from the county vital records office or your state’s health department. Request at least three certified copies. Original certified copies are required; photocopies are not accepted by most insurers. |
| Step 3: Call or Contact the Insurance Company
Call the insurance company’s claims department directly. The phone number is on the policy documents or the company’s website. Notify them of the policyholder’s passing and request a beneficiary claim form. At this stage, have the policy number and the deceased’s Social Security number ready. |
| Step 4: Complete the Beneficiary Claim Form
The insurance company will mail, email, or provide an online version of the claim form. Fill it out carefully and completely. Double-check that your name, address and relationship to the deceased are accurate. Errors on this form are the most common cause of claim delays. |
| Step 5: Submit All Required Documents
Mail or upload your completed claim form along with a certified copy of the death certificate and a copy of your government-issued ID. Some insurers also accept submissions by fax or email. If submitting by mail, send everything via certified mail with return receipt requested – so you have proof of delivery. |
| Step 6: Follow Up and Track Your Claim
After submitting, ask for a confirmation number or reference ID. Most insurers will give you an estimated processing time. Follow up after 7 to 10 business days if you haven’t heard back. Keep notes of every call – including the date, the name of the representative and what was discussed. |
| Step 7: Receive Your Benefit Payment
Once approved, the insurer will pay the death benefit by check or direct deposit. Most final expense claims are paid within 7 to 30 days of receiving all required documents. Direct deposit is typically faster than a mailed check. |
Most final expense insurance claims are processed faster than people expect. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to expect:
| Situation | Estimated Timeframe |
| All documents submitted correctly, no complications | 7 to 14 business days |
| Minor errors on claim form (corrected quickly) | 14 to 21 business days |
| Policy is within the 2-year contestability period | 30 to 60 days (additional review) |
| Claim involves cause-of-death investigation | 30 to 90 days |
| Missing documents requiring follow-up | Varies – can extend by several weeks |
The most common reasons claims take longer than expected are: incomplete paperwork, errors on the claim form, or policies that are still within the two-year contestability window (more on that below).
| Important Note: The Contestability Period
Most life insurance policies – including final expense policies – include a two-year contestability period from the date the policy was issued. If the policyholder passes away within the first two years, the insurer has the right to review the original application for accuracy before paying the claim. This doesn’t mean the claim will be denied – but it may take longer. If the application was completed honestly, the claim will be approved. |
Delays and denials are stressful, but they’re not always final. Here’s what you can do if things aren’t moving forward.
A denial doesn’t always mean the end of the road. The most common reasons for denial include:
If you believe the denial was issued in error, you have the right to appeal. Request a written explanation of the denial from the insurer, review it carefully and submit a formal appeal with any supporting documentation. You can also contact your state’s Department of Insurance to file a complaint or request a review.
| Need Help With a Denied or Delayed Claim?
OLPolicy’s licensed specialists can help you understand your options, review denial letters and guide you through the appeals process. Call us at (866) 757-5350 – we’re here to help. |
Sandra’s mother passed away at age 76. Her mother had purchased a $15,000 final expense policy five years earlier and had named Sandra as the primary beneficiary. Sandra found the policy in a folder labeled “Insurance” in her mother’s home office.
She called the insurance company the day after the funeral home ordered the death certificates, requested the claim form and submitted everything by email within three days. The insurer confirmed receipt and the $15,000 was deposited directly into Sandra’s bank account 11 days later – in time to pay the funeral home in full.
James’s father passed away eight months after taking out a final expense policy. The insurer flagged the claim for review because it fell within the two-year contestability period. The insurer compared the original application to the death certificate and medical records.
Because James’s father had answered all health questions honestly at the time of application, the review confirmed no misrepresentation. The claim was approved and paid in full after 44 days. James said the delay was stressful, but knowing the policy had been completed honestly gave him confidence the claim would ultimately be approved.
When Maria’s husband passed, she knew he had some kind of final expense insurance but couldn’t find the paperwork. She called OLPolicy at (866) 757-5350 and a specialist helped her identify the insurer by cross-referencing the premium deductions on her husband’s bank statements. She was able to locate the policy within 24 hours and file the claim successfully.
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything in order before you contact the insurance company:
Q: Who can file a final expense insurance claim?
A: Only the designated beneficiary named in the policy can file a claim. If the primary beneficiary has passed away, the contingent (backup) beneficiary takes over.
Q: What if there is no designated beneficiary?
A: If no beneficiary is named, the death benefit is paid to the policyholder’s estate – which may then go through probate, slowing down the process significantly.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a final expense claim?
A: No, you do not need a lawyer. The process is straightforward and designed to be handled directly by the beneficiary without legal assistance.
Q: Can the insurance company refuse to pay?
A: An insurer can deny a claim if the policy lapsed, if there was fraud on the original application, or if the death occurred during the contestability period and a misrepresentation is found. Honest applications are rarely denied.
Q: How many death certificates do I need?
A: Most families request three to five certified copies. You’ll need one for the insurance claim and additional copies for banks, the Social Security Administration and other institutions.
Q: Can I use the money for anything, or only for funeral costs?
A: The death benefit is paid directly to the beneficiary as a cash payment – there are no restrictions on how the money is spent. Most families use it for funeral costs, but it can also cover medical bills, outstanding debts, or household expenses.
Q: What if the policyholder owed money – can creditors take the benefit?
A: In most cases, no. Life insurance death benefits paid directly to a named beneficiary are generally protected from the policyholder’s creditors. However, if the benefit is paid to the estate, it may be subject to creditor claims.
Q: Is the death benefit taxable?
A: Generally, life insurance death benefits – including final expense insurance – are not subject to federal income tax for the beneficiary. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Filing a final expense insurance claim doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right documents, a little patience and a clear understanding of the steps involved, most families are able to complete the process in just a few days – and receive the funds they need to give their loved one a dignified farewell.
If you’ve lost a loved one and need help locating a policy, understanding the claims process, or navigating a delay or denial, OLPolicy’s licensed specialists are ready to help. We walk families through this process every day and we’re here for you.
| We’re Here to Help – No Pressure, No Jargon
Our licensed insurance specialists at OLPolicy are ready to walk you through your options. Whether you need help finding a policy, filing a claim, or understanding a denial letter – we’re just a phone call away. Call us today: (866) 757-5350 |
OLPolicy | Licensed Insurance Agency | (866) 757-5350 | www.olpolicy.com
Helping Families Protect What Matters Most
This content is for informational purposes only. Coverage availability, claim timelines and terms vary by state and insurer. Contact a licensed agent for personalized advice.
