How to File a Life Insurance Claim Without a Death Certificate
How to File a Life Insurance Claim Without a Death Certificate When a loved one passes away, filing a life insurance claim is one of the key steps in managing their financial affairs. But what if you don’t have a death certificate? Can you still file a claim? In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about filing a life insurance claim in the U.S. without a death certificate — when it's possible, what documents might be accepted instead, and how insurance companies handle such cases. ✅ Why the Death Certificate Is Usually Required Life insurance companies require a death certificate because: It officially confirms the policyholder has died It protects against fraud It provides the date and cause of death Without it, insurers may hesitate or delay payout, especially if the cause of death is unclear or under investigation. ✅ Is It Ever Possible to File Without One? Yes — in very specific situations, such as: Missing Persons Cases ...