Media Contact:
Vincent Plymell
vincent.plymell@state.co.us
Free, secure and confidential tool available to anyone.
DENVER - Each year, millions of dollars in life insurance benefits go unclaimed by beneficiaries who can't find their deceased loved ones' policies, or in some cases may not even know the policies exist. The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), is reminding people that there is a way to track down such policies.
A free online tool, the Life Insurance Policy Locator, maintained by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), works to remedy this situation for Coloradans, as well as people across the country. Every year, the locator takes thousands of requests and matches people with lost or misplaced life insurance policies or annuities.
“Unlike health, home or auto insurance, life insurance isn’t something people manage every year. It’s easier to forget the details, lose track of the paperwork or neglect to share the necessary information with loved ones,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “As September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, I am encouraging anyone who thinks there is a family member’s policy out there to visit the Life Insurance Policy Locator and submit a request.”
Policy locator requests are secure, confidential and free. Any matches found by participating insurers are reported to the DOI through the locator. The companies then are responsible for contacting beneficiaries.
Who can use the locator?
Anyone. This service is open to the public, including beneficiaries and legal representatives.
If a requester is a beneficiary and is notified by the company that a lost policy has been found, what information do people need to request their benefits?
Typically, a certified death certificate and company claim form must be submitted to the insurer which found a policy.
How long does it take for a request to be completed?
It may take up to 90 business days to receive a response. Please note a requester will not receive a response if no matches are found, the requester is not the beneficiary, or the requester does not have legal authority to obtain information about the deceased.
Visit the DOI’s “Life Insurance Policy Locator” website to find more information and access the locator itself.
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About the Division of Insurance:
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 800-886-7675.
About the NAIC:
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review, and coordinate their regulatory oversight. For more information, visit naic.org.