Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult life events we ever have to face. At this emotional time of grief and remembrance, financial and legal issues must also be addressed — a process that can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, you and your loved one established life insurance policies to provide your family with the support they need in this stressful time.
Download When a Loved One Dies,
an informative brochure that will guide you through the steps to claim insurance benefits, describe the different types of insurance policies to look for and offer tips on organizing your own estate.
Following is a list of the types of beneficiaries who may file a claim.
- Beneficiary: The Claimant’s Statement must be completed by the beneficiary; if there is more than one beneficiary, each must complete a separate statement
- Estate Beneficiary: The statement must be completed by the executor or administrator, and a certified copy of appointment must be furnished
- Minor Beneficiary: The statement is to be completed by the legally appointed guardian of the estate of the minor, and an official certificate of the guardian’s appointment must be furnished
- Predeceased Beneficiary: When a beneficiary has predeceased the insured, a copy of the beneficiary's death certificate is to be furnished
- Class Beneficiaries: An affidavit showing the names and dates of birth of each must be submitted
- Assignee: The statement is to be completed by the assignee. If the assignment is no longer effective, a release of assignment from the assignee should be submitted. If collaterally assigned, the statement should be completed by both the beneficiary and assignee and the amount claimed by the assignee indicated on the statement.
The claims process begins when a beneficiary contacts the Customer Service Center to notify the insurance company of the intent to file a death claim. Beneficiaries must request the claimant statement, complete the form and submit it, along with the required documentation, to the Customer Service Center.
After receiving the claimant statement and required documentation, the Claims Department will process the claim. Delays in receipt of all required documentation or verifications or unusual circumstances, may cause the time to process a claim to be longer.
To file a death claim on a life insurance policy, or to check the status of a claim, please call the Customer Service Center at 1/800-521-2773 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time). To expedite the call, please have the appropriate information ready (e.g., Claim Number, Policy Number, Insured's Name).
If the insured died in Florida, we will require a long-form certified death certificate showing the cause or manner of death.
- For United States citizens, a certified death certificate must be accompanied by a Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State
- For non-United States citizens, the death certificate must be authenticated by the appropriate U.S. Consulate
If the beneficiary is a business, the person signing the form must be an officer or owner of the company. The company's name must be given and the title of the person signing (for example, “John Doe Auto Sales, Pat Jones, President”). A "certificate of incumbency" should accompany the claim statement.
The following should be submitted to the Customer Service Center as part of filing a death claim.
- Claimant’s Statement: This statement must be completed by the beneficiary; if there is more than one beneficiary, each must complete a separate statement
- Death Certificate: A certified death certificate issued by the appropriate governmental entity (e.g. County Health Department, Vital Statistics Department) is to be furnished with the claimant’s statement
- Newspaper Account: When available, a newspaper account of the death should be submitted
- Policy: The policy should be sent with this statement; explain if not enclosed
The information on this page refers to policies underwritten and serviced by the insurance companies of AIG American General. A partial listing of policies serviced are below:
American General Assurance Company
American General Life Insurance Company
American General Life and Accident Insurance Company
American International Life Assurance Company of New York
AIG Life Insurance Company
The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York
In addition to reviewing your policy or contacting the Customer Service Center for advice and guidance, you may also contact your State Insurance Department.
Call the Customer Service Center at 1/800-521-2773, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time.
