How to Find an Old Life Insurance Policy
Jason Stolz CLTC, CRPC
How to find an old life insurance policy usually starts with confirming which insurer issued it, who the owner and beneficiaries are, and whether the contract is still in force. Policies can get “lost” after moves, job changes, bank mergers, or when paperwork is tucked away in safety deposit boxes. If you’re a beneficiary, executor, or family member trying to locate coverage, the most efficient first stop is the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, a nationwide tool used by insurers to match your request against their records.
Search for a Lost Life Insurance Policy
Submit a secure request through the NAIC and have insurers search their databases for policies and annuities.
Use the NAIC Policy LocatorWhy Life Insurance Policies Get “Lost”
Most missing policies weren’t intentionally hidden—they were simply never consolidated or updated. Common causes include insurer name changes, address changes without forwarding, premium autopay moving to a new bank, or a policy owner passing away without sharing details. If you’re unsure whether a policy exists, start a paper trail and search using multiple data points (full name, prior names, addresses, and dates of birth).
Best First Step: NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator
The NAIC tool routes your request to participating insurers. If a match is found and you’re a verified beneficiary or authorized representative, the insurer will contact you directly with next steps. Have the following ready:
- Full legal name, date of birth, and last known address of the insured
- SSN (optional but can improve match results)
- Proof of death (for deceased insureds) and proof of relationship/authority
What to Do If You Already Know the Insurer
If you’ve seen old premium notices, checks, or a carrier name in emails or files, contact the insurer’s claims department directly with the policy number (if available). If the original company was acquired, they’ll point you to the current servicing carrier. You can also call the agent on record if you find an old business card or email trail. If you need help evaluating what you find, our team can review the policy and summarize its features for you in plain English.
Additional Ways to Locate a Policy
- Check personal records: Look for premium drafts on old bank statements, emails, paper files, a safe, or a safe-deposit box.
- Contact former employers: Some policies are issued through group or executive benefit plans (group vs. individual).
- Ask financial professionals: Prior advisors, attorneys, or CPAs may have policy references, especially if trusts or beneficiary structures were discussed.
- State unclaimed property search: If proceeds were turned over to the state, you may find a claim to file.
- Credit & mail clues: Older statements, carrier marketing mail, or MIB/exam references (what is MIB?) can reveal the insurer.
After You Find It: Keep, Update, Convert, or Settle?
Once you confirm a policy exists, decide how it fits your current goals. You can keep it, adjust beneficiaries to avoid beneficiary mistakes, convert term to permanent coverage if eligible (term-to-permanent guide), or review a potential life settlement (life settlements explained) if the policy no longer fits. If cost is a concern, we’ll check alternatives or laddering strategies to right-size coverage.
Need Help Reading the Fine Print?
We’ll identify the policy type, riders, costs, and options—then outline your best next steps.
Documentation You’ll Likely Need
- Government ID and contact information
- Proof of death (death certificate) for deceased insureds
- Proof of relationship or legal authority (executor/POA/trustee)
- Any policy numbers, old carrier names, agent names, or premium statements
How Diversified Insurance Brokers Can Help
Since 1980, we’ve helped families locate, verify, and optimize life insurance—clarifying cash values, loans, riders, and conversion windows. If your goal is to preserve coverage, simplify, or realign for estate and tax planning, we’ll compare options across carriers and create a clear action plan.
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FAQs: Finding an Old Life Insurance Policy
How do I start the search?
Begin with the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator. Then check bank records, email, paper files, safes, and old employer benefits.
What information will I need?
Insured’s full name, date of birth, addresses, and (optionally) SSN; for deceased insureds, a death certificate and proof of relationship/authority.
How long does the NAIC search take?
Insurers review requests on their timelines. If there’s a match and you’re authorized, the insurer contacts you directly with next steps.
What if I know the insurer but not the policy number?
Call the insurer’s claims department with the insured’s details. If the company merged, they’ll route you to the current servicing carrier.
What if no policy is found?
Search state unclaimed property, contact former employers, and check with prior advisors or attorneys. We can help you work through a checklist.
Can you help me evaluate a found policy?
Yes. We’ll review costs, riders, conversion rights, loans/cash value, and beneficiary designations, then recommend keep, update, convert, or settle options.
