A free resource for grieving families
Find out if your loved one had life insurance.
It's often harder than it should be. We'll point you to the right free, official tools for your state, step by step — so you can search for a policy from any insurer, not just ones you already know about.
This is a free resource. No account required.
What you'll need
Gathering a few details ahead of time makes every search smoother. Most official searches legally require a certified death certificate and proof of your relationship before records can be released.
- The deceased's full legal name
- Date of birth and date of death
- Social Security number, if available
- Last known address
- A certified death certificate
- Proof you're a beneficiary or the estate's authorized representative
Where did your loved one live?
Choose their state and we'll gather the right free, official tools for that jurisdiction — laid out one step at a time, in the order to try them.
You're not alone in this
These are official government tools, and searching is always free. Take your time — you can work through the steps whenever you're ready.
Select a state to begin
Once you choose the state where your loved one lived, we'll show you exactly which free tools to use and in what order — starting with the national policy locator.
Optional
Want us to email you a personalized checklist for your state?
Everything you need is already on this page and free to use. If it helps to have a copy in your inbox, we're glad to send one — no account required.
Common questions
Questions families often ask
How long does the NAIC search take?
After you submit a request, participating insurers generally have about 90 days to search their records and respond. If a policy is found and you are the beneficiary, the insurer will contact you directly with next steps.
Is this really free?
Yes. The NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, your state insurance department, and state unclaimed property searches are all official tools that never charge a fee. Be cautious of any website or service that asks you to pay to search for a lost policy — you do not need to pay anyone.
What if I don't have the death certificate yet?
Most searches legally require a certified death certificate. You can request one from the vital records office in the state where the death occurred — often through the state Department of Health. Order a few certified copies, since insurers and other institutions will each ask for their own.
They lived in one state but died in another. Which do I search?
Search both. Start with the national NAIC locator, which covers insurers nationwide, then check the insurance department and unclaimed property database in each state where your loved one lived or where the policy may have been issued.
Policy Locker is not affiliated with the NAIC or any state agency. These are official third-party resources provided to help you. We never charge for access to these free tools. Government websites and URLs change over time; if a link no longer works, search for the agency by name.