Insurance

Where to find your policy number and coverage amount

Usually on the first page of the policy.

Your family needs two things to file a life insurance claim: the insurance company's name and the policy number. The coverage amount, also called the death benefit or face amount, tells them what to expect.

Where to look

• The policy documents, usually on the first page or the page labeled "Policy data" or "Schedule"
• The insurer's app or website
• Annual statements, which many insurers mail each year
• Your bank statements, which show the premium payments and the company name
• Your employer's benefits portal, for coverage through work

If no one can find the policy

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) runs a free Life Insurance Policy Locator. After a death, a family member can submit a request, and participating insurers check their records and contact the beneficiary if they find a policy.

What to write down

• Insurance company and phone number
• Policy number
• Type: term, whole, or through work
• Coverage amount
• Who the beneficiaries are