PathAfter FAQ
Insurance Claims
Focused answers for people handling the first days, paperwork, and follow-up steps after a death in California.
Start checklistWeek 2–4 administration and California-specific questions
The life insurance company is stalling. What are my options?California law requires insurers to pay or deny a claim within 40 days of receiving proof of death. If they are stalling, send a certified letter noting the 40-day requirement and your expectation of resolution. If they continue to delay, file a…The life insurance company denied my claim. What do I do?Ask for the denial in writing with the specific reason. Common reasons: policy lapsed for non-payment, contestability period (death in first two years of policy), cause of death exclusion (suicide, some overdoses), or material misrepresentation on the application. Each reason has options…What is the life insurance contestability period?The first two years after a policy is issued during which the insurer can investigate and deny claims for material misrepresentation on the application (lying about health history, for example). After two years, the policy is generally incontestable except for fraud. If…Does life insurance pay out for suicide?Most policies pay after the contestability period (usually two years). Policies less than two years old often exclude suicide in the first two years. Read the policy exclusions carefully. If denied, get the denial in writing and consult an attorney — some…What if the life insurance policy lapsed?Contact the insurer immediately. Some policies have a grace period (usually 30 days) during which a lapsed policy can still pay a claim. Some policies have reinstatement provisions. Some policies have paid-up values even after lapsing. Do not assume a lapsed policy…What if there are multiple life insurance policies?Claim each one separately. Each insurer has their own process and paperwork. Start with the largest policy. Use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator if you are not sure all policies are accounted for.How do I file a life insurance claim step by step?Step 1: Find the policy and note the policy number and insurer contact. Step 2: Call the insurer's claims line and ask what they need. Step 3: Complete their claim form. Step 4: Send a certified death certificate. Step 5: Send any…What if the life insurance beneficiary is deceased?If the named beneficiary predeceased the insured and no contingent beneficiary was named, the proceeds typically go to the estate and may go through probate. Contact the insurer — they will explain their process. Some policies have per stirpes provisions that pass…Does homeowner's insurance continue after a death?Coverage typically continues through the current policy period but should be reviewed and potentially updated. Notify the insurer of the death. If the home is going to be vacant for an extended period, standard homeowner's policies often exclude coverage for vacant properties…What about their car insurance after death?Notify the insurer. Coverage typically continues through the policy period on a vehicle the estate still owns. If survivors are using the vehicle, update the policy. Cancel coverage once the vehicle is transferred or sold. Do not leave a vehicle uninsured.