Insurance Claims
What if the life insurance beneficiary is deceased?
Short answer
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…
What this usually means
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 the benefit to the beneficiary's children.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.