HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF SOMEONE HAS LIFE INSURANCE

Life insurance can provide vital financial protection to loved ones after a person's death. But what happens when a family member passes away — and you're not sure whether they had a policy? Unfortunately, this is more common than most people think.

At DeFazio Insurance Brokerage, Inc. a California-based life insurance provider, we often get questions like:
"How do I find out if someone had life insurance?"
"Is there a way to check if a deceased relative had a policy?"

In this blog post, we’ll explain the steps you can take to find out if someone had life insurance in California — and how the process works.

1. Search the Person’s Documents and Records

Start by going through the deceased person’s:

• Files and folders (physical or digital)

• Safe deposit boxes

• Mail and email

• Bank statements (look for regular premium payments)

Many people keep a copy of their life insurance policy or at least the contact details of the insurer somewhere safe. Finding even a company name or agent's business card can be a valuable clue.

2. Contact Their Employer or Former Employers

Group life insurance policies are often offered as part of an employee benefits package. Contact the HR departments of the deceased’s:

• Most recent employer

• Any prior employers within the last 5–10 years

Ask if they had any active or expired life insurance coverage, and whether beneficiaries were ever designated.

3. Check with the California Department of Insurance (CDI)

The California Department of Insurance regulates all life insurance companies doing business in the state. While the CDI doesn’t maintain a centralized life insurance registry, it does provide a Life Insurance Policy Locator service through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Here’s how it works:

• You submit a request as a beneficiary, executor, or legal representative.

• The NAIC will forward your request to participating insurance companies.

• If a match is found, the insurer will contact you directly.

4. Contact Insurance Companies Directly

If you suspect a specific company might have issued a policy — for example, if you found a payment receipt or a policy number — you can contact them directly. Most insurers have a dedicated claims or customer service department that can help verify whether a policy existed.

Be prepared to provide:

• The deceased’s full legal name

• Date of birth and Social Security number

• Date of death and a copy of the death certificate

5. Check with Financial Advisors or Estate Planners

If the deceased worked with a:

• Financial advisor

• Estate planning attorney

• CPA or tax preparer

These professionals may have been aware of the person's life insurance planning and can guide you to the policy.

6. Review Tax Returns and Bank Transactions

Look through:

• Previous years’ tax returns (life insurance premiums may be listed)

• Bank records for recurring insurance premium payments

This can point you toward a specific company or policy that was in effect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to locate a life insurance policy after someone’s death, don’t get discouraged. The process can take time, but resources are available — especially through the NAIC tool and help from professionals.

At DeFazio Insurance Brokerage, Inc, we encourage all policyholders to keep their loved ones informed and keep policies organized and accessible. If you’re unsure about your own policy or need help setting one up, we’re here to help.

💬 Need Guidance?

If you’re in California and need help finding a policy — or you’re looking to create one for your family’s future — contact us today. At DeFazio Insurance Brokerage, Inc, we’re committed to clarity, honesty, and support every step of the way.

📞 Call us at (916) 715-3375
📧 Email: andrew@defaziolife.com