bryanhooper
New Member
- 14
Could somebody explain what the process is for collecting a final expense payment after death of insured? how long does it take on average to get a death certificate and how long does it takes to get money?
Claim Process After Death
- Thread starter bryanhooper
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- 26,806
Depends on several factors.
First is the policy outside the contestability period. If no, if it is paid it can add weeks or even months to the process if the company orders doctor reports.
On the death certificate, in California if varies greatly by county. 10 to 30 days is normal. Special circumstances, Murder, Suicide, Unexplained death can add months.
On the process, depends on the company. A few companies will pay as soon as the funeral home notifies the company of death. Check can be issued as quickly as 24 hours of death. The norm is the company will send you or your agent the claim forms to fill in and mail back with an original death certificate. Many agents will handle the paper work for you. Note that a few companies require your signature to be notarized.
Some companies pay within a day or two of receiving all the completed forms. Others can take a couple weeks.
Last edited:
- 19,951
What wino said. Plus, if it's an non contestable policy then it can be assigned by the funeral home and the monies received in 24 hours.
If it is contestable then it will take months. How many months depends on the company. Fast ones are 3 months. Slow ones are 9 to 10 months.
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bryanhooper
New Member
- 14
Thanks for the response, that was helpful. Would you be able to name an FE company or two that process as quickly as 24 to 48 hours after funeral home notification?
- 19,951
LH, Forethought for 2. 5 Star claims to send half in 24 hours but they don't do it. Or th didn't do it on the claims that I had with them.
Doesn't matter the company if the funeral home wants the money fast. Any company can be assigned as long as it's non contestable.
Another thing you have to be aware of, and this is by state, the company has to check with the state child support dept to make sure there are not any liens for back payments. If that's the law in the state then they have first for the monies over the cost of the funeral.
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bryanhooper
New Member
- 14
Great info. One more question, if assigned by a funeral home does the check go to beneficiary to pay expenses or to the funeral home?
- 19,951
The ones I've seen went straight to the funeral home. But that's what the people wanted.
Newby can answer if there is another option.
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- 8,707
Are you asking him about 5 star? It's hard to test as you need a client to die....I guess he could pick out a client out of contest ability and drive by and smother them.
- 26,806
The only one that I have is United Heritage. In my mother's case. She died on a Sunday. Monday two checks were being overnighted. One to the Funeral home and the balance to me. I have seen them do the same one a larger >$100,000.00 cases as well.
Also to add onto JDs post. Back in the day funeral homes were mostly locally owned and would take assignments with no fee. At least in my area they are now mostly owned by a large corporation and collect a fee to have a third party take the assignment. Newby would be the person to explain that better.
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