1. 3485 POINTS
    J Scott BurkePRO
    President, Newbury Inc., Evansville, Indiana
    It varies depending on the company and type of coverage. With most policies you can't file the claim until you have a certified death certificate. That can take from 2-days to 45-days to get. Then most life insurance companies will pay the claim within 30-days of receiving the death certificate and claim form.

    Some companies that specialize in funeral insurance coverage pay the claim within 2-days (usually within 1-day) with no death certificate needed.

    If you die within 2-years of taking out the policy, it will be contestible and that will slow down the claim process.
    Answered on April 9, 2013
  2. 11783 POINTS
    Larry GilmorePRO
    Agent Owner, Gilmore Insurance Services, Marysville, Washington State
    Usually it doesn't take long to receive a death benefit check. First a claim form must be completed and returned to the insurance company, along with a certified copy of the death certificate. Certified copies of a death certificate can take a few days. Once a company receives the outstanding requirements, they will process and issue a benefit check. The check will include interest earned from the date of death to the date of issue of the check. Payment of proceeds are usually done as quickly as possible as most states have requirements insurance companies must follow in these situations.
    Answered on April 9, 2013
  3. 15645 POINTS
    Edward HarrisPRO
    Owner, Best Health And Car Insurance Rates - Instant Online Quotes, US
    Assuming you are referring to the proceeds from a death benefit on a life insurance policy, the process does not take long. Once the claim is submitted, it will be processed and a check can often be sent or deposited into a money-market-like find within 10-14 days.

    Working with a full-time agent will help you secure the proceeds quicker.
    Answered on June 2, 2013
  4. 63333 POINTS
    Peggy Mace
    Most of the U.S.
    The longest part of getting the death benefit from a life insurance policy is often the time it takes to receive the certified death certificate. One you have the claim form filled out and are able to submit it with the death certificate, it doesn't take long, provided the address is correct, etc
    Answered on June 2, 2013
  5. 10968 POINTS
    Tim Wilhoit
    Owner, Your Friend 4 Life, Brentwood TN
    It does vary from company to company. Be sure you submit the proper death benefit forms and a certified copy of the death certificate. This will speed along the process greatly. If the death occurs within the first two years of taking out the policy, known as the contestability period. process will be slower because of investigations. If it is after two years, it can take days, weeks or months depending on the carrier. It is good to use an agent to help work through the process and to avoid headaches and heartaches while trying to grieve.
    Answered on April 21, 2016
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