Every year, billions of dollars in life insurance proceeds, bank accounts, and estate assets go unclaimed — often because beneficiaries didn't know policies existed, lost touch with financial institutions, or simply didn't know how to claim what was owed to them. Here's how to search.
Why Money Goes Unclaimed
The most common reasons inheritance and insurance money goes unclaimed:
- The deceased never told family members about a life insurance policy
- Old policies purchased decades ago from companies that have since been acquired or changed names
- Beneficiary designations that were never updated after a family change
- Bank accounts, investment accounts, or other assets the family didn't know existed
- Uncashed checks, security deposits, or payroll payments
- A probate estate was opened but not all beneficiaries were located or notified
Searching for Life Insurance Policies
NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free Policy Locator service at naic.org. You submit a request with the deceased's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and dates of coverage you're inquiring about. Member insurance companies search their records and contact you directly if they find a matching policy. This is the best starting point for life insurance searches.
MIB Group Policy Locator
The MIB (formerly Medical Information Bureau) maintains records of life insurance applications made since 1996. Their policy locator service costs approximately $75. It won't find older policies but is worth checking for policies issued after 1996.
Employer HR department
Many employers provide group life insurance as a benefit. If the deceased was employed, contact their HR department to ask about any employer-provided life insurance — these are commonly overlooked because employees often don't share this information with family.
Personal records search
Search the deceased's:
- Filing cabinet and papers for policy documents or annual statements
- Bank statements for recurring premium payments (search for insurance company names)
- Email inbox for policy documents or premium notices
- Safe deposit box
- Tax returns for premium deductions (less common for individual life insurance but possible for business-owned policies)
Searching for Unclaimed Property
State unclaimed property programs
Every state has an unclaimed property program — bank accounts, insurance proceeds, security deposits, utility refunds, and other funds that have been dormant for a set period are reported to the state and held in trust for the owner. These databases are searchable and free to use.
Search tools:
- missingmoney.com — searches multiple state databases simultaneously
- Your specific state's unclaimed property website — search "[state name] unclaimed property"
- naupa.org — the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, with links to all state databases
Search using the deceased's full name (including maiden names and name variations), Social Security number if you have it, and former addresses.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
If the deceased had a pension from a company that went out of business or terminated its pension plan, the PBGC may be holding their benefits. Search at pbgc.gov/workers-retirees/find-your-pension.
Social Security and Veterans Benefits
Check whether the deceased was owed a final Social Security payment or VA benefits. Contact SSA (1-800-772-1213) and the VA (1-800-827-1000) to inquire.
If You Suspect a Larger Unknown Estate
If you believe a relative left a larger estate that you were not notified about, the probate court records in the county where they lived are public. Contact the probate court directly to search for any probate proceedings. An estates attorney can conduct a more thorough asset search and advise on your rights as a potential heir.