Estate planning at American Equity
How to protect 5 American Equity accounts — manage beneficiaries by phone, fund a trust by mail, and file death claims
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more →
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more →
Beneficiary Support
Phone1-877-542-8847
Fax1-515-457-1837
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 71216, Des Moines, IA 50325-9909
WebsiteNotify online →
Verified Mar 2026
American Equity is a insurance company with 5 products relevant to estate planning. Life insurance and annuity proceeds transfer directly to named beneficiaries outside of probate, making beneficiary designations one of the most important estate planning steps for American Equity policyholders.
Beneficiary designations at American Equity can be managed by mail and by phone, typically taking 15-30 minutes. Trust funding is also available, allowing families to name a trust as the policy beneficiary or establish an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT).
American Equity provides specific procedures for both proactive estate planning and filing claims after a death.
Preparing your estate
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to update beneficiaries by phone, fund a trust by mail, and review 5 account types at American Equity.
View details →When someone dies
Death claim process
11-step process, 6 required documents, and contact information for survivors.
View details →Frequently asked questions
Download the Change of Beneficiary Form (014036) from american-equity.com/forms or call (888) 221-1234 to request it. Complete the form with your primary and contingent beneficiary information, sign it, and submit by mail to P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343, or fax to (515) 226-3129. Faxed copies are accepted. Customer service is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST.
Yes. Trusts can be named as beneficiaries on all American Equity annuity products. In addition to the Change of Beneficiary Form (014036), you must complete the Certification of Trust Agreement (Form 014260) signed by the trustee(s) and provide the trust cover page(s) and notarized signature page(s). The trust's Tax ID Number (EIN) is required.
Non-qualified annuities may be owned by a trust. To transfer ownership, complete the Ownership Change form (014039) along with the Certification of Trust Agreement (Form 014260) and supporting trust documents. Qualified annuities (IRAs) cannot be owned by a trust, but a trust can be named as beneficiary.
If you are married and reside in a community property state, your spouse must co-sign the Change of Beneficiary Form (014036). Additionally, if your spouse is to elect the spousal continuation option, they must be named as the sole primary beneficiary.
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more →
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more →
Beneficiary Support
Phone1-877-542-8847
Fax1-515-457-1837
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 71216, Des Moines, IA 50325-9909
WebsiteNotify online →
Verified Mar 2026
Estate planning resources for American Equity customers
Tools and documents to help protect your American Equity accounts.
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