How to designate beneficiaries at American Family
Covers 11 insurance accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Customer Service
Phone1-800-MYAMFAM
Toll-Free1-800-692-6326
Mailing Address
6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-800-MYAMFAM
Toll-Free1-800-692-6326
Mailing Address
6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
WebsiteLearn more→
Life Insurance Claims
Toll-Free1-800-692-6326 ext. 78080
Mailing Address
6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Beneficiary designations are the foundation of estate planning for American Family policies. Unlike bank accounts, insurance products cannot be retitled into a trust. Instead, the beneficiary designation itself determines who receives the proceeds and how quickly they're paid. Naming a trust as beneficiary is an option when more control over distributions is needed.
Each of American Family's 11 policies has different rules for how it transfers at death. The sections below explain the options for each.
DreamSecure Choice Term Life InsuranceDreamSecure Simple Term Life InsuranceDreamSecure Whole Life InsuranceDreamSecure 15 Pay Whole Life InsuranceDreamSecure Flexible Life InsuranceDreamSecure Children's Whole Life InsuranceDreamSecure Senior Whole Life InsuranceProtective Life Fixed Annuity (via American Family Brokerage)Protective Life Indexed Annuity (via American Family Brokerage)American Family Auto InsuranceAmerican Family Homeowners & Renters Insurance
1
Visit your local American Family Insurance agent with your policy number and government-issued identification
2
Request a beneficiary change for your life insurance policy
3
Your agent will prepare the beneficiary designation form
4
Designate primary and contingent beneficiaries:
- Full legal names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and relationships
- Percentage allocations totaling 100%
- For trusts: provide the full legal trust name exactly as it appears in the trust document, date established, trustee name(s), and trust EIN; include a copy of the Certificate of Trust or trust documentation
5
Sign the completed form with your agent
6
Your agent will submit the form to American Family Life Insurance Company for processing
7
The company will notify you when the change is complete
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Only the authenticated policy owner can change a beneficiary
- Beneficiary designation forms have no effect on the policy until an accurate and complete form is received at the AFLIC Home Office
- Spousal consent may be required in community property states
- Beneficiary designations override instructions in a will
- For minors: creating a trust is recommended rather than naming a child directly as beneficiary
- Individuals, organizations, charitable entities, and trusts can all be named as beneficiaries
Sources
Data sourced from American Family primary sources (23 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these American Family instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against American Family primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Customer Service
Phone1-800-MYAMFAM
Toll-Free1-800-692-6326
Mailing Address
6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-800-MYAMFAM
Toll-Free1-800-692-6326
Mailing Address
6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
WebsiteLearn more→
Life Insurance Claims
Toll-Free1-800-692-6326 ext. 78080
Mailing Address
6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your American Family accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
