Estate planning and settlement at Nationwide
Name beneficiaries online and report a death at 1-800-848-6331
Nationwide offers 12 insurance products that play a central role in estate planning. Because policy proceeds pass directly to named beneficiaries—bypassing probate entirely—keeping designations current is one of the highest-impact steps policyholders can take.
Nationwide lets account holders update beneficiary designations online and by mail. Trust funding options vary by account type—check with Nationwide for specifics.
Nationwide has documented procedures for both preparing accounts during your lifetime and handling claims when an account holder passes away.
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to manage beneficiaries online, and review 12 account types at Nationwide.
Preparing your estate →Death claim process
Report the death to Nationwide's Annuity and Life CARE Team at 1-800-848-6331. The page lists the steps and the documents to send.
When someone dies →
Sources
Data sourced from Nationwide primary sources (32 pages reviewed). How we research.
Nationwide customer support
Annuity and Life Insurance Service
Phone
Fax (annuity)
Fax (life)
Annuity income products
Annuity sales and professionals
Mutual funds service
Retirement plans — governmental 457, 401(k), 403(b), PEHP
Retirement plans — 401(k)/403(b) employees
Corporate headquarters
Life insurance professionals
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Nationwide accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Forms for Planning Your Estate
Free forms for planning your estate: a will, living trust, pour-over will, both powers of attorney, living will, and TOD deed.
Last Will and Testament
Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Vehicle Transfer on Death
Name a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
Tools for Planning Your Estate
Free tools for planning your estate: what a will or trust costs, whether you need a trust or TOD deed, and how documents are signed.
How Do I Sign Estate Documents?
Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.
Will My Estate Documents Transfer?
Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.
Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?
Compare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare will costs across providers plus probate costs your heirs will pay.
How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?
Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.
