Estate planning and settlement at Principal
Name beneficiaries online, fund a trust by phone, and report a death at 1-800-331-2213
With 19 products relevant to estate planning, Principal policyholders need to understand how beneficiary designations control where proceeds go. These designations override a will, so the names on file with Principal are what determine who receives the death benefit.
Beneficiary designations at Principal can be managed online, by phone, and by mail. Trust funding is also available, allowing families to name a trust as the policy beneficiary or establish an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT).
There are two sides to estate planning at Principal: setting things up while you're alive, and the process survivors follow after a death.
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to manage beneficiaries online, fund a trust by mail, and review 19 account types at Principal.
Preparing your estate →Death claim process
Report the death to Principal's Individual Life Claims at 1-800-331-2213. The page lists the steps and the documents to send.
When someone dies →
Sources
- principal.com
- secure02.principal.com
- benefitenrollment.individuals.principal.com
- secure05.principal.com
Data sourced from Principal primary sources (43 pages reviewed). How we research.
Principal customer support
General questions
Phone
Life insurance and disability income insurance
Company-sponsored retirement accounts
Annuities
Company-sponsored insurance, other questions
Individual disability claims
Monthly retirement payments
Mutual funds
Principal Bank
Assistance in Spanish
Hours
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Principal 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.
