What to do when a State Farm account holder dies
Report the death to State Farm's Life Claims at 1-877-292-0398
A death claim on a State Farm policy is filed through the Life Claims (1-877-292-0398). Because insurance proceeds pass directly to named beneficiaries, this process is separate from probate. The required documentation and timeline vary by policy type.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with State Farm:
Filing a claim
- Policy number (needed to file online)
- Name and date of birth of the deceased
- Date and cause of death (if known)
- Name, address and phone number of the beneficiary (if one is named)
Required Documents
- Claim formsThe applicable forms State Farm sends with the Beneficiary Claim acknowledgment letter.
- Proof of deathState Farm asks for "adequate proof of death".
- Additional documents, under certain circumstances
Claims Contact
Website: Online portal →
Forms State Farm issues2
- Beneficiary Claim acknowledgment letter and applicable claim forms
Completed by the beneficiary. Sent by the institution on request.1
- Online beneficiary form
Completed by a beneficiary who has a key code. Completed online.1
What happens to each kind of account1
- Life insurance policy
For Guaranteed Issue Final Expense policies, if death due to natural causes occurs in the first two policy years, the death proceeds are the return of premium and interest on the premium paid as specified in the policy contract.2
For Guaranteed Issue Final Expense policies, if death is the result of suicide in the first two policy years (one year in North Dakota), the death benefit is the return of premiums paid without interest.2
For Guaranteed Issue Whole Life policies, if death due to natural causes occurs in the first two policy years, the death proceeds are the return of premium and interest on the premium paid as specified in the policy contract.3
What State Farm's agreement and guidance say1
- How proceeds are paid
Once payment is processed, a lump sum payment can be expected in about 10 business days if paid by check, or 2 to 3 business days if paid by Electronic Funds Transaction (EFT).1
Payment takes about 1 to 3 business days once Life Claims receives and reviews the claim forms, adequate proof of death and any other required information.
State Farm's Life Claims can be reached by phone at 1-877-292-0398 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from State Farm primary sources (26 pages reviewed). How we research.
State Farm death claims support
Life Claims
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Toll-free
Mailing address
Website
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