Estate planning at Unum
How to protect 10 Unum accounts — manage beneficiaries online, fund a trust by mail, and file death claims
Customer Service
Phone1-866-679-3054
Emailaskunum@unum.com
Fax1-800-447-2498
Mailing Address
Unum, P.O. Box 100158, Columbia, SC 29202
Term Life/AD&D and Whole Life Claims
Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Claims
Leave and Disability Claims
Dental and Vision
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-866-679-3054
Emailaskunum@unum.com
Fax1-800-447-2498
Mailing Address
Unum, P.O. Box 100158, Columbia, SC 29202
Term Life/AD&D and Whole Life Claims
Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Claims
Leave and Disability Claims
Dental and Vision
WebsiteLearn more→
Claims
Phone1-800-445-0402
Toll-Free1-800-445-0402
Fax1-800-447-2498
Mailing Address
Unum Life Insurance Company of America, P.O. Box 100158, Columbia, SC 29202
Verified Apr 2026
With 10 products relevant to estate planning, Unum policyholders need to understand how beneficiary designations control where proceeds go. These designations override a will, so the names on file with Unum are what determine who receives the death benefit.
Unum lets account holders update beneficiary designations online, by mail, and by phone, typically taking 10-15 minutes online; 15-20 minutes 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).
Unum provides specific procedures for both proactive estate planning and filing claims after a death.
Preparing your estate
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to manage beneficiaries online, fund a trust by mail, and review 10 account types at Unum.
View details →When someone dies
Death claim process
4-step process, 7 required documents, and contact information for survivors.
View details →Frequently asked questions
For employer-sponsored group life insurance, contact your employer HR department or log in to the MyUnum for Members portal at services.unum.com to update beneficiaries online. You can also use the Unum electronic signature portal at unum.com/support/employees/esign to submit a beneficiary change digitally, or download the Beneficiary Change form (Form CS-1277) from unum.com and submit by mail to Unum Life Insurance Company of America, P.O. Box 100158, Columbia, SC 29202 or by fax to 800-447-2498. You can also call 800-445-0402 for assistance. For portability coverage, use the Portability Beneficiary Designation Form (AE-1243).
In most cases, Unum group life insurance coverage is portable, meaning you can continue coverage after leaving employment by paying premiums directly. Whole life insurance policies are individually owned and remain in force as long as premiums are paid, regardless of employment status. An accelerated living benefit is also available for covered individuals diagnosed as terminally ill. Contact Unum at 800-445-0402 or your employer HR department for specific portability options and deadlines, as there is typically a limited window to elect portable coverage after employment ends.
Sources
Data sourced from Unum primary sources (15 pages reviewed). How we research.
Customer Service
Phone1-866-679-3054
Emailaskunum@unum.com
Fax1-800-447-2498
Mailing Address
Unum, P.O. Box 100158, Columbia, SC 29202
Term Life/AD&D and Whole Life Claims
Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Claims
Leave and Disability Claims
Dental and Vision
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-866-679-3054
Emailaskunum@unum.com
Fax1-800-447-2498
Mailing Address
Unum, P.O. Box 100158, Columbia, SC 29202
Term Life/AD&D and Whole Life Claims
Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Claims
Leave and Disability Claims
Dental and Vision
WebsiteLearn more→
Claims
Phone1-800-445-0402
Toll-Free1-800-445-0402
Fax1-800-447-2498
Mailing Address
Unum Life Insurance Company of America, P.O. Box 100158, Columbia, SC 29202
Verified Apr 2026