What to do when a Zurich account holder dies
Report the death to Zurich's Administrative Office at 1-877-758-9333
A death claim on a Zurich policy is filed through the Administrative Office (1-877-758-9333). 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
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what Zurich requires:
Filing a claim
- Since June 1, 2026, Via Management Solutions LLC manages administrative services for Zurich policies, "including policyholder support, premium collection, and benefit payments".
- Zurich's page gives the office as PO Box 1010, Frankfort, KY 40602-1010, phone 877.758.9333, email pservices@viamgt.com.
- The administrative address changed on June 1, 2026. Zurich's 2013 policyholder forms still print the former Overland Park, KS administrative office.
- Download ZA-1004 from the Zurich American Life forms page.
- ZA-1004 asks for a certified copy of the death certificate and a Medallion signature guarantee on the claimant signature.
- Mail it to ZALICO Administrative Offices, PO Box 64361, St. Paul, MN 55164-0361. For a contract administered by Protective Life or Commonwealth, call the administrator for mailing direction.
Required Documents
- Completed Death Claim Form – Annuity Contracts (ZA-1004), for an annuity contractThe claimant signature carries a Medallion signature guarantee.
- Certified copy of the death certificate, for an annuity contract
Forms Zurich issues1
Accounts handled elsewhere1
- Via Management Solutions LLC
Administrative services for Zurich policies, including policyholder support, premium collection and benefit payments3
Not in Zurich's published guidance1
- How long a claim takes
Insurance Products
3 products- Download ZA-1004 ("Death Packet Form ... Use when requesting death benefit proceeds") from the Zurich American Life forms page.
- The ZA-1004 header lists the Administrative Offices phone as (800) 449-0523.
- A separate Statement of Claimant is completed for each contract.
- If there are two or more beneficiaries or other claimants, each completes a separate Statement of Claimant.
- Section 2 records the capacity in which the proceeds are claimed: Beneficiary, Assignee, Trustee, Executor/Administrator, Guardian, or Other.
- Section 3 records how the proceeds are to be paid.
- Section 7 (Statement of Lost Contract) is completed only if the contract is unavailable for return.
- Section 9 (Foreign Wire Instruction, with form ZA-2001) applies to payees who live outside the United States.
- ZA-1004 states: "All Signatures above are to be guaranteed. Signature Guarantee with Medallion Stamp: (Bank Officer Medallion or Broker Dealer Medallion)"
- ZA-1004 states: "Please include a certified copy of the Death Certificate when submitting this form."
- Mail: Zurich American Life Insurance Company (ZALICO), Administrative Offices, PO Box 64361, St. Paul, MN 55164-0361.
- Overnight deliveries: 7805 Hudson Rd., Ste 180, Woodbury, MN 55125.
- For a contract administered by Protective Life Insurance Company or Commonwealth, call the administrator for mailing direction.
- Zurich American Life Insurance Company (ZALICO), Administrative Offices, PO Box 64361, St. Paul, MN 55164-0361.
- Overnight: 7805 Hudson Rd., Ste 180, Woodbury, MN 55125.
Required Documents
- Completed Death Claim Form – Annuity Contracts (ZA-1004)One Statement of Claimant per contract per claimant.
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Claimant signature guaranteed with a Medallion stamp
- Certified copy of the claimant's birth certificate, if a life income or life income with installments guaranteed payout is chosen
- Voided check, if electing direct deposit of installment or annuity payments
- Acceptance letter, Signature Guarantee form and Corporate Resolution, for a trustee-to-trustee transfer or direct rolloverAll three come from the receiving carrier.
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-800-449-0523
Mailing address: Zurich American Life Insurance Company (ZALICO), Administrative Offices, PO Box 64361, St. Paul, MN 55164-0361
Forms Zurich issues1
State requirements Zurich statesIllinois
- Illinois
The Illinois notice on ZA-1004 says that if the claim is not paid within 15 days of receipt of due proof of loss, interest is included at 9% from the date of death.1
Accounts handled elsewhere2
- Protective Life Insurance Company
Fixed annuity contracts it administers; call for mailing direction3
Phone: 1-800-621-5001
- Commonwealth
Variable annuity and variable life contracts it administers; call for mailing direction3
Phone: 1-800-457-9047
What Zurich's agreement and guidance say1
- How proceeds are paid
Section 3 of ZA-1004 offers spousal continuation, installment payments, a single sum payment, or deferral of the single sum for up to five years.1
Not in Zurich's published guidance1
- How long a claim takes
Sources3
Applies To
Zurich's Administrative Office can be reached by phone at 1-877-758-9333 and email at pservices@viamgt.com for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from Zurich primary sources (20 pages reviewed). How we research.
Zurich death claims support
Administrative Office (Zurich American Life Insurance Company; Via Management Solutions LLC)
Phone
Annuity contracts - ZA-1004 Administrative Offices
Mailing address
Website
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