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Helping you through the claims process

Losing a loved one is never easy. We want to make the process of filing your life insurance or annuity claim as simple as possible. Starting a claim officially notifies us and begins the claims process. If you've already notified Protective, check your claim status to stay informed of the process.

How we deliver when you need us most

Navigating the claims process

Caring for beneficiaries is the heart of our purpose. Simply begin your claim here, and we will be with you every step of the way.
1
Notify us

Begin your claim onlineOpens in a new tab to easily start the process. We'll need your information as well as the deceased's name, policy number or SSN, dates of birth/death, cause/manner of death, and country of death. If you need assistance, please call us at 1-800-424-1592.

2
File a claim

Once your claim packet arrives, simply provide the required information. This generally includes a certified copy of the death certificate and some beneficiary identification documents. You can check your claim status online after it's filed.

3
Receive funds

As soon as we've received all necessary documentation and your claim is approved, we will send out your benefit payment within one business day.

4
Request counseling

After you receive your benefit payment, we recommend contacting your financial planner or Protective for resources to assist you with important financial decisions.*

Options to receive your funds

There are two options to access your funds immediately and in full:


  1. Lump sum payment
  2. Immediate Benefit Account (IBA): For funds exceeding $25,000, IBAs offer the convenience of an interest-bearing draft account—similar to a checking account—where you can write checks to third parties, withdraw your entire balance and close your account any time.

If your claim is eligible for an IBA, you'll be given this option in your claim packet.

Older woman thoughtfully considering an Immediate Benefit Account for life insurance proceeds from Protective.

Helpful resources after the loss of a loved one

Navigating the emotional, financial and legal aspects of a loved one's passing can feel overwhelming. We've put together these resources to help guide you through this difficult time.
Father and son using a tablet to start a life insurance claim with Protective.
Submitting a life insurance or annuity claim
Middle-aged woman using a laptop to check a Protective claim status.
Tracking the progress of a submitted claim
Bereaved older woman thoughtfully considering her emotional and financial needs.
Managing emotional needs and financial decisions
Two people holding hands following the loss of a loved one.
Understanding what to do when a loved one dies
Older woman thoughtfully considering her claims questions.
Getting answers to your claims questions
Middle-aged couple using a laptop to update the beneficiary of their Protective life insurance policy.
Making changes to a policy or contract beneficiary

Claims frequently asked questions

When you're ready to make a claim, you may have questions. Here are answers to a few of the questions we hear most often.

Visit our claims FAQ page to see a complete list of frequently asked questions and answers.
  1. Notify us of the death of the insured/annuitant by starting a claim online or by contacting us directly at 1-800-424-1592.
  2. We will then verify the beneficiaries.
  3. We'll reach out to beneficiaries and ask them to complete a claim packet and provide any necessary documents, such as a certified copy of the death certificate and some beneficiary identification documents.
  4. Once all documents and forms are returned, we'll review the claim.
  5. After review, we'll either process the claim or contact the beneficiary for any additional information needed.

Online is the quickest and easiest way to file a claim. If you have a death certificate to upload, this will expedite the process.

The answer is no — it's the same claims process whether the policy is with Athene, Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company, MONY Life Insurance Company, Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Protective Life Insurance Company, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, West Coast Life, or Zurich.


You'll visit claims.protective.com, follow the same steps and provide required documents:

  • Complete the enclosed claim form in its entirety by each beneficiary.
  • A certified copy of the death certificate.
  • Return the original policy or contract if available. If these documents are not easily accessible, in SECTION D of the claim form select "The original policy(ies), or a copy, cannot be found."
  • Complete, sign, and return the enclosed IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification).

Ready to start a claim?

You can quickly and easily start the claims process online using the link below. If you need assistance, please call us at 1-800-424-1592. Our claims team is available Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. CST.
*Neither Protective life nor its representatives offer legal, investment or tax advice. We encourage you to consult with your financial adviser and legal or tax adviser regarding your individual situations before making investment, social security, retirement planning, and tax-related decisions.

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