Helping you through the claims process
Losing a loved one is never easy. We want to make the process of filing your 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.
Useful resources
The claims process
Caring for beneficiaries is the heart of our purpose as a company. Simply begin your claim here or via phone, and we will be with you throughout the process.
1
Notify us
Visit us online or call 1-800-424-1592. 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.
2
Filing 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.
3
Receiving your 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
Financial counseling
After you receive your benefit payment, we recommend contacting your financial planner or Protective for resources to help you .*
The Immediate Benefit Account option
If your benefit amount is $25,000 or higher you may be eligible to receive an Immediate Benefit Account. The Immediate Benefit Account offers the convenience of an interest-bearing draft account – similar to a checking account – for your funds instead of a one-time, lump-sum check. You can receive a personal checkbook and write checks to third parties, including individuals, stores, creditors, banks, brokerage firms and other financial institutions. You can also write a check to withdraw your entire balance and close your account at any time. If your claim is eligible, you’ll be given this option in your claim packet.
Our most important promise
When you choose Protective, we are making a promise to be there for you when you need us. We often say that this is our highest calling. In 2021, we paid more than $4.8 billion in life insurance claims to 95,574 beneficiaries. During 2021 we likewise paid $733 million in annuity payments to 15,779 beneficiaries. This is our most important promise.
Ready to start a claim?
To begin a claim, notify us with the link below or 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.
Additional resources
Life insurance claims frequently asked questions
- Notify us of the death of the insured/annuitant via this website or the phone.
- We will then verify the beneficiaries.
- We’ll reach out to beneficiaries and ask them to complete a claim packet and provide any necessary documents.
- Once all documents and forms are returned, we’ll review the claim.
- After review, we’ll either process the claim or contact the beneficiary for any additional information needed.
Generally, the claims process takes about two to three weeks. Because each claim is different and sometimes there are state regulations that may require additional processing time or adjudication, we are unable to provide an exact timeline for your specific claim. But please know that we are committed to processing your claim as quickly as possible and will be happy to update you on the status at any time.
Normally, taxes are payable only on the interest paid on the death benefit proceeds or on the gain on an Annuity Contract. We urge you to consult with a tax professional if you are concerned these benefits may be taxable to you.
*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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