Did Uncle Wilbur Have Life Insurance?

When a family member passes, it's a difficult time.  It can become even more difficult when you are left with the task of figuring out the important paperwork.  

Sometimes a relative leaves things in perfect order in a file folder marked "When I Die" and things are really easy for the family.  But more often, things are scattered. Sometimes there's a safe deposit box or an overstuffed shoe box under the bed. Either way, it's often a maze.

Here are some tips to help figure out the life insurance part of the puzzle.  Always start the conversation with your relative's insurance agent.  We may have sold them a life insurance policy right along with their auto and home products.  But they may have had another one issued when they were a baby.  Or maybe they bought an extra one when they started their family.  How do you know?

Here's a useful article from the Insurance Information Institute.