Claims
Our four-step claims process
Begin your claim onlineOpens in a new tab with the first notice of loss. You’ll be asked information about yourself and the deceased. We’ll send a claim packet to beneficiaries within 2-5 business days of the loss notification.
Complete and return the claim packet with required documents. This generally includes a certified copy of the death certificate and beneficiary identification documents. You can check your claim status online after you return the packet.
As soon as we’ve received all necessary documents and the claim is approved, we’ll issue the benefit payment within 3-6 business days.
After you receive your benefit payment, we recommend contacting us or your financial planner for resources to assist you with important financial decisions.¹
How we deliver when you need us most
Delivering on our commitments, always
When you choose Protective, we make a promise to be there for you when you need us. We often say this is our highest calling. Delivering on our commitments, in 2023 we paid more than $3.9 billion in life insurance claims to 75,346 beneficiaries and $685 million in annuity payments to 13,296 beneficiaries.
One family’s story
When Mrs. Robinson lost her husband, she felt overwhelmed in days that followed. She was relieved by the ease of filing a claim for Mr. Robinson's policy.
It only took a few minutes to inform Protective and start the claim online. Once she received her claim packet and provided the necessary information and documents, the rest was simple. She was able to track the claim online, speak directly to claims representatives and request financial counseling when she received the policy proceeds. The process was one less thing to worry about during a difficult time.
Helping you protect what matters
When life is full of uncertainties, there's assurance in knowing you have a protector that stays by your side.
We've made it our mission to help people secure protection that brings them a feeling of security and peace of mind — and to care for their loved ones when the time comes to deliver on our promises. You can count on us to help protect what’s most important through every transition in life.
We offer 3 options to access funds from your benefit payment immediately and in full:
- Immediate Benefit Account (IBA): IBAs can help safely grow benefit funds exceeding $25,000 at a competitive 3.5% APY². Plus, they offer the convenience of an interest bearing draft account where you can write checks and use digital payment tools, 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.
- Lump sum payment
- Split between lump sum payment and IBA
Helpful resources after the loss of a loved one
Claims frequently asked questions
Visit our claims FAQ page to see a complete list of frequently asked questions and answers.
- Notify us of the death of the insured/annuitant by starting a claim online or by contacting us directly at 1-800-424-1592.
- 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, such as a certified copy of the death certificate and some beneficiary identification 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.
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?
² The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of March 3, 2025. Interest rate and APY are subject to change without notice at any time before and after an Immediate Benefit Account is opened.
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