Death proceeds

Upon the death of the insured, the insurer will require acceptable proof of death before paying the claim. The normal minimum proof is a death certificate and the insurer's claim form completed, signed, and often notarized. If the insured's death was suspicious and the policy amount warrants it, the insurer may investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, before deciding whether there is a legal obligation to pay the claim.

Proceeds from the policy may be paid in a lump sum or as an annuity paid over time in regular recurring payments either for the life of a specified person or for a specified time period.