My dad passed away 4 years ago, and a few weeks later, I got a letter saying he had a life insurance policy. They mentioned my mom was the beneficiary, but she had dementia, so I couldn’t fill out the forms. My mom passed away in December, so I recently contacted the insurance company. I filled out a claims packet and sent in both of my parents’ death certificates. The company is Chesapeake Life Insurance, and the reviews I’ve seen on Google and Yelp are awful. They won’t give me any information about the policy until everything is reviewed. Has anyone dealt with this? I feel like they’re trying to avoid paying out.
If you’re not listed as a beneficiary, the money will go to the estate, and you’ll have to go through probate, which is a pain. They’ll pay, but it’s going to take time.
Zuri said:
If you’re not listed as a beneficiary, the money will go to the estate, and you’ll have to go through probate, which is a pain. They’ll pay, but it’s going to take time.
Then why did they say after everything is reviewed, I’d get a check in the mail within 10 business days?
@Corey
Maybe because you’re listed as a contingent beneficiary?
Zuri said:
@Corey
Maybe because you’re listed as a contingent beneficiary?
Oh, that makes sense. I was wondering why they kept saying that.
Zuri said:
@Corey
Maybe because you’re listed as a contingent beneficiary?
Oh, that makes sense. I was wondering why they kept saying that.
How’s everything going now?
@Ren
I’m not sure yet. I sent in the claim packet last week, but they said I missed a section, so they emailed me a new form. I mailed it back, and I’ll call later this week to check if I did everything right.
Zuri said:
@Corey
Maybe because you’re listed as a contingent beneficiary?
Honestly, this shouldn’t matter. If your mom was alive when your dad passed away, and it wasn’t a simultaneous death situation (which it doesn’t seem like), the insurance company’s obligation would be to her or her estate as the primary beneficiary. Your mom would only be skipped if she passed before your dad.
If the check comes in your name, I’d be surprised. You should cash it fast before the insurance company reconsiders! But if the check is made out to your mom or her estate, there might be more steps you need to take.