David Y. Ige

Locator Will Help Consumers Find Lost Life Insurance Policies, Annuities

HONOLULU – The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced a national service that provides consumers with search capabilities to help find a deceased person’s lost life insurance policies and annuities.

An estimated $1 billion in benefits from life insurance policies are unclaimed, according to Consumer Reports.  The new tool builds on the life insurance policy locator programs developed separately in a number of states before this launch.

“There are many people who don’t know where to begin when searching for a lost life insurance policy or annuity,” said State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito.  “The Insurance Division receives about 35-40 requests for assistance in finding a possible life insurance policy per year.  The nationwide locator streamlines and simplifies the process for consumers and insurance companies.”

To initiate a search and find more information, visit our website at: cca.hawaii.gov/ins/life-insurance/.

Consumer requests are encrypted and secured to maintain confidentiality.  Participating insurers will compare submitted requests with available policyholder information and report all matches to the Insurance Division through the locator.  Companies will then contact beneficiaries or their authorized representatives.

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The Hawaii Insurance Division oversees the Hawaii insurance industry; issues licenses; examines the fiscal condition of Hawaii-based companies; reviews rate and policy filings; and investigates insurance related complaints.

 

Media Contact:

William Nhieu

Communications Officer

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Email:

Phone: (808) 586-7582

Cell:    (808) 389-2788