American General Life Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

American General Life Insurance is a subsidiary of American International Group (AIG), a leading global insurance company. The company provides a wide range of life insurance products, including term life, whole life, and universal life insurance, to millions of customers in the United States.

Types of American General Life Insurance claims

There are two types of claims that American General customers can make: death claims and living benefit claims.

Death claims

A death claim is filed when the policyholder passes away. The beneficiaries named in the policy can file a claim with American General to receive the death benefit, which is the amount of money the policyholder chose to be paid out upon their death.

American General requires the following documents to process a death claim:

Document
Description
Death certificate
A certified copy of the policyholder’s death certificate
Policy documents
The original policy documents or certified copies thereof
Claim form
The completed and signed claim form provided by American General

It is recommended that the beneficiaries notify American General of the policyholder’s death as soon as possible.

Living benefit claims

A living benefit claim is filed when the policyholder becomes terminally ill and is expected to pass away within a certain period of time. The policyholder can receive a portion of their death benefit in advance to help cover medical expenses or other needs.

American General requires the following documents to process a living benefit claim:

Document
Description
Medical certification
A statement from a physician certifying that the policyholder is terminally ill
Policy documents
The original policy documents or certified copies thereof
Claim form
The completed and signed claim form provided by American General

It is important to note that receiving a living benefit payout will reduce the amount of the death benefit that the beneficiaries will receive upon the policyholder’s death.

How to file an American General Life Insurance claim

To file a claim with American General Life Insurance, follow these steps:

  1. Obtain the necessary claim forms and documents from American General’s website, customer service center, or a financial advisor.
  2. Complete the claim form in full and sign it.
  3. Gather any required documentation, such as a death certificate or medical certification, and make copies.
  4. Submit the completed claim form and supporting documents to American General via mail, fax, or email.
  5. If necessary, follow up with American General to ensure that the claim is being processed and that any additional information or documentation is provided in a timely manner.

American General Life Insurance claims FAQs

How long does it take to process an American General Life Insurance claim?

The processing time for a claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of the information provided. American General aims to process claims as quickly as possible and will notify the claimant if any additional information is needed.

Can I file a claim online?

Yes, American General offers an online claims submission process for certain types of claims. However, some claims may require additional documentation and cannot be submitted online.

What if I have trouble filing a claim or have questions about the process?

American General has a team of dedicated customer service representatives who can assist with all aspects of the claims process. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact American General’s customer service center by phone or email.

Can I appeal a denied claim?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a review of the decision and provide any additional information or documentation that may support your claim.

What happens if the beneficiary cannot be found?

If American General is unable to locate the beneficiary named in the policy, the death benefit may be held in a special account until the beneficiary can be located. In some cases, the death benefit may be turned over to the state’s unclaimed property agency.

Conclusion

Filing a life insurance claim with American General can be a straightforward process if you have the necessary documentation and information. Whether you are filing a death claim or a living benefit claim, it is important to follow the instructions provided by American General and to keep in touch with the claims department throughout the process. By doing so, you can ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to in a timely manner.