In most cases claiming life insurance proceeds do not require judicial actions because a designated beneficiary is named in the poli
cy. In these cases the life insurance is paid out directly to the beneficiary upon the death of the policy owner. Filing a claim for the death benefits is generally relatively painless and straightforward. The designated beneficiary must contact the insurance company and will likely need a certified copy of the death certificate. Once the claim is approved, the insurance company will cut a check directly to the beneficiary.