Estate Planning 101

Notifying Nationwide After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

Need some help?

Snug partners with Marble Law, an online law firm built for your peace of mind. Marble lawyers have extensive experience in all matters of estate planning, including the important task of funding a trust.
Get started right away

Are you an executor or trustee?

Snug can help you get organized by providing one place to store and analyze Wills, Trusts, and other essential documents. You can inventory finances, personal property, digital assets, insurance, and more.
Get started for free

Want to get organized?

Snug can help you organize all of life's details by providing one place to store and analyze Wills, Trusts, and other essential documents. You can inventory finances, personal property, digital assets, insurance, and more.
Get started for free

Want to offer estate planning?

Snug is a complete estate planning solution built for Financial Advisors who want to save time and offer their clients more. Whether you have an UHNW client who needs their documents analyzed or a mass affluent client getting their first Trust, we can help.
Get started for free

Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
Get started for free

Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
Get started for free

Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
Get started for free

Navigating through the loss of a loved one can be a challenging time, especially with the administrative tasks that come with it. If your loved one held a property insurance policy with Nationwide, it's important to notify them in a timely manner to adjust or cancel the policy and to initiate any necessary claims.

Who Should Be Notified

Nationwide is a large insurance and financial services company providing a diverse range of insurance coverages, including property insurance. If your loved one had any property (home, rental, etc.) insured by Nationwide, the company will need to be notified of their passing.

When to Notify

You should notify Nationwide as soon as possible following the death of the policyholder. This is crucial to avoid any issues, such as lapses in coverage or unnecessary premium payments.

How to Notify

You can notify Nationwide by calling their Customer Service department at 1-877-669-6877. Be prepared to provide the policyholder's name, policy number, and a copy of the death certificate. You can also contact your local agent, if you know who that is.

What to Expect After Notification

Once Nationwide is notified, they will guide you through the necessary steps. The company will either adjust or cancel the policy based on the circumstances. If the property is being inherited, they will help you transition the policy into the new owner's name. If a claim needs to be filed, such as for a death benefit, they will assist with that process as well.

Tips for Notification

When contacting Nationwide, have all relevant documents at your disposal. Keep a record of all correspondence and interactions, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you speak with. This can be vital information if any questions or issues arise later.

Conclusion

Though it can be a challenging task amidst a difficult time, notifying Nationwide of a loved one's passing is an essential step. It ensures that their property remains protected and that you can manage any necessary claims or policy changes effectively.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify Nationwide online?
A: As of now, Nationwide does not provide an online option to report a death. You must call their customer service line or contact your local agent.

Q: What if I can't find my loved one's policy number?
A: If you're unable to locate the policy number, Nationwide can often find the policy using the policyholder's name and address. However, having the policy number can expedite the process.

Q: What should I do if there's a mortgage on the property?
A: You should also notify the mortgage lender of the policyholder's death. This is crucial as the lender may require certain insurance coverage to be maintained on the property.