Estate Planning 101

Notifying Unum After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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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.
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After the loss of a loved one, it's important to notify relevant parties promptly. If your loved one was insured by Unum, a leading disability insurance provider, they need to be informed to terminate the policy and handle any outstanding matters.

Who Should Be Notified

Unum, being the disability insurance provider of the deceased, should be notified of their passing. This will allow them to terminate the policy, stop any ongoing premium payments, and handle any pending claims or benefits.

When to Notify

Unum should be notified as soon as possible after the death of the policyholder. This helps to ensure that no additional premiums are charged, and any pending claims or benefits are handled appropriately.

How to Notify

You can notify Unum by calling their customer service line available on their website. Be prepared to provide the deceased's policy number, Social Security number, and possibly a copy of the death certificate if they request it. Alternatively, you can also notify Unum through their online customer portal.

What to Expect After Notification

Once you have notified Unum, they will terminate the insurance policy and stop any further premium payments. If there were any pending claims at the time of the policyholder's death, Unum will resolve these based on the terms of the policy. Unum may also provide information on any payable death benefits, if applicable.

Tips for Notification

When you communicate with Unum, make sure to keep a record of all interactions. Note down the date and time of your call or online submission, the name of the representative you spoke with, and any confirmation numbers you receive. Having a detailed record of your communication can be useful if there are any discrepancies or issues later on.

Conclusion

Notifying Unum about the passing of a policyholder is an important task after the loss of a loved one. While it's a challenging responsibility during a difficult time, prompt notification can help avoid unnecessary charges and ensure that any pending claims are handled properly.

FAQ

Q: What if I don't have the policy number?
A: If you don't have the policy number, Unum may be able to locate the deceased's account using their name and date of birth. However, having the policy number can expedite the process.

Q: Will Unum reimburse any premiums paid after the policyholder's death?
A: Typically, if premiums were paid for a period after the policyholder's death, these would be refunded, but it's best to confirm this directly with Unum.

Q: What happens to any pending claims after the policyholder's death?
A: Pending claims at the time of the policyholder's death will generally be settled by Unum as per the policy terms.