Unclaimed Insurance Money and Benefits in Tennessee: How to Find and Claim What You’re Owed

Many people in Tennessee have unclaimed insurance money and unpaid benefits they don’t even know about. These can come from life insurance policies, health insurance refunds, auto insurance claims, or other policies that were never fully paid out.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how unclaimed insurance funds usually work in Tennessee, how to search for money in your name, and what to do to file a claim through official channels. This site is not a government office, not an insurance company, and not a claims portal, but it can help you understand the process so you can take your next step with the correct official agency.

What Is “Unclaimed Insurance Money” in Tennessee?

Unclaimed insurance money generally means insurance benefits that were never delivered to the person who was supposed to receive them, such as:

• A life insurance payout owed to a beneficiary
• A refund of premiums or overpayments
• A settlement check that was mailed to an old address and never cashed
• Health insurance reimbursements that were returned or unclaimed
• Property or auto insurance claim payments that were never received

In Tennessee, when an insurance company cannot reach the policyholder or beneficiary for a certain period of time, the law usually requires the company to turn that money over to the state’s unclaimed property program. The state then holds the money until the rightful owner or heir files a claim.

Common Types of Unclaimed Insurance Benefits

1. Life Insurance and Annuities

This is one of the most common sources of unclaimed funds.

You might have unclaimed money if:

• A family member passed away and had a life insurance policy
• You were named as a beneficiary but never notified
• You changed addresses and never received a check
• The life insurance company could not locate you as a beneficiary

Possible unclaimed amounts:

• Death benefits from life insurance
• Annuity payouts
• Refunds of premiums or accumulated value

2. Health Insurance Refunds and Reimbursements

You might have unclaimed health-related funds if:

• You overpaid premiums
• You were owed a reimbursement for a covered medical service
• A check from your health plan was returned to sender or expired
• An employer-sponsored plan had leftover funds or credits owed to you

3. Auto and Property Insurance

Unclaimed money can also come from:

• Auto accident claim settlements that weren’t cashed
• Property damage claims (homeowners or renters insurance)
• Premium refunds after policy cancellation
• Subrogation payouts (when your insurer recovers money from another company and owes you part)

4. Other Insurance-Related Funds

You could also see:

• Credit card add-on insurance refunds
• Travel insurance claim payments that were never received
• Mortgage insurance (PMI) refunds in some cases

Who Might Have Unclaimed Insurance Money in Tennessee?

People who often find unclaimed insurance funds include:

• Heirs and beneficiaries of someone who has passed away
• People who have moved frequently or changed names
• Those who had old jobs with group life or health insurance
• People who switched insurance companies and canceled policies
• Seniors or caregivers managing old paperwork and policies

If you or a close relative:

• Had multiple jobs or union memberships
• Owned a home and used mortgage-related insurance
• Purchased life insurance years ago
• Served in the military or worked for the government (separate federal processes may apply)

…it can be worth checking.

How Unclaimed Insurance Money Is Handled in Tennessee

Role of the Tennessee Unclaimed Property Program

In Tennessee, unclaimed insurance money is typically handled through the state’s unclaimed property division, which is part of the Tennessee Department of Treasury.

Insurance companies must:

1. Try to contact the policyholder or beneficiary for a set period.
2. If they cannot reach them, report and transfer the money to the state.
3. Provide information such as the name, last known address, and Social Security number (if available).

The state then:

• Lists the money under the owner’s or beneficiary’s name.
• Holds the funds until someone files a valid claim.
• Requires proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of relationship or legal authority.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Insurance Money in Tennessee

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you search, try to collect:

• Full legal name (including middle names or initials)
• Previous names (maiden names, name changes)
• Current and past addresses in Tennessee
• Approximate dates you or a relative held insurance policies
• Names of employers that might have provided group insurance
• Names of insurance companies you remember using

For a deceased relative, also gather:

• Their full legal name
• Date of birth and date of death
• Last known address in Tennessee
• Your relationship to them

Step 2: Search Tennessee’s Official Unclaimed Property Database

Most states, including Tennessee, offer a free online search tool through the state Treasury or unclaimed property division.

To find it, you can:

• Search online for phrases like “Tennessee unclaimed property Tennessee Treasury”
• Look for the official state website (usually ending in “.gov”)
• Confirm you are on the Tennessee Department of Treasury or unclaimed property site

Once there, you can usually:

1. Enter your name (and former names) into the search box.
2. Try different spellings or variations.
3. Search for deceased relatives if you may be an heir.

If you don’t have internet access, you can usually:

• Call the Tennessee unclaimed property office listed on the Tennessee Treasury website.
• Request that they mail or explain how to search and claim.

Step 3: Understand Your Search Results

Search results may show:

• Your name or a similar name
• A last known address
• The type of property (for example, “Insurance proceeds” or “Life insurance”)
• The holder (for example, name of an insurance company)

If you see a listing that appears to be you:

• Check if the address matches a place you lived.
• Check if the company name looks familiar.
• Note any property or claim ID number shown.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Insurance Money in Tennessee

Once you’ve found a possible match, the usual process is:

1. Start the Claim with the Tennessee Unclaimed Property Office

On the official Tennessee unclaimed property portal, you can typically:

• Click a “Claim” or “File Claim” button next to your listing.
• Answer a few questions to start the claim.
• Indicate whether you’re the original owner, beneficiary, or an heir.

If filing by mail:

• Request a claim form from the Tennessee unclaimed property division.
• Provide the property ID number and your contact information.

2. Collect Required Documents

Tennessee’s unclaimed property program typically requires proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of relationship or legal authority.

Here is a simple summary:

*Exact requirements can vary. The Tennessee unclaimed property office will usually list required documents for your specific claim.

3. Submit Your Claim

You may usually submit:

• Online through the Tennessee unclaimed property portal (uploading scans or photos of documents), or
• By mail, sending copies (not originals unless specifically required) to the address provided by the Tennessee Department of Treasury’s unclaimed property division.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or process claims. Claims must be submitted directly to the official Tennessee unclaimed property office or another official agency as directed.

4. Wait for Review and Possible Follow-Up

After you submit:

• The state office will review your documents.
• They might contact you if something is missing, unclear, or needs correction.
• Processing times can vary depending on how complex your claim is and how many claims the office is handling.

If your claim is approved, you will usually receive:

• A check from the State of Tennessee, not from the original insurance company, or
• Instructions if additional steps are required in complex estate cases.

Claiming Life Insurance Money Specifically

Life insurance is a common area where people discover unclaimed funds.

How to Check If a Deceased Loved One Had Life Insurance

You can:

• Look through old files, safe deposit boxes, and mail for policy documents.
• Check bank statements for premium payments to an insurance company.
• Contact the HR or benefits office at the deceased person’s former employers to ask whether they had group life insurance.
• Use Tennessee’s unclaimed property search to look up their name for “Insurance proceeds” or similar listings.

Sometimes, insurance companies also have their own search or beneficiary services. You can:

• Find the company’s official website.
• Look for “lost policy search” or “beneficiary services.”
• Contact their customer service line for guidance.

If You Are a Named Beneficiary

If the life insurance company still holds the funds (not yet turned over to the state), they may ask for:

• Claim form from the insurer
• Death certificate
• Your ID
• Possibly proof of relationship if not clearly stated in the policy

If the money has already been transferred to Tennessee as unclaimed property, then:

• You’ll file a claim through the Tennessee unclaimed property office instead of directly through the insurance company.

Timelines: How Long Do You Have to Claim?

In Tennessee, unclaimed property (including insurance money) is typically held by the state indefinitely until the rightful owner or heir makes a claim. There is usually no standard expiration date once the funds are turned over to the state.

However:

• Insurance companies may have time limits before turning money over to the state.
• Estate matters (probate, distribution of assets) can have deadlines and legal rules that affect how and when you can claim on behalf of a deceased person.

If you have questions about deadlines or complex estate issues, it may help to:

• Contact the Tennessee unclaimed property office for general information, and/or
• Ask a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Claims for unclaimed insurance money can be delayed or rejected when:

• Names don’t match (for example, missing middle names, maiden vs. married names)
• Insufficient documentation of identity or relationship
• Incomplete claim form or missing signatures
• Unclear estate authority (for a deceased person’s funds)
• Wrong person claiming (name matches but the address or SSN doesn’t)

To reduce problems:

• Use the exact legal name from your ID.
• If you have a name change, provide documentation (marriage certificate, court order).
• Double-check that all requested documents are included.
• If you’re claiming for a deceased relative, gather estate documents first if possible.

How Appeals or Reconsiderations Usually Work

If your claim is denied or partially approved, Tennessee’s unclaimed property program may provide:

• A written explanation of why the claim was not approved.
• Instructions on what additional documents are needed.
• Information on how to resubmit or appeal a decision.

Typical next steps might include:

1. Reviewing the denial letter carefully.
2. Gathering any missing paperwork or clearer proof.
3. Contacting the unclaimed property office by phone or mail to ask what you can do to correct the issue.
4. If there is a formal appeals process, following the steps and deadlines they provide.

In more complex disputes or large claims, some people choose to consult with an attorney familiar with probate or unclaimed property in Tennessee.

How to Tell If You’re on an Official Tennessee Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Whenever money is involved, it’s important to protect yourself from scams.

Here are tips to help make sure you’re dealing with official sources:

• Website address:

  • Tennessee government websites typically end in “.gov”.
  • Be cautious of sites with “.com”, “.org”, or “.net” that charge fees to “find” unclaimed money. The state’s official search is typically free.

• No upfront payment required:

  • The Tennessee unclaimed property program generally does not charge a fee to search for or claim your money.
  • Some private “finder” or “locator” services may charge a percentage or fee. Using them is usually optional, not required.

• Protect your personal information:

  • Only enter your full Social Security number on secure, clearly official state portals or with trusted officials.
  • Avoid giving personal information over the phone unless you dialed the official number yourself (for example, from the Tennessee Department of Treasury’s official contact list).

• Verify phone numbers:

  • Look up contact numbers on the Tennessee state government website, not just from a random search result or email.

• Be wary of unsolicited contacts:

  • If someone calls, emails, or messages you claiming you have unclaimed money and demands a fee or asks for sensitive details, verify independently through the Tennessee unclaimed property office before responding.

If you’re unsure whether a site or caller is legitimate, you can also:

• Call 211 in many areas for help getting the correct state contact information.
• Ask a trusted friend, family member, or local community resource center to help you navigate to the official Tennessee government site.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Tennessee?

If you don’t see unclaimed insurance money in your name on Tennessee’s site, consider:

• Other states:
  If you or a family member ever lived, worked, or held policies in a different state, check that state’s unclaimed property office as well.

• Direct with insurers:
  If you know the name of a specific insurance company, you can contact them directly through their official customer service line to ask about old policies.

• Employers or unions:
  Call previous employers, unions, or pension administrators to ask if there were group life insurance policies or benefits you may not have claimed.

• Federal benefits:
  Some benefits (like certain federal employee life insurance plans or military-related benefits) may be handled at the federal level, not through the state. In that case, you would need to contact the appropriate federal agency.

Quick Checklist: How to Claim Unclaimed Insurance Money in Tennessee

Use this list to stay organized:

1. Gather information

   • Names (current and former), addresses, dates of birth, employer names, insurance company names.

2. Search Tennessee’s official unclaimed property database

   • Confirm you’re on a “.gov” Tennessee Treasury/unclaimed property site.
   • Search for yourself and any deceased close relatives.

3. Review results carefully

   • Look for matches in name and address.
   • Note claim or property ID numbers.

4. Start your claim (online or by mail)

   • Use the official Tennessee unclaimed property forms or portal.

5. Collect and submit required documents

   • Photo ID, proof of address, death certificate, proofs of relationship, and estate documents where needed.

6. Monitor your claim

   • Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
   • Keep copies of everything you submit.

7. Verify every step is through official channels

   • No fees required by the state to claim your money.
   • Confirm website and phone numbers through Tennessee’s official government resources.

By following these steps through the Tennessee unclaimed property program and relevant official agencies, many residents and heirs are able to reconnect with insurance money and benefits they didn’t realize were still owed to them.