Last verified 2026-08-18; facts checked against the primary sources below
Nationwide life insurance and annuity death claim
Last verified: August 18, 2026
The short answer: File a Nationwide life or annuity claim online or call 1-800-848-6331. Nationwide asks for a copy of the death certificate and says its CARE Team will contact the claimant with guidance within three business days. If the policy or contract number is unknown, use Nationwide's lost-policy search.
Nationwide claim process at a glance
| Stage | Published action |
|---|---|
| Submission | File online or by phone |
| Guidance | CARE Team contact within 3 business days |
| Review | Nationwide checks forms and documents |
| Proceeds | Check, ACH, or another available payment channel |
| Missing policy | Online lost-policy or contract search |
Who may submit the first notice?
Nationwide lists beneficiaries, family members, funeral homes, agents, executors, trustees, and family attorneys as possible reporters. Reporting does not make the reporter the person entitled to proceeds; Nationwide verifies the beneficiary separately.
Use the official claims page for a known policy and the lost-policy search when the contract cannot be located.
What should you prepare?
Have the insured's legal name, birth and death information, policy or contract number if known, reporter contact information, and death certificate. An estate, trust, minor, or fiduciary claimant may need tax IDs and authority records.
What should you ask the CARE Team?
Confirm whether the product is life insurance or an annuity, which beneficiary is on record, what original documents are required, payout and transfer options, tax treatment, and the status schedule.
Nationwide products and issuing companies can use different forms. Follow the claim packet assigned to the identified contract.