In order for the claim to materialize, it is important that the survivors produce the documentation of benefit and insurance coverage, medical history and financial status of the deceased. Organized records enable you to keep your documents handy with trusted family or friends in case of an emergency. It is suggested that you keep the copies of your insurance policies in at least two places.

The list of instructions that need to kept organized are:

• Policy with name of insurance company, policy number and contact information for agent/insurance company along with the address of state and home office of the company;
• Specific payment dates and amounts due for all policies, including life, disability, long-term care, auto and mortgage, homeowner's or renter's insurance policies;
• Instructions provided on where to find Social Security benefit records and;
• Inclusion of beneficiary contact information.
• The location of original Insurance policies.

Where should I keep the important information?

Choose the important papers that need to be kept safe. Decide whether you’d want them to be easily accessible, keeping in mind the long term safety of the documents as well. At least two copies should be made of the important documents such as tax records; health, medical, insurance records; bank and credit card account numbers; passwords and pin numbers of your credit cards; retirement plan papers, etc.

Store a copy of these papers at home, in a fire proof vault, at an easily accessible place. Don’t forget to pass on the information to the right person!

Keep the second copy of the records “away-from-home”— perhaps in a safe deposit vault, or with your lawyer or a trustworthy relative.