Unclaimed life insurance in California

Updated November 8, 2026

When an insurer cannot pay a beneficiary, the proceeds eventually go to the California State Controller. Beneficiaries, including trusts and companies named on a policy, can claim them.

How much is held

Insurance proceeds payable to beneficiaries are one of the largest property types held for business-type owners (companies, trusts and estates) owed $10,000 or more: $69.0M in the November 4, 2026 file. All insurance property for those owners comes to $129.6M.

Who can claim

• The beneficiary named on the record.
• For a trust, the trustee with proof of the trust and their authority.
• For a company beneficiary, an authorized person with proof of authority and the FEIN.
• If the beneficiary has died, their heirs or estate, under the rules for deceased owners.

Proof

Identity and authority, proof of the address on the record and, where relevant, documents linking the claimant to the policy. Death-related claims add death certificates and proof of relationship; see claims for a deceased owner.

Signing

The claim form is signed in wet ink and notarized when the cash total is $1,000 or more.