How Does Life Insurance Work When Someone Dies? 
When the policy owner or holderof the life insurance policy dies it is up to the beneficiary to make a claim . There are two levels of beneficiaries , the first is the primary which can be more than one person or company . The next level is the contingent beneficiary . This level of benefit is only paid if the primary beneficiary were to die prior or at the same time as the policy holder . The procedure is fairly simple . Contact the insurance company and ask for a death claim form which is usually one or two pages . Submit the form along with a certified copy of the death certificate and the proceeds will be released in a very timely manner . 