Filing a life insurance claim
Losing a loved one is difficult, so we’re here to make the claims process easy. Our life insurance claims team is committed to making the process simple for you and will be with you every step of the way.
Three steps for filing your claim
We understand your time is valuable, and we aim to make the process as swift and seamless as possible.
1. Contact our Claims Department at 1-800-796-3872.
- Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT.
- We’ll talk you through the claims process and will send you a package containing all the requirements needed to submit your claim.
2. Complete the provided claims form and gather any requested information.
- Complete and sign the required claim form.
- Be sure to elect how you wish to receive the life insurance proceeds.
- Gather any other requested information, including a certified death certificate.
3. Return the claim form and any other requirements via regular mail or overnight mail.
- Regular mail:
Symetra Life Insurance Company
First Symetra National Life Insurance
Company of New York
PO Box 34690
Seattle, WA 98124-1690 - Overnight mail:
Symetra Life Insurance Company
First Symetra National Life Insurance
Company of New York
777 108th Ave NE Suite 1200
Bellevue, WA 98004-5135
Receiving your payment
Once all requirements to process your claim are received, we generally pay the claim via your selected payment method within three business days. A confirmation letter will be sent outlining the details of your payment.
Frequently asked questions
Are there additional requirements if the beneficiary is a trust?
If the beneficiary is a trust, we’ll need to confirm the trustees who can act on behalf of the trust. You’ll provide a copy of the trust document showing the trust name, trustee(s) and signature page. The trustee will then complete the claim form provided.
Are there additional requirements if the beneficiary is an estate?
If the beneficiary is an estate, we’ll need a copy of the Letter of Testamentary naming the executor(s) or personal representative of the estate. Once the executor is confirmed, they can complete the claim form.
What if the primary beneficiary is deceased?
If a primary beneficiary dies prior to the insured, those benefits will be payable to any other primary beneficiaries still living. If there are no additional primary beneficiaries, the benefits will pass to any named contingent beneficiaries.
If there are no living beneficiaries—primary or contingent—the proceeds will be payable to the owner or owner’s estate.
Need additional support?
Losing a loved one can be confusing and overwhelming. As a Symetra life insurance beneficiary, we’re providing free access to Empathy, a service that can help you save time, money and stress as you go through the practical and emotional challenges stemming from loss. Empathy can provide:
• A personalized care plan that walks you through dealing with estates, navigating probate, closing open accounts and so on.
• Grief support resources, including audio meditations and reflection tools to help you process emotionally.
• On-demand access to Empathy’s dedicated Care Team, who are available to listen to what you’re going through, give advice, help you find local professionals and more.
To learn more about our partnership with Empathy, click here 
.
Still have questions?
Contact our Claims Department at 1-800-796-3872.
We're available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT.
Symetra Life Insurance Company is a direct subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation. First Symetra National Life Insurance Company of New York is a direct subsidiary of Symetra Life Insurance Company and is an indirect subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation (collectively, “Symetra”). Neither Symetra Financial Corporation nor Symetra Life Insurance Company solicits business in the state of New York and they are not authorized to do so. Each company is responsible for its own financial obligations.
Life insurance is issued by Symetra Life Insurance Company, 777 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1200, Bellevue, WA 98004, and is not available in all U.S. states or any U.S. territory.
In New York, life insurance is issued by First Symetra National Life Insurance Company of New York, New York, NY. Mailing address is P.O. Box 34690, Seattle, WA 98124.
Empathy's bereavement services and platform are provided through an agreement with The Empathy Project, Inc., (doing business as Empathy). Empathy is not an affiliate of Symetra, and the services Empathy provides are separate and apart from the insurance or insurance death benefit provided by Symetra. Not available on all policy forms or in all jurisdictions. Empathy is only available to insureds and beneficiaries who are U.S. residents. Information disclosed directly to Empathy is not disclosed to Symetra, and therefore is not subject to Symetra's privacy policy.
These services are subject to change and cancellation without notice.