How to Notify Nationwide of a Death
Phone or online. Notify Nationwide to receive a claims packet with the forms and documents needed for your specific policy.
Nationwide — contact info
- Estate / bereavement phone
- 800-848-6331
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET
What Nationwide requires
Death certificate
Issued by an authorized government agency — a funeral director can often help obtain a copy.
Claim forms
Provided in the claims packet after notification; the exact forms depend on the policy type.
What to expect
Processing time: A Nationwide CARE Team representative reaches out within 3 business days of the claim being filed.
A letter you can send Nationwide today
Fill these in and the letter below becomes yours — dated today, ready to print and send. Nothing is saved and you don't need an account.
Your letter asks what the institution requires. It won't claim you're authorised to act for the estate — only a court appointment gives you that, and saying so without one can hold up the process.
Nationwide Re: Life Insurance Claim — Insured: Robert J. Sample Dear Claims Department, I am writing to initiate a life insurance claim on the above-referenced policy. The insured, Robert J. Sample, has passed away. I, [Your Name], am writing regarding the estate of Robert J. Sample, to ask what your institution requires in order to proceed. I respectfully request the following: 1. Please send me the required claim forms and a complete list of documents needed to process this claim. 2. Please confirm the current status and details of the policy. 3. Please advise of any deadlines or time-sensitive requirements. Enclosed please find a certified copy of the death certificate for your records. I can be reached at the contact information below. Thank you for your assistance during this difficult time. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone] [Your Email] Enclosures: - Certified Death Certificate - Government-issued Identification
Fill in the bracketed lines under your signature before you send it, so Nationwide can reach you.
Most estates need this same letter for eight or nine institutions, not just Nationwide. Estate Assist finds them and drafts a letter for each.
Draft the rest of my letters →Can't find an account login? Check a password manager app like LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane — many people store their logins there. Look for a small colored icon in the browser toolbar or on the phone's home screen. You'll need the master password to unlock it — never share that with anyone claiming to need it for notification purposes.
Nationwide death notification FAQ
How do I notify Nationwide of a death?
Phone or online. Notify Nationwide to receive a claims packet with the forms and documents needed for your specific policy.
What documents does Nationwide require?
Death certificate — Issued by an authorized government agency — a funeral director can often help obtain a copy. Claim forms — Provided in the claims packet after notification; the exact forms depend on the policy type.
How long does the process take with Nationwide?
A Nationwide CARE Team representative reaches out within 3 business days of the claim being filed.
What if my loved one had other accounts besides Nationwide?
Every institution has its own process and required documents. Estate Assist reads the estate's documents, identifies every institution to notify, and drafts a personalized letter for each one automatically.
Other institutions
Checked against Nationwide's official website on July 18, 2026. Requirements, contact info, and processes change — confirm current requirements with Nationwide's official page before relying on this guide. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal advice.