How do policy claims and payouts work?

It's typically simple for your beneficiaries to file a claim and receive a cash payout. If you pass away while your coverage is in force, your beneficiary files a claim with your insurance carrier (as identified on your policy documents), and the carrier will issue the death benefit payout. Barring unusual complications, your beneficiary will receive an untaxed, lump-sum payment for the value of the policy's death benefit. For example, if you purchase $1 million in coverage, your beneficiary will receive a tax-free $1 million lump-sum payout.