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Life Insurance Guide

The Sunset API helps you track and manage life insurance policies discovered during estate settlement. This guide covers the typical workflow from discovery through claim payout.

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API Path

/cases/{case_id}/life-insurance
/cases/{case_id}/life-insurance/{policy_id}

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Typical Workflow

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1. Add discovered policies

As life insurance policies are found through searches, mail, or employer records, add them to the case: 
curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/life-insurance" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "policy_type": "whole_life",
    "carrier_name": "Northwestern Mutual",
    "policy_number": "WL-9876543",
    "status": "active",
    "death_benefit": 250000.00,
    "cash_value": 45000.00,
    "beneficiaries": [
      {
        "name": "John Jonas Johnson",
        "relationship": "son",
        "percentage_share": 100,
        "designation": "primary",
        "is_irrevocable": false
      }
    ]
  }'

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2. Record employer group policies

Don’t forget employer-provided coverage: 
curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/life-insurance" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "policy_type": "group_employer",
    "carrier_name": "MetLife",
    "employer_name": "Acme Corporation",
    "status": "active",
    "death_benefit": 150000.00
  }'

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3. File and track claims

Update the policy as claims progress: 
curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/life-insurance/{policy_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "claim_status": "filed",
    "claim_filed_date": "2025-10-15"
  }'

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4. Record claim payouts

When a claim is paid: 
curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/life-insurance/{policy_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "claim_status": "paid",
    "claim_paid_date": "2025-11-20",
    "claim_paid_amount": 250000.00,
    "status": "paid_out"
  }'

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Policy Types

TypeDescription
term_lifeTerm life insurance (fixed period)
whole_lifeWhole life with cash value
universal_lifeFlexible premium universal life
variable_lifeVariable life with investment component
group_employerEmployer-provided group coverage
group_governmentGovernment group coverage (FEGLI, SGLI)
supplementalSupplemental/voluntary life
accidental_deathAD&D policy
annuity_with_death_benefitAnnuity with death benefit rider

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Claim Statuses

StatusDescription
not_filedClaim has not been filed yet
filedClaim submitted to carrier
under_reviewCarrier is reviewing the claim
approvedClaim approved, awaiting payment
paidClaim has been paid out
deniedClaim was denied

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Key Considerations

  • Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies override the will. Policies pay directly to named beneficiaries.
  • Irrevocable beneficiaries cannot be changed and must be paid as designated.
  • Group policies through employers may have short claim windows after termination of employment.
  • Cash value in whole/universal life policies is a separate asset from the death benefit.
  • Premium status should be monitored to prevent policies from lapsing before claims are filed.