> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://api.hellosunset.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Life Insurance Guide

> Guide to managing life insurance policies, beneficiaries, and claims during estate settlement.

# 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.

## API Path

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

## Typical Workflow

### 1. Add discovered policies

As life insurance policies are found through searches, mail, or employer records, add them to the case:

```bash theme={null}
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
      }
    ]
  }'
```

### 2. Record employer group policies

Don't forget employer-provided coverage:

```bash theme={null}
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
  }'
```

### 3. File and track claims

Update the policy as claims progress:

```bash theme={null}
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"
  }'
```

### 4. Record claim payouts

When a claim is paid:

```bash theme={null}
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"
  }'
```

## Policy Types

| Type                         | Description                             |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `term_life`                  | Term life insurance (fixed period)      |
| `whole_life`                 | Whole life with cash value              |
| `universal_life`             | Flexible premium universal life         |
| `variable_life`              | Variable life with investment component |
| `group_employer`             | Employer-provided group coverage        |
| `group_government`           | Government group coverage (FEGLI, SGLI) |
| `supplemental`               | Supplemental/voluntary life             |
| `accidental_death`           | AD\&D policy                            |
| `annuity_with_death_benefit` | Annuity with death benefit rider        |

## Claim Statuses

| Status         | Description                      |
| -------------- | -------------------------------- |
| `not_filed`    | Claim has not been filed yet     |
| `filed`        | Claim submitted to carrier       |
| `under_review` | Carrier is reviewing the claim   |
| `approved`     | Claim approved, awaiting payment |
| `paid`         | Claim has been paid out          |
| `denied`       | Claim was denied                 |

## 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.