By Bob Katzen

The state’s Insurance Division announced that in the past 12 months, it has matched Massachusetts consumers with $2.1 million in missing life insurance policies or annuities through the use of the national Life Insurance Policy Locator. The locator, created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, has matched up 342 beneficiaries with $4.1 million in the Bay State since it was launched in November 2016.

Participating insurers compare requests by a consumer with available policyholder information and report all matches to the state Insurance Division. If there is a match, consumers are contacted and “reunited” with their policy.

“State insurance regulators saw there was a need for a national service like this one a few years ago as a result of consumer inquiries and complaints regarding lost policies or unnamed beneficiaries,” said Division of Insurance Commissioner Gary Anderson. “Without this tool, there are many individuals and families who would not have the financial benefits their loved one intended them to have. While life insurance can be a difficult topic for families to discuss, it’s critical that policy information is kept safe and accessible, and that beneficiaries are fully informed.”

“Life insurance offers a layer of protection and financial comfort to loved ones in the event of a death,” said Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Undersecretary John Chapman. “This tool has clearly been effective in connecting many Massachusetts consumers with lost policies and the money they’re owed.”

You can find the locator service at https://eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator/#/welcome