Q: My mom died, if I am the beneficiary on accidental death & dismemberment, does the proceeds go to the estate account?
She has a Will, my stepbrother is the executor. The policy was not mentioned at all in the Will.
A:
If you are the named beneficiary of the AD&D policy, then the proceeds are payable directly to you, bypassing the probate estate. The check should be made payable to you and then you deposit the check into your personal bank account. You make a claim by calling the company and letting them know your mother passed and obtaining claims forms to fill out. You will also need to provide a death certificate and possibly other documentation.
Keep in mind, however, that AD&D insurance is a very limited kind of life insurance. The circumstances under which AD&D insurance pays out are very narrow. Payment is due to the beneficiary only if the insured died in some kind of "accident", usually. In other words, if your mom died of old age or illness or disease, chances are a claim under that policy will be denied. But it is worth making a claim. The worst that can happen is the claim is denied, but it doesn't cost anything to apply.
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