Finding out you had money waiting in an uncashed insurance check can feel like discovering cash in an old jacket—only the stakes are much higher. Whether it’s from an auto accident, a health claim, life insurance, or a homeowner’s policy, you may still be able to claim those funds, even if the original check is lost, expired, or never reached you.

It’s surprisingly common: a loved one passes away, and months—or even years—later, the family discovers an old life insurance policy worth thousands of dollars. In many cases, no one ever claims the money at all.

When something goes wrong—a car accident, a house fire, a surgery, or even the loss of a loved one—the last thing you want is for your insurance claim to get delayed because of missing paperwork. Knowing exactly which documents you need to claim insurance funds can speed up approvals, reduce back-and-forth with adjusters, and help you get money in your account when you need it most.

If you’ve ever thought, “Didn’t my insurance company owe me money for that claim?” you’re not alone. Missing insurance payouts can happen for all kinds of reasons—old policies, address changes, paperwork issues, or even benefits you never knew you had. The good news: with a bit of detective work and the right tools, you can often track that money down.

Imagine discovering that an insurance company has been holding money in your name for years—and you had no idea. That’s exactly what happens with unclaimed insurance checks, and it’s more common than most people think.