Maryland § 17-302

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 17-302, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-302.

    (a)    Funds held or owing under any life or endowment insurance policy or annuity contract that has matured or terminated are presumed abandoned if unclaimed for more than 3 years after the funds first become due and payable in accordance with:

        (1)    The insurance policy or annuity contract; or

        (2)    Section 16–118 of the Insurance Article.

    (b)    For purposes of this subtitle, a life or endowment insurance policy or annuity contract not matured by actual proof of the death of the insured or annuitant according to the records of the insurance company is matured and the proceeds due and payable if:

        (1)    The company knows that the insured or annuitant has died; or

        (2)    (i)    The insured has attained, or would have attained if the insured were living, the limiting age under the mortality table on which the reserve is based;

            (ii)    The policy was in force at the time the insured attained, or would have attained, the limiting age specified in item (i) of this paragraph; and

            (iii)    Neither the insured nor any other person appearing to have an interest in the policy within the preceding 3 years, according to the records of the company, has assigned, readjusted, or paid premiums on the policy, subjected the policy to a loan, corresponded in writing with the company concerning the policy, or otherwise indicated an interest as evidenced by a memorandum or other record on file prepared by an employee of the company.

    (c)    (1)    (i)    “Unclaimed funds”, as defined in paragraph (2) of this subsection, held by a fire, casualty, or surety insurance corporation, shall be presumed abandoned if the last known address of the person entitled to the funds, according to the records of the corporation, is in this State.

            (ii)    If a person other than the insured, the principal, or the claimant is entitled to the funds and the address of the person is not known to the corporation or if it is not definite and certain from the records of the corporation which person is entitled to the funds, it is presumed that the last known address of the person entitled to the funds is the same as the last known address of the insured, the principal, or the claimant according to the records of the corporation.

        (2)    “Unclaimed funds”, as used in this subsection, means all money held by any fire, casualty, or surety insurance corporation unclaimed and unpaid for more than 3 years after the money becomes due and payable, as established from the records of the corporation, either to an insured, a principal, or a claimant under any fire, casualty, or surety insurance policy or contract.

    (d)    Money otherwise payable according to the records of the corporation is considered due and payable although the policy or contract has not been surrendered as required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 17-302

What does Maryland Code § 17-302 cover?

Section 17-302 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 17-302?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 17-302" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 17-302 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.