A group of 11 insurance companies has agreed to pay a $763 million settlement over unpaid life insurance benefits. The companies failed to pay some beneficiaries of policies and, in some cases, continued to collect premium payments from policy-holders who had died.

How do you protect you and your family from fraud or insurer mistakes? Marketplace Money’s Adriene Hill offers two pieces of simple advice:

1. Don’t be mysterious: Let your beneficiaries know about any policies you have.

2. Keep in touch: Check in every year or so with your insurer to update them on your health status.

Looking for a lost policy? Click here to find out where to start your search. Or if you believe you are the victim of life insurance malpractice, click here to learn more about claiming your benefits.