How to Claim Life Insurance After a Death
Claiming life insurance can feel overwhelming, but insurers are used to dealing with bereaved families and most have dedicated bereavement teams. This guide helps you know what to say and what to expect.
Last reviewed: 4 April 2026
What to have ready
- ✓Policy document or policy number (if available)
- ✓Death certificate (certified copy)
- ✓Deceased’s full name, date of birth, and last address
- ✓Your own ID and proof of your role as [executor/administrator]
- ✓Bank details for the beneficiary (the insurer may need these)
- ✓Cause of death (the insurer may ask - you can decline to give details and wait for the formal process)
Phone script
You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.
I’m calling to report the death of a policyholder and to make a claim. Their name is [full name], date of birth [date of birth]. They passed away on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. The policy number is [if known].
What to ask for
- –Confirm the policy is still active and in force at the date of death
- –The sum assured (payout amount)
- –Whether the policy is written in trust (if so, probate is not needed and the payout is faster)
- –Who the named beneficiary is
- –What documents are needed to process the claim (death certificate, claim form, medical certificate of cause of death)
- –The expected timeline for payment once all documents are received
- –A claim reference number
- –Written confirmation of the claim and next steps
Watch out
Policies written in trust are paid directly to the beneficiaries without waiting for probate, and are not counted as part of the estate for inheritance tax. Policies not in trust form part of the estate and require a Grant of Probate before the insurer will pay out. Always ask which type the policy is. If you cannot find a policy document, the insurer can search their records using the deceased’s name, date of birth, and address.
Email template
Subject: Life insurance claim - policyholder [full name]
If the death occurred within the first year of the policy, the insurer may investigate more thoroughly. This does not mean the claim is invalid, but it may take longer to process. Be patient and provide whatever information is requested.
Template letter
You can copy this letter and print it, or use the email version above.
[your name]
[your address]
[your phone number]
[your email]
[Organisation name]
[Organisation address]
[today's date]
Re: Life insurance claim - policyholder [full name]
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Frequently asked questions
For more detail, see our full guide: Read guide →