Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
Contact the insurer within 14 days with the death certificate and policy number. Most insurers cancel immediately and refund unused premiums pro-rata. Spouses can transfer if already named on the policy. The car cannot be driven without valid insurance.
Most insurance companies require notification within 14 days of death. Failure to notify may affect refunds or coverage.
Have all documents ready before calling. Most insurers can handle everything over the phone if you have the right paperwork.
Best if: Car will be sold immediately or family doesn't need it
Benefits: Get refund for unused premiums, stop ongoing payments
Process: Provide death certificate, request cancellation and refund
Timeline: Usually processed within 7-14 days
Best if: Surviving spouse/family member will use the car
Benefits: Continue existing policy, may keep no-claims discount
Process: New policy holder must meet insurer's criteria
Note: Premium may change based on new driver's profile
Best if: You need time to decide about the car
Benefits: Keeps car insured while you organize affairs
Duration: Usually 30-90 days maximum
Cost: You'll pay for extended period
Best if: Car won't be driven for extended period
Benefits: Cancel insurance but keep car legally off-road
Process: Declare SORN with DVLA, then cancel insurance
Important: Car cannot be driven on public roads
Most UK insurers allow surviving spouses to transfer policies, often keeping existing no-claims discounts.
The premium may change when transferred to reflect the new main driver's age, gender, driving history, and risk profile. You'll be notified of any changes before the transfer completes.
Most insurers will transfer the no-claims discount to the surviving spouse, but some may require proof of the spouse's own driving history.
UK insurance companies must refund unused premiums when a policy is cancelled due to death.
Refund = (Unused Days ÷ Total Policy Days) × Annual Premium
Most insurers calculate pro-rata refunds based on the exact number of unused days.
Scenario: £600 annual premium, deceased 4 months into policy
Unused period: 8 months (243 days out of 365)
Refund: (243 ÷ 365) × £600 = £399
Cancelling insurance doesn't change car ownership. You'll need to deal with the DVLA separately to transfer or dispose of the vehicle.
Never drive the car without valid insurance. If the policy is cancelled, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until new insurance is arranged.
Most major insurers have dedicated bereavement teams to help with policy changes.
0845 246 8704 (bereavement team)
0333 220 2000 (ask for bereavement)
0800 015 1498 (bereavement support)
0330 024 1810 (bereavement team)
0345 878 6261 (bereavement line)
0330 678 5550 (bereavement support)
0345 607 4847 (bereavement team)
0345 675 7018 (bereavement services)
"I need to speak to your bereavement team about cancelling a policy after death."
Have ready: Policy number, deceased's name, date of death, your relationship to them.
Only if you're already named on the policy or have your own insurance that covers driving other cars. Otherwise, no - it's illegal to drive without insurance.
Existing claims will continue to be processed. The insurer will handle claims and any payouts will go to the estate or named beneficiaries.
Check bank statements for premium payments, look for renewal letters, or call insurers directly with the car registration number.
Most insurers want notification within 14 days of death, but they're usually understanding if you contact them later with a valid reason for the delay.
No, cancel insurance after the sale is complete. The car needs insurance cover while it's being sold. Notify both DVLA and the insurer once sold.
Contact each insurer separately. Check bank statements for premium payments to identify all policies. Each will need individual cancellation.
Dealing with car insurance is just one of many tasks after a bereavement. Our comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to do, in the right order.
Full list of organisations including insurers, DVLA and other services
Notify DVLA and other government departments through one service
Quick way to notify multiple insurance companies about a death
Step-by-step guide to closing accounts and managing finances
How to inform energy and broadband providers about the death
Keep the deceased's home safe including dealing with vehicles
Complete overview of all death administration tasks
Get death certificates needed to cancel insurance policies
Complete guide to DVLA requirements and selling process
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95