Life Insurance Claims After Death: How to Claim UK 2026 Guide

How do I claim life insurance after a death?

Find policies (check documents, bank statements, Bereavement Register), contact insurer with policy number, submit claim form with death certificate and proof of entitlement. Review takes 4-8 weeks (3-6 months if complex). Payment tax-free via bank transfer. Over £70 billion unclaimed UK-wide. Appeal to insurer then Financial Ombudsman if declined.

Find policies: Documents, bank statements (premium direct debits), Bereavement Register
Documents needed: Death certificate (£12.50), policy document, ID, proof of entitlement
Timeline: 4-8 weeks standard, 3-6 months for complex cases
Tax: Payout tax-free to beneficiaries (IHT applies if not in trust)
Rejection reasons: Non-disclosure, lapsed policy, suicide exclusion, fraud
Appeal process: Insurer within 8 weeks, Financial Ombudsman within 6 months

Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.

Talk to Farra →

Quick Overview

Find policies: Search documents, bank statements, use Bereavement Register
Timeline: Claims take 4-8 weeks, complex cases 3-6 months
Documents needed: Death certificate, policy, ID, proof of entitlement
Tax: Payouts are tax-free to beneficiaries (but may affect IHT if not in trust)
Rejection reasons: Non-disclosure, lapsed policy, suicide exclusions, fraud
Appeals: Can appeal to insurer then Financial Ombudsman if declined

Step 1: Find All Life Insurance Policies

The first challenge is discovering what life insurance policies existed. Many people have multiple policies they never mentioned to family.

Where to Search

1. Physical Documents

Search the deceased's home for:

Policy certificates or policy schedules (official documents from insurer)
Welcome packs or annual statements from insurance companies
Filing cabinets, safes, or document boxes labelled "insurance"
Solicitor's office (policies sometimes stored with wills)

2. Bank Statements

Look for monthly premium payments (direct debits):

Payments to Aviva, Legal & General, LV=, Zurich, Royal London, Vitality
Typical amounts: £10-£100/month for term life, £5-30/month for over 50s
Check last 12 months of statements for regular insurance payments
Note company name and payment amount to trace policy

3. Digital Records

If you have access to deceased's email/computer:

Search email for "life insurance", "policy", "premium", "Aviva", "Legal & General"
Check for annual policy renewal emails or premium change notifications
Look in computer documents folder for scanned policies
Check password manager for insurance company logins

4. Workplace Life Insurance

Many employers provide automatic life cover:

Contact deceased's employer HR department immediately
Death in service benefit typically 2-4x annual salary
Often exists even if employee didn't actively apply
Time limits for claims - usually 2 years but claim ASAP
Separate from company pension scheme death benefits

5. Mortgage Protection Insurance

Linked to property purchase:

Check mortgage documents from when property purchased
Ask mortgage lender if life insurance was required or sold with mortgage
Often decreasing term insurance matched to mortgage balance
May have been mandatory requirement for mortgage approval

Free Policy Tracing Services

Bereavement Register (Free)

The Bereavement Register (www.bereavementregister.org.uk) notifies financial institutions of death and helps trace unknown policies.

How it works:

Register deceased's details online (free service)
Participating insurers check their records for policies
If policy found, insurer contacts you with claim information
Covers 95% of UK life insurers
Results typically within 4-6 weeks

Death Notification Service

Similar free service that notifies banks, insurers, and other institutions of death.

Advantages:

Single notification reaches multiple companies
Companies respond if they hold policies
Saves calling dozens of insurers individually
Free to use for bereaved families

Types of Life Insurance in the UK

Understanding the type of policy helps with the claims process:

Term Life Insurance (Most Common)

Cover for fixed period (10, 20, 25 years). Pays out only if death occurs during term.

Level term: Fixed payout amount (e.g. £200,000) throughout term
Decreasing term: Payout decreases over time (mortgage protection)
Family income benefit: Pays regular income to family instead of lump sum
No payout if person survives beyond term
Cheapest type of life insurance

Whole of Life Insurance

Covers entire lifetime, guaranteed payout whenever death occurs (if premiums maintained).

Pays out regardless of age at death
More expensive than term life (£50-200/month typical)
Often used to cover inheritance tax liability
May have cash value that builds up over time
Premiums usually paid until death or up to certain age (e.g. 90)

Over 50s Life Insurance

Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions (ages 50-85 typically).

Usually pays £3,000-£25,000 (designed to cover funeral costs)
Cheaper premiums (£10-30/month typical)
Often has waiting period (1-2 years) before full payout
If death in waiting period, premiums refunded but no death benefit
Very common among older people - always check for these

Critical Illness Cover (with Life Element)

Primarily for serious illness but includes death benefit.

Pays out on diagnosis of serious illness OR death
If illness benefit already claimed, death benefit may not pay (or pays reduced amount)
Check policy terms for death coverage specifics
May be separate policies (critical illness + term life bundled)

Workplace Death in Service Benefit

Employer-provided life insurance as part of benefits package.

Typically 2-4x annual salary (some employers offer up to 8x)
Automatic for all employees (no application needed)
Ceases when employment ends (unless continued as personal policy)
Usually trust-based so tax-free to beneficiaries
Contact employer HR within 2-4 weeks of death

Step 2: The Life Insurance Claims Process

Contact the Insurer

Find claims contact details - Check policy document or insurer's website for "life insurance claims" or "bereavement services" phone number. Don't use general customer service.
Call to register the death - Provide policy number, deceased's name, date of birth, date of death, your relationship. Request claims pack.
Get claim reference number - For tracking your claim throughout process.
Ask about timeline - Request estimated processing time and any specific requirements.

Documents Required

Essential Documents (All Claims)

Certified death certificate - Original or certified copy from Register Office (£12.50 when registering death)
Original policy document - Policy certificate with policy number
Claim form - Completed form from insurer (sent in claims pack)
Your ID - Passport or driving licence (certified copy)

Proof of Entitlement (Who Can Claim)

Depends on whether you're named beneficiary:

Named beneficiary: Copy of policy showing you're named + your bank details for payment
Spouse/civil partner: Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Estate (no named beneficiary): Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Trust beneficiary: Trust deed and trustee identification

Additional Documents (Sometimes Required)

Medical records: GP records or hospital notes if insurer investigating cause of death
Post-mortem report: If death referred to coroner
Inquest verdict: For deaths investigated by coroner
Overseas death documentation: If death occurred abroad, translated documents
Bank details: Account details for payout transfer

Submitting Your Claim

Complete claim form accurately
- Deceased's full details (name, DOB, address, occupation)
- Date, time, and cause of death
- Your details as claimant (name, relationship, contact info)
- Bank account details for payment
- Declaration that information is true and complete
Answer medical questions truthfully - Disclose all known medical conditions, even if you think they're unrelated to death
Attach all required documents - Checklist usually provided in claims pack
Submit by deadline - Most insurers require claim within 2 years, but claim ASAP
Keep copies - Photocopy everything before sending
Send by recorded delivery - Or upload via secure online portal if available

How Long Does a Life Insurance Claim Take?

Standard Claims: 4-8 Weeks

Straightforward claims with all documents provided:

Week 1-2: Submit claim and insurer acknowledges receipt
Week 2-4: Insurer reviews documents and verifies policy validity
Week 4-6: Claim approved and payment processed
Week 6-8: Funds arrive in beneficiary's bank account

Factors speeding up claims: Natural causes death, policy held for several years, all documents provided upfront, named beneficiary (not estate), death certificate available quickly.

Complex Claims: 3-6 Months

Claims requiring investigation or additional information:

Cause of death unclear - Insurer requests GP records, hospital notes, post-mortem reports
Policy recently taken out - More scrutiny if death within first 2 years
Suicide - Most policies exclude suicide within first 12 months, insurer investigates timing
Overseas death - Requires translated documents, verification with foreign authorities
Suspicious circumstances - Police investigation, inquest, criminal proceedings
Missing information - Delays if claim incomplete or documents incorrect

Delayed Claims: 6-12+ Months

Claims where serious issues identified:

Non-disclosure investigation - Insurer believes deceased failed to disclose medical condition when applying
Fraud suspected - Unusual circumstances, false information, deliberate concealment
Disputed beneficiary - Multiple people claiming, unclear who's entitled
Lapsed policy dispute - Disagreement over whether policy was active
Legal proceedings - Claim contested in court, criminal investigation ongoing

What If Payment Is Urgently Needed?

If you need funds urgently for funeral costs or immediate expenses:

Explain urgency to insurer - Some insurers offer emergency interim payments
Request funeral expense advance - Partial payment (£3,000-£10,000) while full claim processed
Use estate funds if available - Bank may release funds for funeral from deceased's accounts
Funeral Payment from DWP - If on benefits, government may help with funeral costs
Payment plan with funeral director - Many offer deferred payment until insurance pays out

Tax on Life Insurance Payouts

Income Tax: NO TAX

Life insurance payouts are tax-free to beneficiaries

No income tax on lump sum received
Doesn't matter if payout is £10,000 or £1 million
You don't declare it on tax return as income
Beneficiaries receive full amount without deductions

Inheritance Tax: DEPENDS ON TRUST STRUCTURE

Whether IHT applies depends on how policy was set up:

Policy Written in Trust - NO IHT

Payout goes direct to named beneficiaries, bypassing estate
Does NOT count toward £325,000 inheritance tax threshold
Beneficiaries receive full amount tax-free immediately
No need to wait for probate
Common for workplace life insurance and newer policies

Policy NOT in Trust - MAY PAY IHT

Payout goes to the estate (counted in total estate value)
Counts toward £325,000 IHT threshold (or £500,000 with residence nil rate band)
If total estate (including payout) exceeds threshold, 40% IHT on excess
Must wait for probate before funds released
Example: £400,000 estate + £200,000 life insurance = £600,000 total. IHT on £275,000 excess = £110,000 tax bill

How to Check If Policy in Trust

Policy document will state "held in trust" or show trust deed
Named trustees listed (people managing the trust for beneficiaries)
Ask the insurer - they can confirm trust status
Newer policies often automatically in trust
Older policies may not be - can sometimes be moved into trust posthumously

Common Claim Rejection Reasons & How to Appeal

Top Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Rejected

1. Non-Disclosure of Medical Conditions (Most Common)

Deceased failed to declare pre-existing medical condition when applying for policy.

Application asks "Have you ever suffered from X?" - deceased answered no, but GP records show diagnosis
Insurer claims condition was "material" - would have affected premium or acceptance
Most controversial rejection reason - many successfully appealed

How to challenge: Request full application form and GP records. Argue condition was minor, well-controlled, or question was ambiguous. Medical expert opinion can help.

2. Lapsed Policy (Unpaid Premiums)

Policy cancelled because premiums stopped being paid.

Direct debit failed and deceased didn't rectify
Insurer sent warnings but deceased didn't respond
Policy automatically cancelled after 30-90 days non-payment

How to challenge: Check if warnings were sent to correct address. If deceased had dementia/mental health issues, argue they couldn't understand notices. Sometimes insurer reinstates if very recent lapse.

3. Suicide Within Exclusion Period

Most policies exclude suicide in first 12-24 months.

Designed to prevent people taking out policies intending to die
After exclusion period ends, suicide is covered
Insurer refunds premiums paid if claim declined

How to challenge: Check exact dates - policy start vs death date. Challenge if death cause was accidental not suicide. Review inquest verdict carefully.

4. Excluded Activity or Occupation

Death resulted from excluded dangerous activity or misrepresented occupation.

Declared office job but actually worked in dangerous industry (construction, offshore)
Death occurred during excluded activity (skydiving, racing, dangerous sports)
Policy terms specifically listed exclusions

How to challenge: Review policy wording - are exclusions clear and specific? Argue activity was recreational not professional if relevant.

5. Death Outside UK Without Coverage

Some policies restrict coverage to UK residents or exclude certain countries.

Death occurred in excluded country (war zones, certain regions)
Deceased living abroad permanently, invalidating UK policy
Death during activity overseas not covered

How to challenge: Check policy terms for geographic restrictions. If holiday not permanent move, argue UK residence maintained.

6. Fraud or Misrepresentation

Deliberate false information on application.

Incorrect age, non-smoker claim when smoker, false medical history
Insurer must prove fraud was deliberate not accidental error
Serious allegation requiring strong evidence

How to challenge: Fraud allegations are serious - seek legal advice. Insurer must prove intent to deceive, not just innocent mistake.

How to Appeal a Rejected Claim

Step 1: Request Full Explanation

Ask insurer for detailed written explanation of rejection reasons
Request copies of all documents they relied on (application form, medical records)
Get copy of policy terms showing relevant exclusion clauses
Review everything carefully with legal/insurance expert if needed

Step 2: Internal Appeal to Insurer

Timeline: Submit within 8 weeks of rejection

Write formal appeal letter challenging rejection reasons
Provide counter-evidence (medical opinions, expert reports, witness statements)
Argue policy interpretation or highlight ambiguous questions
Request senior manager review (escalate beyond claims handler)
Insurer must respond within 8 weeks with final decision

Step 3: Financial Ombudsman Service

Timeline: Complain within 6 months of insurer's final decision

Free, independent service investigating insurance disputes
Submit complaint online at financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Provide all correspondence, evidence, policy documents
Ombudsman investigates and makes binding decision on insurer
Can overturn insurer decision and order payment
Success rate approximately 30-40% for overturned decisions
Process takes 3-9 months typically

Tips for Successful Appeals

Get medical expert opinion: Doctor's letter explaining condition's nature can be powerful
Challenge ambiguous questions: If application question was unclear, argue reasonable interpretation
Highlight good faith: Premiums paid for years = no intent to defraud
Proportionality argument: Minor non-disclosure shouldn't void entire policy
Get legal help: Solicitor specialising in insurance disputes can significantly improve success

How do I claim life insurance after a death?

Find policies: Documents, bank statements (premium direct debits), Bereavement Register
Documents needed: Death certificate (£12.50), policy document, ID, proof of entitlement
Timeline: 4-8 weeks standard, 3-6 months for complex cases
Tax: Payout tax-free to beneficiaries (IHT applies if not in trust)
Rejection reasons: Non-disclosure, lapsed policy, suicide exclusion, fraud
Appeal process: Insurer within 8 weeks, Financial Ombudsman within 6 months

Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.

Talk to Farra →

Quick Overview

Find policies: Search documents, bank statements, use Bereavement Register
Timeline: Claims take 4-8 weeks, complex cases 3-6 months
Documents needed: Death certificate, policy, ID, proof of entitlement
Tax: Payouts are tax-free to beneficiaries (but may affect IHT if not in trust)
Rejection reasons: Non-disclosure, lapsed policy, suicide exclusions, fraud
Appeals: Can appeal to insurer then Financial Ombudsman if declined

Step 1: Find All Life Insurance Policies

The first challenge is discovering what life insurance policies existed. Many people have multiple policies they never mentioned to family.

Where to Search

1. Physical Documents

Search the deceased's home for:

Policy certificates or policy schedules (official documents from insurer)
Welcome packs or annual statements from insurance companies
Filing cabinets, safes, or document boxes labelled "insurance"
Solicitor's office (policies sometimes stored with wills)

2. Bank Statements

Look for monthly premium payments (direct debits):

Payments to Aviva, Legal & General, LV=, Zurich, Royal London, Vitality
Typical amounts: £10-£100/month for term life, £5-30/month for over 50s
Check last 12 months of statements for regular insurance payments
Note company name and payment amount to trace policy

3. Digital Records

If you have access to deceased's email/computer:

Search email for "life insurance", "policy", "premium", "Aviva", "Legal & General"
Check for annual policy renewal emails or premium change notifications
Look in computer documents folder for scanned policies
Check password manager for insurance company logins

4. Workplace Life Insurance

Many employers provide automatic life cover:

Contact deceased's employer HR department immediately
Death in service benefit typically 2-4x annual salary
Often exists even if employee didn't actively apply
Time limits for claims - usually 2 years but claim ASAP
Separate from company pension scheme death benefits

5. Mortgage Protection Insurance

Linked to property purchase:

Check mortgage documents from when property purchased
Ask mortgage lender if life insurance was required or sold with mortgage
Often decreasing term insurance matched to mortgage balance
May have been mandatory requirement for mortgage approval

Free Policy Tracing Services

Bereavement Register (Free)

The Bereavement Register (www.bereavementregister.org.uk) notifies financial institutions of death and helps trace unknown policies.

How it works:

Register deceased's details online (free service)
Participating insurers check their records for policies
If policy found, insurer contacts you with claim information
Covers 95% of UK life insurers
Results typically within 4-6 weeks

Death Notification Service

Similar free service that notifies banks, insurers, and other institutions of death.

Advantages:

Single notification reaches multiple companies
Companies respond if they hold policies
Saves calling dozens of insurers individually
Free to use for bereaved families

Types of Life Insurance in the UK

Understanding the type of policy helps with the claims process:

Term Life Insurance (Most Common)

Cover for fixed period (10, 20, 25 years). Pays out only if death occurs during term.

Level term: Fixed payout amount (e.g. £200,000) throughout term
Decreasing term: Payout decreases over time (mortgage protection)
Family income benefit: Pays regular income to family instead of lump sum
No payout if person survives beyond term
Cheapest type of life insurance

Whole of Life Insurance

Covers entire lifetime, guaranteed payout whenever death occurs (if premiums maintained).

Pays out regardless of age at death
More expensive than term life (£50-200/month typical)
Often used to cover inheritance tax liability
May have cash value that builds up over time
Premiums usually paid until death or up to certain age (e.g. 90)

Over 50s Life Insurance

Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions (ages 50-85 typically).

Usually pays £3,000-£25,000 (designed to cover funeral costs)
Cheaper premiums (£10-30/month typical)
Often has waiting period (1-2 years) before full payout
If death in waiting period, premiums refunded but no death benefit
Very common among older people - always check for these

Critical Illness Cover (with Life Element)

Primarily for serious illness but includes death benefit.

Pays out on diagnosis of serious illness OR death
If illness benefit already claimed, death benefit may not pay (or pays reduced amount)
Check policy terms for death coverage specifics
May be separate policies (critical illness + term life bundled)

Workplace Death in Service Benefit

Employer-provided life insurance as part of benefits package.

Typically 2-4x annual salary (some employers offer up to 8x)
Automatic for all employees (no application needed)
Ceases when employment ends (unless continued as personal policy)
Usually trust-based so tax-free to beneficiaries
Contact employer HR within 2-4 weeks of death

Step 2: The Life Insurance Claims Process

Contact the Insurer

Find claims contact details - Check policy document or insurer's website for "life insurance claims" or "bereavement services" phone number. Don't use general customer service.
Call to register the death - Provide policy number, deceased's name, date of birth, date of death, your relationship. Request claims pack.
Get claim reference number - For tracking your claim throughout process.
Ask about timeline - Request estimated processing time and any specific requirements.

Documents Required

Essential Documents (All Claims)

Certified death certificate - Original or certified copy from Register Office (£12.50 when registering death)
Original policy document - Policy certificate with policy number
Claim form - Completed form from insurer (sent in claims pack)
Your ID - Passport or driving licence (certified copy)

Proof of Entitlement (Who Can Claim)

Depends on whether you're named beneficiary:

Named beneficiary: Copy of policy showing you're named + your bank details for payment
Spouse/civil partner: Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Estate (no named beneficiary): Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Trust beneficiary: Trust deed and trustee identification

Additional Documents (Sometimes Required)

Medical records: GP records or hospital notes if insurer investigating cause of death
Post-mortem report: If death referred to coroner
Inquest verdict: For deaths investigated by coroner
Overseas death documentation: If death occurred abroad, translated documents
Bank details: Account details for payout transfer

Submitting Your Claim

Complete claim form accurately
- Deceased's full details (name, DOB, address, occupation)
- Date, time, and cause of death
- Your details as claimant (name, relationship, contact info)
- Bank account details for payment
- Declaration that information is true and complete
Answer medical questions truthfully - Disclose all known medical conditions, even if you think they're unrelated to death
Attach all required documents - Checklist usually provided in claims pack
Submit by deadline - Most insurers require claim within 2 years, but claim ASAP
Keep copies - Photocopy everything before sending
Send by recorded delivery - Or upload via secure online portal if available

How Long Does a Life Insurance Claim Take?

Standard Claims: 4-8 Weeks

Straightforward claims with all documents provided:

Week 1-2: Submit claim and insurer acknowledges receipt
Week 2-4: Insurer reviews documents and verifies policy validity
Week 4-6: Claim approved and payment processed
Week 6-8: Funds arrive in beneficiary's bank account

Factors speeding up claims: Natural causes death, policy held for several years, all documents provided upfront, named beneficiary (not estate), death certificate available quickly.

Complex Claims: 3-6 Months

Claims requiring investigation or additional information:

Cause of death unclear - Insurer requests GP records, hospital notes, post-mortem reports
Policy recently taken out - More scrutiny if death within first 2 years
Suicide - Most policies exclude suicide within first 12 months, insurer investigates timing
Overseas death - Requires translated documents, verification with foreign authorities
Suspicious circumstances - Police investigation, inquest, criminal proceedings
Missing information - Delays if claim incomplete or documents incorrect

Delayed Claims: 6-12+ Months

Claims where serious issues identified:

Non-disclosure investigation - Insurer believes deceased failed to disclose medical condition when applying
Fraud suspected - Unusual circumstances, false information, deliberate concealment
Disputed beneficiary - Multiple people claiming, unclear who's entitled
Lapsed policy dispute - Disagreement over whether policy was active
Legal proceedings - Claim contested in court, criminal investigation ongoing

What If Payment Is Urgently Needed?

If you need funds urgently for funeral costs or immediate expenses:

Explain urgency to insurer - Some insurers offer emergency interim payments
Request funeral expense advance - Partial payment (£3,000-£10,000) while full claim processed
Use estate funds if available - Bank may release funds for funeral from deceased's accounts
Funeral Payment from DWP - If on benefits, government may help with funeral costs
Payment plan with funeral director - Many offer deferred payment until insurance pays out

Tax on Life Insurance Payouts

Income Tax: NO TAX

Life insurance payouts are tax-free to beneficiaries

No income tax on lump sum received
Doesn't matter if payout is £10,000 or £1 million
You don't declare it on tax return as income
Beneficiaries receive full amount without deductions

Inheritance Tax: DEPENDS ON TRUST STRUCTURE

Whether IHT applies depends on how policy was set up:

Policy Written in Trust - NO IHT

Payout goes direct to named beneficiaries, bypassing estate
Does NOT count toward £325,000 inheritance tax threshold
Beneficiaries receive full amount tax-free immediately
No need to wait for probate
Common for workplace life insurance and newer policies

Policy NOT in Trust - MAY PAY IHT

Payout goes to the estate (counted in total estate value)
Counts toward £325,000 IHT threshold (or £500,000 with residence nil rate band)
If total estate (including payout) exceeds threshold, 40% IHT on excess
Must wait for probate before funds released
Example: £400,000 estate + £200,000 life insurance = £600,000 total. IHT on £275,000 excess = £110,000 tax bill

How to Check If Policy in Trust

Policy document will state "held in trust" or show trust deed
Named trustees listed (people managing the trust for beneficiaries)
Ask the insurer - they can confirm trust status
Newer policies often automatically in trust
Older policies may not be - can sometimes be moved into trust posthumously

Common Claim Rejection Reasons & How to Appeal

Top Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Rejected

1. Non-Disclosure of Medical Conditions (Most Common)

Deceased failed to declare pre-existing medical condition when applying for policy.

Application asks "Have you ever suffered from X?" - deceased answered no, but GP records show diagnosis
Insurer claims condition was "material" - would have affected premium or acceptance
Most controversial rejection reason - many successfully appealed

How to challenge: Request full application form and GP records. Argue condition was minor, well-controlled, or question was ambiguous. Medical expert opinion can help.

2. Lapsed Policy (Unpaid Premiums)

Policy cancelled because premiums stopped being paid.

Direct debit failed and deceased didn't rectify
Insurer sent warnings but deceased didn't respond
Policy automatically cancelled after 30-90 days non-payment

3. Suicide Within Exclusion Period

Most policies exclude suicide in first 12-24 months.

Designed to prevent people taking out policies intending to die
After exclusion period ends, suicide is covered
Insurer refunds premiums paid if claim declined

How to challenge: Check exact dates - policy start vs death date. Challenge if death cause was accidental not suicide. Review inquest verdict carefully.

4. Excluded Activity or Occupation

Death resulted from excluded dangerous activity or misrepresented occupation.

Declared office job but actually worked in dangerous industry (construction, offshore)
Death occurred during excluded activity (skydiving, racing, dangerous sports)
Policy terms specifically listed exclusions

How to challenge: Review policy wording - are exclusions clear and specific? Argue activity was recreational not professional if relevant.

5. Death Outside UK Without Coverage

Some policies restrict coverage to UK residents or exclude certain countries.

Death occurred in excluded country (war zones, certain regions)
Deceased living abroad permanently, invalidating UK policy
Death during activity overseas not covered

How to challenge: Check policy terms for geographic restrictions. If holiday not permanent move, argue UK residence maintained.

6. Fraud or Misrepresentation

Deliberate false information on application.

Incorrect age, non-smoker claim when smoker, false medical history
Insurer must prove fraud was deliberate not accidental error
Serious allegation requiring strong evidence

How to challenge: Fraud allegations are serious - seek legal advice. Insurer must prove intent to deceive, not just innocent mistake.

How to Appeal a Rejected Claim

Step 1: Request Full Explanation

Ask insurer for detailed written explanation of rejection reasons
Request copies of all documents they relied on (application form, medical records)
Get copy of policy terms showing relevant exclusion clauses
Review everything carefully with legal/insurance expert if needed

Step 2: Internal Appeal to Insurer

Timeline: Submit within 8 weeks of rejection

Write formal appeal letter challenging rejection reasons
Provide counter-evidence (medical opinions, expert reports, witness statements)
Argue policy interpretation or highlight ambiguous questions
Request senior manager review (escalate beyond claims handler)
Insurer must respond within 8 weeks with final decision

Step 3: Financial Ombudsman Service

Timeline: Complain within 6 months of insurer's final decision

Free, independent service investigating insurance disputes
Submit complaint online at financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Provide all correspondence, evidence, policy documents
Ombudsman investigates and makes binding decision on insurer
Can overturn insurer decision and order payment
Success rate approximately 30-40% for overturned decisions
Process takes 3-9 months typically

Tips for Successful Appeals

Get medical expert opinion: Doctor's letter explaining condition's nature can be powerful
Challenge ambiguous questions: If application question was unclear, argue reasonable interpretation
Highlight good faith: Premiums paid for years = no intent to defraud
Proportionality argument: Minor non-disclosure shouldn't void entire policy
Get legal help: Solicitor specialising in insurance disputes can significantly improve success

Life Insurance Claims After Death: How to Claim UK 2026 Guide

How do I claim life insurance after a death?

Step 1: Find All Life Insurance Policies

Where to Search

1. Physical Documents

2. Bank Statements

3. Digital Records

4. Workplace Life Insurance

5. Mortgage Protection Insurance

Free Policy Tracing Services

Bereavement Register (Free)

Death Notification Service

Types of Life Insurance in the UK

Term Life Insurance (Most Common)

Whole of Life Insurance

Over 50s Life Insurance

Critical Illness Cover (with Life Element)

Workplace Death in Service Benefit

Step 2: The Life Insurance Claims Process

Contact the Insurer

Documents Required

Essential Documents (All Claims)

Proof of Entitlement (Who Can Claim)

Additional Documents (Sometimes Required)

Submitting Your Claim

How Long Does a Life Insurance Claim Take?

Standard Claims: 4-8 Weeks

Complex Claims: 3-6 Months

Delayed Claims: 6-12+ Months

What If Payment Is Urgently Needed?

Tax on Life Insurance Payouts

Income Tax: NO TAX

Inheritance Tax: DEPENDS ON TRUST STRUCTURE

Policy Written in Trust - NO IHT

Policy NOT in Trust - MAY PAY IHT

How to Check If Policy in Trust

Common Claim Rejection Reasons & How to Appeal

Top Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Rejected

1. Non-Disclosure of Medical Conditions (Most Common)

2. Lapsed Policy (Unpaid Premiums)

3. Suicide Within Exclusion Period

4. Excluded Activity or Occupation

5. Death Outside UK Without Coverage

6. Fraud or Misrepresentation

How to Appeal a Rejected Claim

Step 1: Request Full Explanation

Step 2: Internal Appeal to Insurer

Step 3: Financial Ombudsman Service

Tips for Successful Appeals

Related Guides

Claiming Private & Workplace Pensions After Death UK: Process & Tax 2026

How to Notify Banks After a Death UK: Complete Guide 2026

Mortgage Debt After Death UK: Who Pays? Life Insurance, Joint Mortgages & Options 2026

Joint Account When Spouse Dies: Instant Access (No Probate Needed!)

Close Deceased Bank Account: No Probate? 5-Min Guide (Avoid Delays)

You've read the guide.Now let Farra help you do it.

Hi, I'm Farra

Life Insurance Claims After Death: How to Claim UK 2026 Guide

How do I claim life insurance after a death?

Step 1: Find All Life Insurance Policies

Where to Search

1. Physical Documents

2. Bank Statements

3. Digital Records

4. Workplace Life Insurance

5. Mortgage Protection Insurance

Free Policy Tracing Services

Bereavement Register (Free)

Death Notification Service

Types of Life Insurance in the UK

Term Life Insurance (Most Common)

Whole of Life Insurance

Over 50s Life Insurance

Critical Illness Cover (with Life Element)

Workplace Death in Service Benefit

Step 2: The Life Insurance Claims Process

Contact the Insurer

Documents Required

Essential Documents (All Claims)

Proof of Entitlement (Who Can Claim)

You've read the guide.
Now let Farra help you do it.

You've read the guide.
Now let Farra help you do it.