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When someone dies, notifying Direct Line is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long Direct Line takes to process a bereavement notification.
Direct Line bereavement contact details
Phone: 0345 605 9163 — Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm
Online: Direct Line bereavement
Last verified: May 2026
Spotted a change? Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.
Call 0345 605 9163 or use the online bereavement page. Direct Line primarily offers home, car, pet, and travel insurance — the focus will be on cancelling ongoing policies and making any applicable claims.
Direct Line will need any policy numbers (from insurance documents or renewal notices) and a certified copy of the death certificate.
If the death involved circumstances covered by a Direct Line policy (for example, a home insurance claim relating to the property, or a travel insurance claim), the bereavement team will direct you to the appropriate claims team.
Direct Line will cancel any active home, car, or other policies from the date of death. Any unexpired premium will be refunded to the estate on a pro-rata basis.
Direct Line will confirm the cancellation of all policies in writing and issue any refund due to the estate.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
Direct Line typically takes 3–8 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
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Once Direct Line receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
Direct Line will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying Direct Line
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying Direct Line promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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