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.
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When someone dies, notifying Royal London 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 Royal London takes to process a bereavement notification.
Royal London bereavement contact details
Phone: 0345 611 1111 — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Online: Royal London bereavement
Call 0345 611 1111 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or use the online bereavement section. Royal London is a mutual insurer specialising in life insurance and pensions — the team can identify all policies held.
Royal London will need a certified copy of the death certificate and any policy numbers. If you do not have policy numbers, they can search by name, date of birth, and address.
Royal London will send a claim form for each relevant policy. Complete and return the form with a certified copy of the death certificate and, for estate claims above the threshold, the grant of probate.
Royal London will cancel any life insurance premiums from the date of death and refund any overpaid premiums to the estate.
If the policy was in trust, Royal London will pay the trustees directly. Estate claims require the grant of probate. Royal London will confirm the expected payment timeline when the claim is registered.
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.
Royal London 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.
Once Royal London 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.
Royal London 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 Royal London
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 Royal London promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Aviva bereavement service: 0800 015 1144 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Make life insurance claims, cancel premiums, reclaim unused payments. What documents Aviva needs. Full guide.
Legal & General bereavement: 0800 137 101 (Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm). Make life insurance claims, cancel premiums, reclaim unused payments. What documents L&G needs. Full guide.
Direct Line bereavement: 0345 246 8701 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Cancel home and car insurance, reclaim unused premium, make any claims. What documents you need. Full guide.
AXA bereavement support: 0330 024 1060 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Cancel home, car, or health insurance, reclaim unused premium, make any claims. What documents AXA needs. Full guide.
Barclays bereavement team: 0800 161 5195 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm). Notify by phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately — death certificate required. Step-by-step guide.
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