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 Sun Life 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 Sun Life takes to process a bereavement notification.
Sun Life bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 008 6060 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm
Online: Sun Life bereavement claim form
Call 0800 008 6060 or visit sunlife.co.uk/life-insurance/bereavement. Sun Life specialises in over-50s life insurance and funeral plans, so this is a common notification for older estates.
You will need the Sun Life policy number (on any correspondence), the policyholder's full name, date of birth, and date of death. Sun Life also offers funeral plans — check whether one was taken out in addition to or instead of life insurance.
For life insurance, Sun Life will ask for a certified copy of the death certificate and the policy document. Claims are usually straightforward for over-50s plans as they are whole of life policies with guaranteed payouts.
If the deceased had a Sun Life funeral plan, contact Sun Life separately to activate it. The plan covers funeral costs up to the plan value — Sun Life will liaise with the funeral director directly or issue a payment.
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.
Sun Life typically takes 2–4 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.
Sun Life is part of the AXA Group. Over-50s plans pay a fixed lump sum regardless of when death occurs. Be aware that over-50s plans may not cover the full cost of a funeral if taken out many years ago at a lower benefit level.
Once Sun Life 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.
Sun Life 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 Sun Life
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 Sun Life 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.
Royal London bereavement: 0345 611 1111 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Make life insurance and protection claims, cancel premiums, handle pension death benefits. Full guide for executors.
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.
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