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When someone dies, notifying Vanguard 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 Vanguard takes to process a bereavement notification.
Vanguard bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 587 0460 — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Online: Vanguard bereavement form
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 Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.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 0800 587 0460 or use the online bereavement form. Vanguard UK offers ISAs, SIPPs, and general investment accounts focused on low-cost index funds.
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the Vanguard account number (from any correspondence), and your own ID and contact details.
Vanguard will require the grant of probate or letters of administration before releasing investments. You can start the process before probate is granted.
Vanguard will provide a bereavement claim form. Complete this and return it with all required documents.
Once all documents are verified, Vanguard will close the account and transfer proceeds to the estate. The process typically takes 3–6 weeks.
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.
Vanguard typically takes 3–6 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.
ISA investments are not tax-free after death for the estate, but a surviving spouse or civil partner can inherit an ISA's tax-free status through an Additional Permitted Subscription (APS). Notify the provider early to preserve this option.
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Answer a few questions and get a personalised probate plan for £179.
Once Vanguard 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.
Vanguard will freeze the account and write to you with the documents required to transfer or encash the investments. You will typically need to provide a grant of probate (or letters of administration) and certified copies of the death certificate before assets can be released to the estate. ISA investments lose their tax-free wrapper on death but may benefit from an Additional Permitted Subscription (APS) allowance for a surviving spouse or civil partner.
Do not delay notifying Vanguard
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 Vanguard promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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