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 Zurich 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 Zurich takes to process a bereavement notification.
Zurich bereavement contact details
Phone: 0370 333 1500 — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Online: Zurich bereavement claim
Last verified: June 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 Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.
Use Zurich's online bereavement claims form, or call them. If you don't know the policy number, call 0370 333 1500 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Zurich also runs policy-specific bereavement lines: 0370 240 0073 if the policy number starts with 'PR', or 0370 243 0827 if it does not. Zurich manages workplace pensions, personal pensions, and life insurance products in the UK.
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the policy or plan number from any Zurich correspondence, and your own contact details.
For pension plans, Zurich's trustees will review any nomination of beneficiary or expression of wishes form on file.
For larger lump sum claims, probate or letters of administration may be required. Zurich will advise on what is needed.
Once all documents are received and verified, Zurich will process the death benefits. This typically takes 4–8 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.
Zurich does not publish a processing time, so we do not give one. Ask when you notify them, and ask for a reference so you can chase it.
Accounts or services are usually frozen until the estate is administered, which means no new transactions can be authorised.
If the deceased had a pension with an expression of wishes or nomination of beneficiary form on file, the pension trustees have discretion to pay outside the estate — meaning it may not go through probate. Contact the pension provider early to check.
Once Zurich 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.
Zurich 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 Zurich
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 Zurich promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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