Life Insurance Claims Following Suicide: A Family Checklist

If you are dealing with a life insurance claim following suicide, the insurer or arranging adviser can explain the documents and next steps. A general article cannot determine whether a particular claim will be paid.

Find the contract and the right contact

Locate the policy number, schedule, original commencement date and any later changes. Tell the insurer about the death and ask who is entitled to submit the claim. You do not need to predict the decision before making contact.

Ask for an evidence list

Evidence may include a death certificate, coroner’s findings, claim forms, identification and proof of the claimant’s authority. Requirements vary. Ask which documents are essential now, what can follow later and whether copies are sufficient.

Clarify the relevant cover dates

An insurer may need to establish the original policy date and whether an increase or replacement introduced different terms. Separate those questions rather than assuming every change restarted an exclusion on the entire benefit.

Keep a record of progress

Note the claim reference, contact details, documents supplied and any outstanding requests. Ask for an explanation of avoidable delays. There is no universal guaranteed payment deadline for every claim.

If the decision is disputed

Request the reason in writing, the relevant policy provision and details of the complaints process. Eligible unresolved complaints may be considered by the Financial Ombudsman Service after the appropriate process. Read our general claims guide and claim timings.

Where to check the policy restrictions

Our application and exclusion checklist explains what to look for in a policy. It does not replace the insurer’s interpretation of the actual documents.

Compare your options

Speak to our advice team about the protection discussed here. Initial quotations are subject to the insurer assessing the application. Cover begins only when the insurer confirms the policy is in force; completing a form or receiving a quote does not start cover.

Updated October 2026. General information, not a personal recommendation or a quotation. Eligibility, exclusions, premiums and tax treatment depend on the policy and individual circumstances. Discount Life Cover is a trading style of My Key Finance Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA, FRN 628996.

Further information: MoneyHelper: life insurance.