How to Claim Life Insurance in the UK

To claim life insurance, contact the insurer or the adviser who arranged the policy and ask what evidence is needed. There is no universal payout deadline or standard UK contestability period that applies to every policy.

Find the policy and notify the insurer

Have the policy number, the insured person’s details and the date of death if available. If documents are missing, check correspondence and bank records for premiums. The insurer can explain who is entitled to claim and what evidence of authority is required.

What documents may be requested?

These can include a death certificate, completed claim form, identification, medical information and evidence of entitlement. Where a trust holds the policy, trustees may need to act. If the estate receives the benefit, probate or other estate administration documents may be relevant.

Why the timing can vary

A straightforward claim may be assessed more quickly than one involving a coroner, overseas evidence, missing documents or questions about the application. There is no automatic rule that every claim made after two years must be paid without investigation. Ask what remains outstanding and how to obtain updates.

If a claim is delayed or declined

Ask for the reason in writing and check the policy terms and evidence. A complaint can be made through the insurer’s procedure. If eligible and still dissatisfied after its final response, or the relevant response period, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to consider it.

Trusts and tax

A trust may affect who receives the money and whether the benefit passes through the estate, but it does not guarantee a tax result. Read our trust guide and our guide to claim times.

Help your family prepare

Keep policy details and insurer contacts where the appropriate people can find them. Review ownership, trustees and beneficiaries after relevant life changes. Do not publish policy numbers or medical details in an online comment.

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; Financial Ombudsman: making a complaint.