Royal London Bereavement: How to Report a Death, by Policy Type
Checked against current GOV.UK probate and Inheritance Tax guidance for England & Wales (2026/27).
- You can tell Royal London online, by phone or by post.1
- Each policy type has its own number. If you don't know what they had, call 0345 646 2092 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).1
- Royal London tells you when it's OK to stop premiums and refunds any overpaid premiums.1
- For a Royal London funeral plan started more than 12 months ago, contact the funeral provider on the certificate of entitlement instead.1
Royal London has run policies for many brands it took over, so the right number depends on who sold the policy. If you're not sure, use the general line or the online form.1
Quick answer
If you don't know which Royal London policy the person had, call 0345 646 2092 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, excluding bank holidays) or use Royal London's online bereavement form. Have their full name, last address, date of birth, date of death, any policy numbers and the death certificate ready, plus the executor's name if there is a will. Royal London will tell you when to stop paying premiums and will refund any overpaid premiums. Checked on royallondon.com on 19 October 2026; details can change, so confirm with Royal London before you rely on them. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Royal London bereavement numbers by policy
Lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, unless shown otherwise.1
| Policy type | Number |
|---|---|
| Not sure | 0345 646 2092 |
| Over 50s life cover bought directly with Royal London | 0345 646 2094 (8am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, 10am to 4pm Sunday) |
| Over 50s life cover bought with the Post Office | 0345 266 1483 |
| Funeral plans started within the last 12 months | 0345 646 2094 (older plans: the funeral provider on the certificate of entitlement) |
| Critical illness and protection: Royal London or Bright Grey | 0345 646 2108 |
| Critical illness and protection: Scottish Provident | 0345 646 2096 |
| Endowments, savings and whole of life before 2004 (Royal London, United Friendly, Refuge) | 0345 646 2101 |
| Pensions with Royal London or United Assurance before 2004 | 0345 646 2112 |
| Pensions through a financial adviser (including ex Scottish Life) | 0345 646 2105 |
| Royal Liver (UK) | 0345 646 2097 |
| Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) | 0345 646 2107 |
| Pegasus | 0345 646 2098 |
| Abbey National, Santander or PLAL plans | 0345 646 2110 |
| Aegon Protection | 0345 646 2099 (8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday) |
All numbers from Royal London's bereavement page, which shows the number for whichever policy type you select.1 Royal London was not on the Death Notification Service's member list on 19 October 2026.2
What to have ready
Royal London asks for:1
- their full name, last known address and date of birth
- the date they died
- any policy or plan numbers
- the death certificate (it may need the certificate number)
- if there is a will, the executor's name, if you know it
If you can't find a policy number, old bank statements often show a Direct Debit to Royal London or one of the brands above.
Premiums, payouts and probate
Keep paying premiums until Royal London tells you it's OK to stop; it refunds any overpaid premiums.1 Royal London's page does not publish a limit for paying out without probate. Whether a payout needs the grant usually depends on whether the policy was written in trust or pays the estate, so ask the claims handler early. See life insurance and probate.
Common questions
What is the Royal London bereavement number?
It depends on the policy. If you don't know which policy the person had, Royal London's page gives 0345 646 2092, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can also use its online form.
What number do I call for a Royal London over 50s plan?
0345 646 2094 for over 50s cover bought directly with Royal London, or 0345 266 1483 if it was bought with the Post Office.
What happens to a Royal London funeral plan when someone dies?
If the plan started within the last 12 months, call Royal London on 0345 646 2094. For older plans, contact the funeral provider listed on the certificate of entitlement.
Should I keep paying Royal London premiums after a death?
Royal London says it will let you know when it is OK to stop, and will refund any overpaid premiums.
Every phone number, address, limit and document list on this page was read on royallondon.com on 19 October 2026. Where Royal London does not publish something, we say so rather than guess: ask its bereavement team.
Sources & references
The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the official UK government pages below. Each link opens the relevant GOV.UK page. Always confirm current figures on GOV.UK before you act, as fees and thresholds can change.
- Tell us about a bereavement — Royal London
- Who can I notify? Members of the Death Notification Service
- Dealing with the estate of someone who's died — GOV.UK
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