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Make a life insurance claim

If you need to make a claim on a life insurance policy, this page will tell you how. Scottish Widows will do all they can to make sure your claim is handled as quickly and smoothly as possible. 

If you have any questions or concerns, just call Scottish Widows on one of the numbers below. They'll be happy to help.

1. What you'll need to make a claim

If you can, try to have this information to hand when you start your claim. It’ll make it easier to find your policy:

  • Policyholder’s full name and date of birth
  • Policyholder’s address, including the postcode
  • Your postal address, email address and a phone number Scottish Widows can use to contact you.
  • The plan or policy number, which you can find in the policy documents. Don’t worry if you can’t find it, you can start your claim without it.

2. Get in touch

Claim online

To start your claim, just use the online claim form on the Scottish Widows website. They’ll contact you to let you know what to do next.

Make a claim Scottish Widows online claim form opens in the same tab

On the phone

You can start your claim online, but If you’d rather speak to someone just check the numbers on Scottish Widows website to find the right contact details for the policy. Calls may be monitored or recorded.

Contact Scottish Widows Scottish Widows contact us

3. What you'll need to send

When you start your claim, Scottish Widows will ask you to send some documents. They'll let you know exactly what you need to send, and why. They'll usually ask for:

  • The policyholder’s death certificate 

If the policy is not held in trust, Scottish Widows will ask you to send documents to show that you have a legal right to deal with the policyholder's estate. They'll let you know if you need to send: 

  • A copy of the policyholder’s Will, if they left one. 
  • Legal documents that say who payments should go to, like a Grant of Probate. These are also called 'Letters of Administration' in England and Wales, or 'Confirmation' in Scotland. 

In some cases Scottish Widows might need to contact a doctor or coroner to ask for medical information. They’ll always ask for your permission, first.

Help and support

Making a claim can be a difficult time, and we want to make sure that you have all the support you need. These organisations may be able to help.

PEOPLE YOU CAN TALK TO

Macmillan Cancer Support
Physical, financial and emotional support if you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer. 

Samaritans
If you need someone to talk to, they will listen. Any time, day or night. 

Age UK
A charity that works with and for older people. They can help tackle loneliness, support inclusion and deliver better lives for old people. 

RedArc
If you have Scottish Widows Care as part of your policy, RedArc can help with practical advice and emotional support.


PRACTICAL ADVICE

Citizens Advice
Whatever the problem, they can provide confidential and free advice. Online, over the phone or in person. 

MoneyHelper
Free advice on dealing with money after a death. From paying for the funeral to looking after the paperwork and household bills. 

Turn2us
A charity that helps people in financial hardship to get back on track. 

HM Revenue & Customs
Find answers to questions about tax or benefits. 

Gov.uk
Get advice on what to do after someone dies.