We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Sudden Beareavent- advice needed

Hi all

Unfortunately my Father in Law has suddenly passed and I am trying to help resolve some of the issues to ease pressure. He was retired with police pension.

My mother in Law believed she had Life insurance when the remortgaged (ran until 75) but bank 'can't see signs' of it. She did work for bank at time so ours have some cover through that but since left so we are worried.

Would it have been compulsory to have life insurance when taking outuntil 75?
Any other obvious products that may have it (cc etc)?
Any other obvious things to check as head is scrambled?

Sorry for rambling post but family is concerned RE what happens now etc

Comments

  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Here's some advice on locating lost life insurance.

    http://unclaimedassets.co.uk/lost-life-insurance-association-of-british-insurers-abi/

    I think it's very unlikely that the remortage would (or even could) insist on life cover accompanying the loan.
  • slideby
    slideby Posts: 43 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thank you for this- for some reason I thought you had to sign something saying you have life insurance etc.

    This is really helpful and I will probably return for extra questions as you don't prepare for this unfortunately
  • Kynthia
    Kynthia Posts: 5,692 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The Mortgages & Endowments part of the forum has brokers who may be able to answer your question. Are you concerned because the mortgage isn't yet paid off? There may be options depending on your MIL's income, the amount of equity, any inheritance and her future plans. However there's no need to get into that now and no big decisions should be made any time soon.

    Have you informed the pension provider as they'll need to sort the spousal pension? Have you looked through all the bank statements as any unknown regular payments out could be something worth investigating?
    Don't listen to me, I'm no expert!
  • slideby
    slideby Posts: 43 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    The main concern is the mortgage immediately, although this will be around 10% of the house value. I would prefer to deal with the immediate aftermath but she is severely worried about having to sell house, and although we have tried to reassure, think getting answers will help.

    The pension provider are being called tomorrow and great point RE bank statements. MIL thought they had life insurance but mentioned that in last review with bank they said they couldn't see signs of it.

    Currently looking into widow entitlements etc

    Thank you so much for input
  • Kynthia
    Kynthia Posts: 5,692 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    As long as tge mortgage repayments can be made for now it's best not to rush any decisions. People do things tgey regret when in the aftermath of bereavement and severe grief.

    Later on, perhaps in a year, your MIL will know if she can continue to afford the mortgage, whether downsizing to a smaller mortgage free property now that she's living on her own is something she'd like, or whether equity release or a lifetime mortgage are feasible ways of staying in the property. Age Concern and a good broker could probably advise. There are more immediate concerns to deal with and I'm sure you've all enough on your plate right now.
    Don't listen to me, I'm no expert!
  • Quickest way to investigate queries like this is to check bank statements - d/d to insurance companies.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.4K Life & Family
  • 261.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.