Insurance Policies and Administration of The Estate

Insurance Policies

These are usually to be found amongst the deceased’s private papers or they may be lodged with a bank or solicitor. It is important to notify the insurance company, who will require a Death Certificate, as soon as possible.

Motor Insurance

Insurance cover on a vehicle owned by the deceased ceases upon death. The insurance company should be informed immediately and arrangements made for transfer of the policy.

The Vehicle Registration Document should be returned in due course to the licensing authority for transfer of ownership and the deceased’s Driving Licence should be returned to the D.V.L.A. Swansea, SA99 1AN.

Administration of the Estate

Before the estate can be distributed amongst the beneficiaries a GRANT OF PROBATE or LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION will be required.

PROBATE is required where the deceased HAS left a will. The will has to be “proved” before the Probate Registry of the High Court. Upon completion the executors named in the will are able to administer the estate.

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION are required where the deceased has not left a will. The deceased is said to have died intestate and the question then arises as to who should administer the estate. Here again application has to be made to the court, usually by the Next of Kin. The court, when satisfied as to the claim of the applicant, issues a document (Letters of Administration) appointing the applicant as administrator of the estate.

WHERE THE ESTATE IS SMALL, it is possible for the assets to be realised without making application for such a grant. The Probate Registry Office will advise you of the maximum asset value applicable in such circumstances.

CONSULTING A SOLICITOR OR BANK: A solicitor or bank would obtain the appropriate grant and administer the estate. They would require a certified copy of the Entry of Death and any of the following: Deeds, Assurance Policies, Share Certificates and Premium Bonds. They would also require details of any outstanding debts.

The Local Probate Office

Winchester District Probate Registry
4th Floor
Cromwell House
Andover Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 7EW

Opening hours

Court building open: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4pm
Court counter open: 9:30am to 4pm

Email Enquiries: WinchesterDPRenquiries@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk

Phone numbers

Probate helpline: 0300 123 1072
Enquiries: 01962 897029