What steps do you need to take after the death of a loved one?

The loss of a loved one is a profound and emotional event. Besides coping with this loss, you are often faced with a flood of practical arrangements. To support you in this, we at S.W.I.S. Insurance have compiled an overview of the main steps you need to take.

Immediately after the death

Have the death certified

A doctor must officially establish the death and draw up an ‘declaration of death’. In hospitals, this is done automatically, but in the case of a death at home, the deceased's GP can take care of this.

Contact an undertaker

An undertaker will help you with urgent matters such as the administrative declaration to the municipality, the death notice, the organisation of the ceremony and arranging a funeral or cremation.

Inform the municipality(s)

The death should be reported to the municipality where the person died and where the funeral or cremation will take place. The funeral director can usually arrange this for you, but make sure you have:

• The ‘certificate of death’;
• ID card and marriage certificate (if applicable);
• ID card of the declarant(s).

It is wise to make copies of the death certificate. These may be required by banks, insurers and other agencies.

Contact the bank(s)

Report the death to the deceased's bank. A ‘deed of succession’ is needed to clear accounts and any safe deposit boxes. This is drawn up by a notary public.

Call in a notary

A notary is indispensable when settling an inheritance. They help with:

• Locating the will;
• Establishing the succession;
• Preparing the declaration of estate;
• Unblocking accounts and distributing assets.

Declaration of estate

Within four months of death, the declaration of estate must be filed with the tax authority of the region where the deceased lived. The notary can assist with this. Based on this declaration, the inheritance tax is calculated.

Want to know more about what you inherit in case of legal or de facto cohabitation? Read it in our blog post about this matter.

Important next steps

Notify insurance companies

It is crucial to list all the deceased's current insurance policies. These include:

• Life insurance policies: Check who the beneficiaries are and notify the death in time. Benefits may be released.
• Non-life insurance: Such as car insurance, fire insurance and travel insurance. Discuss which policies need to be adjusted, stopped or transferred.
• Funeral insurance: If the deceased had funeral insurance, it may cover the cost of burial or cremation. Contact the insurer soon to arrange this.

At S.W.I.S. Insurance, we are happy to help you identify and administratively process these insurances.

Notify other authorities

Depending on the deceased's situation, various organisations need to be informed:

• Health Insurance Fund: For any benefits or contributions to funeral costs;
• Employer: To stop wages and handle other benefits;
• Child benefit fund: If there are dependent children, there may be entitlement to an orphan's benefit;
• Social security: Such as the Social Insurance Fund, Pension Service or PCSW.
•  

Cancel subscriptions and ongoing commitments

Cancel subscriptions such as phone, internet, and energy contracts. Also check for outstanding bills or planned activities, such as booked trips or orders.

How S.W.I.S. Insurance can help you

At S.W.I.S. Insurance, we understand how overwhelming this period can be. Are you insured through us? Then we are here to guide you through all insurance-related matters. From identifying current policies to adjusting coverage and handling claims, we take these worries out of your hands so you can focus on what really matters.

Do you have questions or want to know more about how we can support you? Get in touch with us. Together, we will make sure everything is settled in a calm and correct manner.