Can anyone help with a possible assurance?

[dave882]

A couple of years ago I received a letter from a firm of solicitors informing me that there was a policy in my name. All I had to do was quote the policy number and the funds would be paid to me. I had no knowledge of any policy and thew the letter away.

 

On discussing the letter with my dad I was told that my late Grandfather worked for the company mentioned and that he took out a policy for me why I was born. It would therefore appear that there is a policy in my name.

 

Does anyone know if there is any method of tracing any such policy that I may have? I do not know of any policy number but have heard that by providing certain details to some organisation or something similar a search can be completed.

 

With thanks

 

Dave

[LemonTwist]

Do you or your father have any recollection of which insurer the policy was with?

 

If not, it is still possible to search for it, but it will be a bit harder. Here is the website of the Unclaimed Assets Register: Unclaimed Assets Register: Find Your Lost Pensions, Lost Assets, and Lost Money They will be able to do a search for you.

 

However, if you do remember the insurer's name, it will be best to contact them directly.

[dave882]

LemonTwist,

 

Thank you for your reply. As far as I can remember I think that it was a company that he worked for or had links with. I am not sure if, following my birth, he opened the policy through work.

 

Either way, once again thank you, I will speak with my dad.

[Janet-M]

I know that when my father died I asked the insurance company if he had took out any other policies besides the ones I was aware of .I was informed that without a policy number it was near impossible to search as they had millions of them .There must be some way,as there is with old bank accounts , and I hope someone comes along soon and tells you .

[LemonTwist]

I know that when my father died I asked the insurance company if he had took out any other policies besides the ones I was aware of .I was informed that without a policy number it was near impossible to search as they had millions of them .There must be some way,as there is with old bank accounts , and I hope someone comes along soon and tells you .

 

It is still possible without a policy number, it's just that it may take longer. It all depends how much other information you're able to provide. If they are old policies, they may have originally been on paper records, but they would probably have been transferred to a computer system in more recent years, so that should make it easier for them to search through the archives.

[Helford]

Hi,

 

Also have a look at this article in Money Mail

 

Can you trace this policy? | This is Money

[gyzmo]

That's strange. I got a letter some years back from some financial place saying that shares were left to me (they had my full name) and to call them. However at the time I had several DCAs chasing me and I thought it was them trying to catch me out.

 

Always wondered whether it was genuine or not

[dave882]

Thank you for all your help. I have applied to the unclaimed asset register and am considering the fee of twenty five pounds. When the policy was taken out my grandad would have been either working for Tate and Lyle Sugar Refineries or in his own engineering business. It will have started with the old pounds, shillings and pence and will, if still about, be very small.

[kennythecelt]

That's strange. I got a letter some years back from some financial place saying that shares were left to me (they had my full name) and to call them. However at the time I had several DCAs chasing me and I thought it was them trying to catch me out.

 

Always wondered whether it was genuine or not

 

Why not go through the checking process. Hopefully, it might work out.

[kennythecelt]

I know that when my father died I asked the insurance company if he had took out any other policies besides the ones I was aware of .I was informed that without a policy number it was near impossible to search as they had millions of them .There must be some way,as there is with old bank accounts , and I hope someone comes along soon and tells you .

 

Janet, there might be a way to search if there were any. It would be worth a try.

 

I will see what I can find out re a search organisation and maybe, just maybe!!

[Janet-M]

Janet, there might be a way to search if there were any. It would be worth a try.

 

I will see what I can find out re a search organisation and maybe, just maybe!!

 

I know my father would of only used either of 2 companies , Royal Liver or Co-Op .

 

sorry for temp hi-jack Dave882

 

Will you let us know how you get on with this please Dave882 .

[kennythecelt]

Some further information:

 

If you have no policy number- write to the insurance/ assurance customer services department (or their successor) and include details of the policyholder's name, date of birth and address where payment was last made from. Plus, if you have them, the policy number and the method of payment, for example, was it direct debit or door-to-door?

 

If you have no information at all but suspect that a life assurance policy exists you can contact the Find Your Lost Assets and Pensions Yourself- a database of unclaimed life policies, pensions, unit trust holdings, and share dividends from many companies, including the Prudential. The UAR charges £18 for each search.

 

As its a paid for search at £18, be on safe side and get them to check for anything.

 

Also, ring the Association of British Insurers (020 7216 7455). That should take you through to lost policies, might try there first before UAR. If they can't help, ask them how you would go about it.

 

If the policies were up to date it appears there is no time limit on paying out to an estate.

 

Hope something comes from this. Please update to let us know how you both get on

Edited August 25, 2008 by kennythecelt
working link inserted

[dave882]

Thanks again for all the assistance. I am just about to change ready for work now but have Tuesday off. I will try and make a few calls then.

[Janet-M]

Please Delete

Edited August 25, 2008 by Janet-M

[Guest richardedward]

Yes u can get it soon