Frequently asked questions

What happens if I die?

Whoever informs us about your death should provide a certified copy of the death certificate.

In the event of a customer’s death, we are under no obligation to allow access to the deposit box to any person claiming to be the personal representative but may, in our sole discretion, allow access on such terms as we deem necessary if such person produces to us:

• A certified copy of the Death Certificate
• A valid Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• Photo ID and Proof of Address for all Executors and/or Administrators.

We are unable to allow personal representatives to view the contents of deposit boxes. We appreciate that valuations of the contents of the deposit box may be required for probate purposes but not being able to do so should not delay the probate process. We suggest that you notify HMRC/Probate Registry accordingly when submitting the inheritance tax account that you have been unable to value an asset and will file a corrective account if necessary (you are also able to pay inheritance tax on account if there are concerns there). This does not constitute legal advice and if you have further queries, please consult a professional advisor.

Joint Customers

If the safe deposit box is jointly owned the remaining joint customer’s entitlement to access the box and administer the account (including closing it) remains pursuant to the Contract.

In the event of the death of a customer who held a joint account for any deposit box, we shall have the right to close such joint account and enter into a new Contract with the remaining joint customer.