Protecting the personal possessions of the deceased – guidance for funeral directors

In the sombre and often difficult aftermath of a loved one’s passing, funeral directors assume a crucial role aside from orchestrating memorial services.

Beyond the rituals and ceremonies, you may be asked to delicately handle the deceased’s possessions, preserving cherished belongings with the utmost care. Funeral directors understand the profound significance of these items –each telling a unique story that mirrors the life and personality of the departed – and it’s these personal effects that become tangible connections and ongoing legacy for grieving families. So, how can you help to keep these items safe when in your custody? And in addition, how do you record the details of any valuables in your possession should a loss occur?

We’ve listed three straightforward steps to help protect you, your business, and the valuables themselves: 

1. When storing the deceased’s personal possessions, please ensure that a log of each item is kept, clearly displaying the family name or the name of the deceased person to prevent a mix-up. This limits any insurance exposure that you have from a liability perspective.
2. Please make sure that the valuables are stored in a suitable, locked safe. It’s worth noting that some personal belongings may have significant value and is therefore appropriate to ensure that the safe you’re using has an adequate “cash rating” for the value of goods being stored within it. You don’t want to find yourself in a position whereby valuables are stolen which hold an overall value substantially higher than what the safe is designed for. his may potentially invalidate any claim made for the valuables themselves or reduce the cost of the payment made by the insurers.  
3. Photograph each item – with Smartphones being so readily available, taking an image of all securely stored jewellery (and other valuables) helps the insurers determine a value, should a loss or theft occur. You may ask specialist jewellers for valuations using the images. Include the hallmarks on certain items where possible; this ensures that the family get a fair settlement for any lost items. Without images, it becomes your word against those of the family as to what the lost items were. Please note, insurers will only pay for the item in terms of its financial and market worth; no value can be placed on the sentimental value to the family.

If you like to discuss how we can help keep your funeral business covered, please call 
020 3093 9964 or email natalie.bovis@howdeninsurance.co.uk.