AVIVA dragging their heels on shares payout...

[Lucan Unlordly]

Not really business but to save having to sign up to Martin Lewis' Money page wonder if anyone can answer some question's re the following?

Family member passes away - Probate and Death Certificate sent to AVIVA mid January - returned on 30th January 2026.
Relative requests payment date and is told that proof of ID is required. ID sent. Assumed ok but only on chasing was told image wasn't clear enough. Re-sent.

Now into March - still having to chase to be told payment will be sent in an unacceptable 20+ days! Case passed to manager for fast tracking and payment will take 12 days. No payment date given.

Relative continues to call and formal complaint made.

Yesterday. Still no payment - 'it will be with you by 8th April' - relative lays down the law and awaits call within 48 hours!

This is not an insignificant sum we are talking about and the time taken to pay out will have caused financial loss by way of interest (assuming they won't cover this) but could also prevent investment in an ISA before the financial year end.

Given AVIVA's track record thus far there is no guarantee that funds are on the way. Should AVIVA pay interest and any penalties for the delay?

 

[pentel]

Is this for a life insurance policy or the sale of some Aviva shares?

From the thread title it appears shares so I will assume shares.

Shares are normally dealt with by the share registrar which in the case of Aviva is Computershare investor services. the contact details are shown on https://www.aviva.com/investors/investor-relations-contacts/

Normally the share register would be changed to the name of the new owner and the shares could then be sold via a broker such as A J Bell or Interactive investor but it may be that Computershare could deal with the share sale.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Is this for a life insurance policy or the sale of some Aviva shares?

From the thread title it appears shares so I will assume shares.

Shares are normally dealt with by the share registrar which in the case of Aviva is Computershare investor services. the contact details are shown on https://www.aviva.com/investors/investor-relations-contacts/

Normally the share register would be changed to the name of the new owner and the shares could then be sold via a broker such as A J Bell or Interactive investor but it may be that Computershare could deal with the share sale.

Yes it's for shares.

The contact is with AVIVA's Bristol Office which the link you posted is for Ordinary Shareholders

The issue is the complete lack of any response, passing the buck and making promises that don't materialise.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Yesterday. Still no payment - 'it will be with you by 8th April' - relative lays down the law and awaits call within 48 hours!

This is not an insignificant sum we are talking about and the time taken to pay out will have caused financial loss by way of interest (assuming they won't cover this) but could also prevent investment in an ISA before the financial year end.

The call within 48 hours didn't come, the relative called and spoke to a manager who assured her of a response by today Monday. Again the call didn't come, again she chased and asked to be transferred to the manager but wasn't connected. This turning into a very expensive fiasco!

 

[FreddyG]

If you look at the share price, you will see why they are giving you the run-around. The price double-peaked and looks as if it might go down in the coming days/months. The last thing they need is a mad rush to sell!

 

[Mark T Jones]

If you look at the share price, you will see why they are giving you the run-around. The price double-peaked and looks as if it might go down in the coming days/months. The last thing they need is a mad rush to sell!

On the other hand, it's widely acknowledged that Jo Punter has zero impact on share prices, even if they all decided to sell at once.

 

[FreddyG]

Very true. But sometimes, because all prices are discovered at the margins, lots of Jo Punters rushing to the exits can set an unwelcome signal. Aviva is probably undervalued (according to The Motley Fool) so if that share package is substantial (£50k plus?) it might be worthwhile waiting to sell.

AV is expensive based on its Price-To-Earnings Ratio (23.7x) compared to the peer average (15.3x) but a half-price bargain at Future Cash Flow Value. Insider trading has been buying only since July last year. But then I know almost nothing about the insurance market. But it seems extremely profitable!

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Here's what AI says........

Under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, insurers are required to pay valid claims promptly once all necessary information—including the verified IDs you sent in February—has been received
Demand 8% Simple Interest: In your next communication, state that because the payment is being unreasonably delayed after all documentation was verified, you expect 8% simple interest to be added to the final payout, calculated from the date they received the passport copies in early February.
(There has been some verbal 'assurances' that any losses will be considered). On current form 'don't hold your breath'!
Claim for "Distress and Inconvenience": Given the repeated broken promises and lack of contact with beneficiaries, you can claim additional compensation.

• The Ombudsman often awards between £300 and £750 for delays lasting several months that require "significant inconvenience and disruption" to resolve.

 

[MikeJ]

If you look at the share price, you will see why they are giving you the run-around. The price double-peaked and looks as if it might go down in the coming days/months. The last thing they need is a mad rush to sell!

Aviva's market capital is 18 billion quid. How many shares do you think's involved here?