Life policies - Industrial Branch

Industrial Branch (IB) products were written between 1854 and 1994 and may be identified by their policy number, which is usually 9 digits long.

The business was sold by agents who would visit each customer at their home and collect premiums in cash. These policies were designed to pay out a lump sum on death if the policy was a whole life plan, or on maturity or on earlier death, if it was an endowment plan.

We understand that over time, policyholders may have misplaced their policy or forgotten about it when moving house. If you believe you have an old life policy which used to be paid ''at the door'' call Prudential on 0845 640 4000.

If you have a policy number

If you have a policy number, we will need answers to the following:

• When and where was the policy taken out?
• When and where was the last premium paid?
• Date of Birth of Life Assured.
• Full name, including Maiden surname of Life Assured.

If you are unable to provide full details, it may be difficult for us to trace the policy as our records are numerically based.

If you don't have a policy number

If you have no information, but suspect that a life insurance policy exists, you may wish to consult the Unclaimed Assets Register (UAR). This is a unique service that helps its users find lost assets and re-establish contact with financial institutions.

The UAR has a database of unclaimed life policies, pensions, unit trust holdings and share dividends drawn from many companies. The UAR charges a fixed fee of £25 for each search. This includes VAT.

For all other policies

Call us on 0800 000 000, or write to Prudential, Customer Service Centre, Stirling, FK9 4UE, or send us a secure email.