Do I need a certificate of inheritance for the funeral insurance payout in Germany?
In short
Usually not. If you are named as beneficiary, you do not need a certificate of inheritance (Erbschein) for the funeral insurance payout in Germany: the money goes to you directly, outside the estate. The insurer may ask for proof of inheritance if nobody is named or only "the heirs" are. An Erbschein costs about EUR 330 in court fees for a EUR 50,000 estate.
Court fees for a certificate of inheritance by estate value and guide premiums for funeral insurance.
Example
Typical range
Erbschein, estate EUR 25,000
about EUR 230 (2 x EUR 115)
Erbschein, estate EUR 50,000
about EUR 330 (2 x EUR 165)
Erbschein, estate EUR 100,000
about EUR 546 (2 x EUR 273)
Funeral insurance, start at 60, sum EUR 7,000
about EUR 35 to 39 a month
Fees under GNotKG table B, without expenses and copies, as of October 2026.
Premiums are guide values from published tariff examples; we obtain the exact quote for you.
Worked example
Widow, nobody named in the policy
The late husband had EUR 6,000 funeral insurance with no beneficiary. Heirs are the widow and two children, the estate is EUR 50,000.
Payout falls into the estate
EUR 6,000
Erbschein with sworn statement
about EUR 330
Waiting time for the certificate
several weeks, guide value from our practice
Funeral to be paid first
advanced from own money
With the widow named as beneficiary, the money would have come without a certificate and without paying in advance.
Why the beneficiary designation replaces the certificate
Funeral insurance is a contract for the benefit of a third party. A named beneficiary acquires the claim when the insured person dies (section 331 BGB, section 159 VVG). The money never becomes part of the estate, so you do not have to prove that you inherit.
For the payout you prove who you are and send the documents the policy conditions list. Which ones exactly is set out in your policy terms.
When the insurer may ask for proof of inheritance
If nobody is named, the payout falls into the estate and the insurer pays the heirs. The same applies if the policy only says "the heirs": under section 160 (2) VVG those who are heirs at the time of death are entitled, by their shares. The insurer may then check who they are.
The usual proof is a certificate of inheritance (Erbschein) from the probate court (section 2353 BGB). Whether an opened notarial will is enough depends on the insurer and the policy terms. Ask before applying to the court.
Policy says
Erbschein needed?
Where the money goes
Person named
no
directly to that person
"The heirs"
proof usually yes
to the heirs by share
Nobody named
proof yes
into the estate
Undertaker by assignment
no
to the undertaker up to the bill
What an Erbschein costs and how long it takes
The court charges one full fee for the certificate (item 12210) and one for the sworn statement (item 23300) under fee table B of the Court and Notary Fees Act (GNotKG). For a EUR 50,000 estate that is twice EUR 165, about EUR 330 in total; for EUR 25,000 about EUR 230.
Processing time depends on the court and can take weeks. That is too slow for a funeral bill due within days, which is exactly why a named beneficiary matters.
Disclaiming the inheritance
If you disclaim the inheritance, you keep a personal beneficiary right. Even where "the heirs" are named, section 160 (2) VVG says a disclaimer does not affect the entitlement. So the payout can reach the family even if the estate is in debt.
How to plan ahead
Name one person and a substitute in case they die first. Check the designation after marriage, divorce or the death of your partner. Keep the policy with your papers and tell your relatives where it is.
Step by step
Find the policy and read the beneficiary entry.
Report the death to the insurer and ask for the document list.
With a named beneficiary have ID and death certificate ready.
Without one, ask the probate court which proof is enough.
Give the insurer the beneficiary's bank details.
Checklist
Beneficiary named personally
Substitute beneficiary named
Designation checked after marriage or divorce
Policy easy for relatives to find
Policy number in your emergency folder
Common mistakes
Naming only "the heirs" and triggering a proof of inheritance
Applying for an Erbschein although you are named
Not changing the beneficiary after a partner's death
Booking the funeral without knowing when money will arrive
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Do I need an Erbschein as the spouse?
Not if you are named.
Without a name the insurer may ask for proof of inheritance, also from a spouse.
Is a will enough instead of an Erbschein?
That depends on the insurer and the form of the will.
An opened notarial will is accepted more often than a handwritten one; ask first.
What if the named beneficiary has already died?
Under section 160 (3) VVG the claim then goes to the policyholder, meaning the estate.
The heirs need proof.
Can creditors of the deceased take the payout?
With a named beneficiary it bypasses the estate.
Without one it is part of the estate and answers for its debts.
Where do I apply for an Erbschein?
At the probate court (Nachlassgericht) at the deceased's last place of residence,
