Running subscriptions are often the part of an estate that quietly keeps going the longest. No bank stops them, no agency reports them automatically. You have to cancel them one by one. With a good approach this is doable in a few evenings.
The legal basis: cancelling is allowed
For most consumer contracts a death is a valid reason to end the contract. For continuing contracts that have been silently renewed, the Wet Van Dam allows cancellation with a notice period of at most one month. That covers newspapers, magazines, telecom, streaming and most memberships.
Inventory everything first
Before you cancel, you need to know what is running:
- Go through bank statements of the last 12 months. Mark every recurring debit.
- Check direct debits in the banking app.
- Open the inbox and search for "invoice", "renewal", "subscription".
- Go through the physical mail of the last 6 months.
Make a list with: service, customer number, amount per term, notice period, contact details.
Per type of service
Telecom (KPN, Ziggo, Vodafone, Odido, Tele2)
Send a registered letter or submit a request through the web form. Attach the death certificate and the customer number. Most providers stop the contract at the end of the current month without a penalty. Keep a mobile number temporarily if you still need SMS codes for access.
Energy (Essent, Eneco, Vattenfall, Greenchoice)
This is slightly more complex. Energy is often still needed: the home has to be heated, cooled or lit. Notify the supplier of the death and request transfer to your name (if you stay in the home) or a final settlement (on sale or termination of rent). The settlement follows the final meter reading. Without a final settlement a sale or rental termination cannot be properly closed.
Insurance
Contents, building, liability: usually you can cancel from the date of death or transfer to your name. Life insurance is different and must be reported so the payout goes to the beneficiary. Health insurance: report to CAK / health insurer; the premium ends on the date of death, any premium overpaid is refunded.
Streaming, software, online media
Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Adobe, Microsoft 365, dating apps: cancellation is often fastest by logging into the account itself. If that is not possible, via customer service with the death certificate. Note that annual subscriptions sometimes run until the end of the period without refund, unless you invoke the death clause (ask explicitly).
Gym, club, broadcaster
Gyms often have a one-month notice period that can be invoked directly with the death certificate. Clubs have statutory notice periods that as a rule also apply on death. Broadcaster memberships can usually be stopped immediately via the website.
Car and bike subscriptions, leasing
Lease and car subscription contracts sometimes have strict early termination penalties. There is often an exception on death. Ask the leasing company to point to the bereavement clause in the contract. A bike lease via the employer usually stops automatically once the employer is notified.
Newspapers, magazines, donations
Shortest route: email customer service with "Cancellation due to death", customer number and death certificate. Donations to charities: same.
Sample letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby report the death of [name], [date of birth], on [date of death]. I request that you terminate the subscription to [service], customer number [number], as of [date], and send any final settlement to the address below.
Enclosed: copy of the death certificate.
Yours sincerely, [name, address, phone, email]
When a service refuses to cooperate
Sometimes a provider keeps invoicing. Steps:
- Send a reminder with the same information, mentioning that you are considering legal steps.
- Stop the direct debit through your bank (the mandate can be revoked online).
- Engage the Geschillencommissie or, for energy, ACM ConsuWijzer.
- For persistent debits: report to the Dutch Data Protection Authority.
First-week checklist
- Print 12 months of bank statements
- Make a list of all recurring items
- Per item: send cancellation email or letter
- Keep a logbook with dates and reference numbers
- Chase unconfirmed cancellations after 14 days
Need help?
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