Dead Man’s Switch*
An automated check-in system that ensures your trusted contacts are notified if something happens to you. No action needed from anyone — until it matters.
*Inspired by the engineering fail-safe of the same name — a switch that activates only when the operator can no longer hold it.
What is it?
If you stop checking in, your trusted contacts are notified. Think of it as a safety net that runs quietly in the background. You check in periodically to let Passed Plan know you are okay. If you ever stop, the people you trust are given the information they need.
How it works — step by step
You set your check-in interval
Choose how often you want to check in — from every 30 days to every 90 days, depending on your plan.
We send you a check-in reminder
When your check-in window approaches, Passed Plan sends you a friendly email (and SMS on higher plans) to remind you.
You tap one button to confirm
Click the "I'm alive" button in your email or log in to your dashboard. That's it — one tap.
Timer resets — nothing happens
Your check-in timer resets to zero and the cycle starts again. Your contacts are never notified.
If you miss check-in, we escalate
We don't give up easily. We send you additional reminders at 14, 7, 3, and 1 day before the deadline.
Contacts are notified
If you still don't respond after all reminders, your trusted contacts receive an inactivity alert with clear next steps.
Vault access process begins
Contacts can visit the unlock portal and begin the verification process to access your vault, if needed.
Fraud protection built in
Every death report triggers a 72-hour fraud protection window. During this time, the vault owner is notified by every channel available — email, SMS, and push notification. One click halts the entire process.
If you halt
- ✓The death report is immediately cancelled
- ✓All trusted contacts are notified it was a false alarm
- ✓No vault access is granted — ever
- ✓Your check-in timer resets to normal
If not halted
- 1.After 72 hours: limited vault access granted to contacts
- 2.Contacts can view summary information and urgent messages
- 3.After 7 days: full vault access is granted
- 4.Contacts receive the complete vault contents you prepared
Check-in intervals by plan
Higher-tier plans include shorter check-in intervals for more responsive protection.
| Plan | Check-in Interval |
|---|---|
| Vault | 60 days |
| Vault Pro | 45 days |
| Couple's Vault | 45 days |
| Family Vault | 45 days |
| Estate+ | 30 days |
Frequently asked questions
Nothing drastic happens immediately. We send you escalating reminders at 14, 7, 3, and 1 day before the deadline. You have plenty of time to respond. Only after all reminders are exhausted and you still have not checked in are your contacts notified.
No. A missed check-in only triggers an inactivity notification to your contacts. To actually access your vault, a contact must submit a death report through the unlock portal and go through the full verification process, including the 72-hour fraud protection window.
Every death report triggers a 72-hour fraud protection window. During this time, you receive urgent notifications by email and SMS. One click halts the entire process. No vault access is ever granted during the 72-hour window.
Your check-in interval is set by your plan tier. If you need a shorter interval (more frequent check-ins), you can upgrade your plan at any time from your account settings.
On all plans, you receive email reminders. On Vault Pro and above, you also receive SMS reminders at the 7-day, 3-day, and 1-day marks for an extra layer of security.
The Dead Man's Switch cannot be paused — it is a core safety feature of your vault. However, checking in takes just one tap and resets your timer completely. If you are going through a period where you might not be reachable, consider checking in early.
Protect the people you love
Start your free 30-day trial today. Set up your vault, add your trusted contacts, and let the Dead Man’s Switch take care of the rest.
Start your free trial