When an individual passes away and owns a property, it’s important to make sure their property is adequately protected during the probate process, especially if the home will be unoccupied for an extended period.
In this blog, our Probate House Insurance specialists discuss the importance of arranging the correct type of house insurance when someone dies, and the steps you should take to ensure the home and contents are covered.
Why do you need house insurance after death?
When the owner of a property passes away, the existing home insurance policy may no longer remain valid and it is the duty of the executor/s to protect the assets of the deceased’s estate.
Most standard home insurance policies limit cover for unoccupied properties, often restricting it to just 30 days. This restriction often leaves properties unprotected during the probate process, as it may last for several months or even years.
This is because unoccupied properties are vulnerable to risks such as theft, vandalism, and damage by natural causes. Without appropriate insurance cover, these incidents could result in significant financial loss, which is why we recommend taking out a Probate Home Insurance policy.
What does probate house insurance cover?
Probate house insurance typically provides cover for the building itself and any contents left inside. The policy may include protection against risks like:
- Fire, flood, and storm damage
- Theft and vandalism
- Public Liability Insurance to cover claims from visitors, neighbours, or members of the public who might be injured or have their property damaged in connection with the empty home, including incidents involving trespassers.
Additionally, some policies including Lansdown’s, offers flexibility in the duration of cover, which is particularly useful if the probate process is lengthy.
How do you arrange house insurance after the death of policyholder?
1. Notify the existing insurer: Inform the current insurance provider of the policyholder’s death. They may offer a short grace period, but it’s likely a probate policy will be needed.
2. Secure the property: Make sure the home is well-maintained and secure. This could include installing security systems, ensuring all windows and doors are locked, and removing any potential hazards.
3. Regular checks: If possible, have someone check on the property regularly. Some insurance policies require that the home is visited periodically to keep the coverage valid.
Managing a property after the death of a loved one can be challenging, but ensuring the home is properly insured is an essential step in protecting the estate. Whether you’re an executor or a family member, understanding your options for insuring an empty house after death is key to mitigating risks. Download our Probate Checklist here – your comprehensive guide to safeguarding assets during the probate process.
For more detailed information and to get a tailored probate house insurance quote, please visit our Probate House Insurance page.
By taking these steps, you can rest assured that the property is protected, giving you one less thing to worry about during a difficult time.
About Lansdown Insurance Brokers
Lansdown Insurance Brokers are specialists in Probate House Insurance and Block of Flats Insurance. We can provide flexible policies to suit individual client needs and provide advice on what cover is required. For more information call the team on 01242 524498.
Lansdown is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.