Managing a deceased’s estate can be overwhelming, especially when it involves an unoccupied property. In these challenging times, Probate House Insurance from a trusted broker like Lansdown can provide invaluable support.
Understanding Probate
Probate is the legal and financial process that takes place after someone dies. It involves:
- Administration of the Estate: Includes identifying, valuing, and managing the deceased person’s assets
- Distribution of Assets: Ensuring that the estate is distributed according to the will or, in the absence of a will, according to the law.
- Settling of Debts: Paying off any debts or obligations left by the deceased
Probate is typically required when the deceased owned property or significant assets in their sole name. Given that each probate case is unique, the process can be time-consuming, often extending well beyond the cover period of a standard home insurance policy.
Why You Need Specialist Probate Insurance
Most standard home insurance policies have limitations on cover for unoccupied properties, often capping it at 30 days. This limitation poses a problem during the probate process, which can take several months or even years. This is where probate home insurance comes into play.
Probate insurance provides the necessary cover for unoccupied properties, protecting them from the increased risks they face during this period, such as:
- Damage from Natural Events: Without regular maintenance, damage from storms, floods, or leaks can go unnoticed and worsen over time.
- Theft and Vandalism: Empty properties are more attractive to thieves and vandals, who see them as easy targets.
Choosing the Right Probate Insurance
Probate Insurance ensures that unoccupied properties remain safeguarded during the probate period. This includes coverage against structural damage, and addressing repairs needed due to natural disasters, leaks, or other issues that could compromise the integrity of the property. In addition, probate insurance offers financial protection against losses resulting from theft or vandalism.
Furthermore, should someone sustain an injury on the premises, the policy includes liability coverage to handle potential legal and medical expenses, ensuring that the estate is not burdened with these unforeseen costs.
Additional Measures for Property Protection
While obtaining a comprehensive probate insurance policy is crucial, there are additional measures you can take to further secure the unoccupied property:
- Install Burglar Alarms: A modern burglar alarm system can act as a deterrent to potential intruders and provide immediate alerts if a break-in occurs.
- Change Locks: If there have been multiple keyholders in the past, changing the locks ensures that only authorised individuals have access to the property.
- Regular Property Visits: Regular visits to the property can help detect and address issues early. They also give the appearance of the property being monitored, which can deter criminal activity.
You can also download our Probate Home Insurance Checklist here – your comprehensive guide to safeguarding assets during the probate process
Why Choose Lansdown Insurance Brokers?
At Lansdown, we specialise in property insurance and are committed to providing you with the best probate house insurance and service. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Expertise: With years of experience in the insurance industry, we understand the complexities of probate and unoccupied property insurance
- Tailored policies: Our insurance policies meet the specific needs of your estate, ensuring comprehensive protection
- Flexible Cover: Policies can be adjusted to provide the level of cover you need, for as long as you need it
About Lansdown Insurance Brokers
Lansdown Insurance Brokers are specialists in Probate House Insurance, Block of Flats Insurance and Home 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.