House Insurance When Someone Dies: What You Need to Know

Few things are more upsetting than the loss of a loved one, and the period following a death is often fraught with stress and pain. This time can be especially tough for those named executors of an estate, given the additional responsibilities that the role brings.

The topic of house insurance when someone dies is likely to be the last thing on your mind. But, if the deceased has left behind empty property, probate insurance or the need for appropriate home insurance policies shouldn’t be ignored.

Read on to find out why insuring an empty house after death is vital and how best to do so without adding more worries to a challenging situation.

Reassuringly, when a homeowner passes away, any existing home insurance remains active. However, the executor or next of kin must contact the insurers at their earliest opportunity. Updating an existing policy is essential to ensure you don’t invalidate house insurance.

The next steps will depend on the situation following the death. Insurers will want to know if someone (such as the deceased's spouse or children) intends to continue living in the property, or if it will remain unoccupied during probate.

Insurers should then be able to inform executors of any new conditions on the insurance. They will seek assurance that premiums will be kept up to date to prevent cancellation.

It may be possible to transfer existing home insurance into the name of the deceased's beneficiaries, or they may insist on a new policy. Insurers may also require a copy of the death certificate.

Insurers get nervous when it comes to unoccupied homes. They see an empty house as full of risk.

So, standard house insurance policies typically include a maximum allowance for the length of time a property can be left vacant. This varies by policy but is usually between 30 and 60 days. Find out what the conditions are on any existing insurance policies taken out by the deceased.

Should you suspect the maximum time will be surpassed during probate, you may need to look into unoccupied house insurance.

Empty properties have increased risks associated with them. These include but are not limited to the following:

Following the homeowner’s passing, the responsibility for safeguarding the property falls on the shoulders of the executor. It’s why you might see occasional references to “executor’s house insurance.” If no executor is appointed, the next of kin is usually next in line.

They should contact the existing insurance provider with the following details to hand:

Although the insurer may have some questions for you regarding the above, make a note of any information you require from the insurer before contacting them. You may want to enquire about their conditions regarding an unoccupied property, for example. You should also confirm that all premium payments are up to date and that the property remains insured. It may also be a good time to update any details, including the property's value.

When a house is in probate, the property has begun the legal process through which it will be transferred to its new owner. This is typically to a spouse or children of the deceased, but not always.

If you're the executor, it’s your responsibility to insure the property while this process is ongoing. These steps outline how to do so:

If the deceased had house insurance, do your best to find all the information related to their policy. You'll want to contact the insurance company to inform them of the homeowner's passing, and they should be able to help you with the next steps.

If the previous homeowner didn’t have house insurance or it has expired, don’t delay. Many people wonder if home insurance is mandatory, and while that isn't the case, protecting the deceased's home is highly recommended.

If the property lies vacant following a death, you'll likely require a specific unoccupied home policy. These can provide short- to long-term coverage depending on your requirements and can usually be extended beyond the original term. Take advice from your solicitor, who can give you an idea of how long the probate process will take. If someone will be living in the property while it’s in probate, a standard home insurance policy is likely to suffice.

Whichever policy you opt for, pay careful consideration to its conditions. This is likely to include a requirement to maintain the property in a good state of repair.

Unoccupied house insurance offers key protection for properties that lie empty for long periods. Because standard insurance policies limit the time you can leave your home vacant, some insurers provide tailored packages for unoccupied properties.

These typically appeal to homeowners taking extended trips away or landlords between tenants. They’re also applicable following the death of a homeowner.

Both buildings and contents insurance tend to be included in unoccupied-specific policies. They will cover the structures of your home (included in buildings insurance) and its items, fixtures, and fittings (contents insurance).

Your insurers will usually pay for the repair, rebuild, or replacement of the above if there’s damage or loss as a result of the following:

Although not typically included as standard, you can add accidental damage and liability coverage to your policy for an additional fee.

Claims relating to theft via unforced entry, deliberate damage, unauthorised renovations, or damage resulting from neglect will be rejected by the insurer.

Once you’ve confirmed that the deceased’s property will lie vacant for longer than your standard home insurance permits, start your search for suitable unoccupied home insurance.

Search online for the best unoccupied house insurance policy, and make a shortlist of your top options. Rank them based on the following parameters to ensure you get the best home insurance for your situation:

To avoid the empty home becoming a target for burglars, vandals, or squatters, visit the property regularly. While there, remove any letters from the doormat, maintain any gardens, and check the locks on all doors and windows. Consider installing an alarm on the property.

Failure to notify the insurer that the homeowner has died could invalidate the insurance. This would leave the property uninsured and add further strain during a time that is already stressful.

The executor or next of kin should continue to pay the insurance premium until any sale is complete. After that, they can notify the insurer of the change in ownership.