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Probate Home Insurance

07/10/2024

What is a mortgage in principle

Navigating probate home insurance 

What is probate home insurance?

Probate is a legal right to manage and distribute the assets and property of someone who has died. The person granted probate will be responsible for settling debts, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and managing any insurance policies. 

With all this to manage, the probate process can last months. And with properties likely being unoccupied during this time, the existing home insurance policy might become invalid if the cover is not updated.

Probate home insurance is a special type of cover for properties going through the probate process. It offers all the standard home insurance coverage as well as extra protection options for unoccupied properties, and liability cover. 

Why do you need home insurance during probate?

During the probate process, a house still belongs to the deceased person’s estate. So it is the responsibility of the executor granted probate to make sure it has the correct insurance cover. 

Regular home insurance typically won’t cover a house that is left unoccupied for more than 30-60 days, depending on the insurer. So if the insurance is not updated, any claims made for damage or loss to the building or its contents would be rejected. 

The home will still need to be protected from risks like fire, theft, flooding, and vandalism. And probate insurance provides cover that is tailored to the specialist circumstances of these properties. 

How to insure a home during probate?

This will depend on whether or not the existing home insurer is willing to insure a home during probate. Not all insurers will offer this, as there is an increased risk that comes with this kind of home. Your options for insuring the home will be:

Transferring the existing home insurance

The current insurance policy can be transferred to the executor and other beneficiaries until the probate process is finished. This will typically involve contacting the insurer, and some will require you to provide proof of your interest in the property, such as being the executor or a beneficiary. 

Finding a new probate home insurer

If the home insurer will not cover a property in probate or an unoccupied property, you might need to find a new insurer. Temporary unoccupied insurance policies are available to cover the time that the home is in probate. These can help keep costs down and offer flexible cover if the process takes longer than expected. 

What does probate home insurance cover?

Home insurance for a house in probate will offer all the familiar home insurance coverage, with a few extra levels of coverage that are specialised for homes during probate. 

Buildings insurance

Buildings insurance protects the building structure and permanent fixtures including walls, roof, and flooring. It is especially useful for probate homes that are more susceptible to risks like fire and flooding.

Unoccupied  home insurance 

Unoccupied home insurance for probate covers properties that are unoccupied for longer than standard home insurance policies will allow. It can be useful during the probate process, as well as if the property is being put up for sale.

Contents insurance

Contents insurance covers belongings in the property like furniture and electronics. Meaning valuables in an unoccupied home can be protected from theft while the estate is being settled. 

Vacant property cover

There is a distinct difference between vacant and unoccupied properties. While unoccupied properties are still fit for habitation, usually with furnishings and contents, vacant properties are not. You will need to specify this to your insurer to guarantee the correct coverage. 

Liability insurance

Liability insurance protects from the financial fallout of someone being injured on the property. This can include people like valuers or estate agents who come to view the home.

Temporary probate insurance

Probate periods can be drawn out unexpectedly. Temporary probate insurance policies can be more flexible than standard home insurance. Some will allow you to extend coverage for short or long periods of time when needed. 

How to avoid invalidating home insurance during probate

These steps can help ensure your home insurance remains valid, and the property stays protected during the probate process.

  1. Communicate with your home insurance provider from the start. Inform them about the probate status so that they can guide you on any specific requirements or adjustments you need to make to the home insurance policy.
  2. Be aware of unoccupied property regulations on your policy. Standard home insurance usually won’t cover homes that are left unoccupied for over 30 days. 
  3. Keep the property secure by ensuring all doors and windows are locked. You can consider installing security alarms or cameras to deter potential thieves or intruders.
  4. Keep the home well maintained. Ensure the heating comes on every now and again during colder months. Insurers will not cover incidents that could have been prevented by good home maintenance.
  5. Remove valuables that are clearly visible from outside the home. You could even take valuables from the property to a safe location to reduce the risk of theft.
  6. Read the policy details. These can set out some requirements you have to meet in order to keep your insurance valid. With a home insurance probate policy, some insurers will require you to check in on the home regularly. 
  7. Update your insurance cover after probate is complete. For instance, if you decide to rent out the home, you could need to have landlord’s insurance.

How much does probate home insurance cost?

Probate insurance will typically cost more than standard home insurance. This is because of the increased risk of theft, vandalism, and damage going unnoticed and causing more expensive repairs than usual. 

In 2024 the average cost of a standard home insurance policy in the UK was £186. And your probate insurance cost will vary based on a few circumstances, including the rebuild and contents value of the home, where it is located, and its security features.

Probate home insurance UK FAQs

What happens to home insurance during probate?

The person who is granted probate is responsible for the deceased’s insurance policies. Some insurance will allow the current policy to be transferred to the name of this individual, and other beneficiaries can be added to the policy. However, the cover will need to be upgraded from standard home insurance to probate home insurance. 

Can I get home insurance for an unoccupied probate property?

Yes, you might be able to add unoccupied property cover to the existing home insurance policy. However, if the insurer does not offer this cover, you will need to get unoccupied home insurance for probate to make sure the home is still protected. Standard home insurance will typically not cover a home that is unoccupied for over 30 days. 

What is the best home insurance for a house in probate?

The best home insurance for a house in probate will be one that is tailored to the circumstances and needs of the property. This can mean specifying if the property will be occupied or unoccupied, and the level of liability cover you want to include on the policy.

What happens to probate home insurance once the property is occupied?

This will depend on the circumstances of the occupation. If someone has taken ownership of the home, then the home insurance becomes their responsibility. They can choose whether they want to insure it as a main residence, second home, or holiday home. However, if the home is occupied by tenants, then the owner will need the appropriate landlord insurance.  

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