Probate house insurance is a specialised form of home insurance designed for properties that remain unoccupied.
In this article, we Will explain what probate house insurance is, what it covers, and the differences between an “occupied” and an “unoccupied” property.
Understanding probate house insurance
Probate is the legal process of managing someone's estate, including their property, money, and possessions, after they pass away. During probate, the deceased’s property is often empty for an extended period. Probate house insurance provides cover for unoccupied properties, typically for periods of 30 days or more.
For more information, you can refer to our guide on applying for probate.
Steps to take after a parent passes away
When a parent or close relative passes away, you might need to manage their home. One of the first concerns is insuring the home and its contents.
Probate insurance is essential in this situation. Notify your insurer or insurance broker as soon as possible about the change in circumstances.
If you are the executor of the Will, you have the legal authority to secure continued cover. If not, you Will need the executor, often a solicitor, to arrange it.
Is specialist insurance needed for unoccupied homes?
In many cases, yes. Standard home insurance policies typically only cover “occupied” homes, meaning there are people currently living there, whether they are homeowners or tenants.
Most standard policies become void if the home is unoccupied for a specific period. Unoccupied means no one is living in the property. Some policies are void if the home is unoccupied for more than 60 days, while others may void after just 30 days.
Certain policies might allow for extended unoccupied periods but may only cover specific risks like fire, lightning, earthquake, explosion, and aircraft damage (FLEEA). Therefore, standard home insurance often does not provide comprehensive cover for unoccupied homes.
Do you need probate home insurance?
During probate, managing the deceased’s estate can take weeks or months, leaving the home unoccupied. Standard home insurance Will not apply if the property is unoccupied for 30-60 days or Will provide limited cover after a set period.
Specialist home insurance is crucial during probate to fill coverage gaps that arise with standard policies.
You might also like to read: The risks of DIY Probate
Is probate house insurance necessary for occupied properties?
Even if you occupy the property, you may still need probate house insurance if the house is in the deceased’s name. However, an occupied property might reduce the insurance cost.
What does probate house insurance cover?
Probate house insurance covers properties against damage while they are unoccupied. Policies often require executors to inspect the property periodically for damage or break-ins, with varying frequency requirements.
Unoccupied homes are more susceptible to theft, vandalism, and damage from issues like water leaks. Since probate is a temporary situation, many insurers offer pro rata cover, meaning you only pay for the cover needed.
Additionally, some insurers allow the transfer of probate house insurance to standard home insurance, which is beneficial if the property is inherited by a relative.
Protecting valuables
Probate house insurance can also cover possessions within an unoccupied home, which is essential if the deceased owned high-value items.
Other specialised home insurance forms can cover valuables whether the home is occupied or unoccupied. For instance, you can list high-risk items in your contents insurance and mention a safety deposit box or home safe when arranging your cover.
Who can help me with probate?
Contact us at Wills Services today to speak to a friendly professional for help with probate.
We can provide you with no obligation probate advice, and offer extremely competitive probate fees.
We also offer a professional online Will writing service, so we can help you with all aspects of probate and Will writing.
