When a homeowner passes away, there’s often a lot to think about. Practical arrangements. Legal processes. Emotional challenges. One question that often arises is: what happens to the insurance on their home?
In this article, we explain how home insurance works after a homeowner’s death and why specialist probate property insurance can help protect the property while everything is being sorted.
What Happens to Home Insurance After Death?
If someone dies and they were the only name on a home insurance policy, it doesn’t automatically become void. But it’s vital to act quickly.
Letting your insurer know straight away can help avoid gaps in cover and reduce the risk of claims being declined. What happens next depends on the ownership and occupancy of the home.
- Joint policies – If the policy is in joint names, the cover usually continues. The surviving policyholder just needs to update the details.
- Sole policyholder – If the homeowner was the sole policyholder, and someone else now legally owns or lives in the home (like a spouse or family member), the existing policy may stay in place until it’s due for renewal.
- Unoccupied or no legal owner – If there’s no one legally responsible for the property, it enters probate. This means an executor (named in the will) or an administrator (if there’s no will) manages the estate, including the insurance. In this case, the policy can often be amended to cover “The Representatives of the Deceased” until probate is complete.
Why Consider Probate Property Insurance?
Probate property insurance is designed for homes going through the legal process of probate, which are often left unoccupied for weeks or even months.
That’s increasingly common. In October 2023, more than 200,000 properties were classed as ‘transactional vacant’ due to probate delays. By 2025, Freedom of Information data from the Ministry of Justice showed a 134% increase in probate cases taking over a year. With delays like these, securing appropriate cover is more important than ever.
Here’s why probate insurance is worth considering:
- Extended vacancy – Standard home insurance policies often only cover unoccupied homes for 30 days. Probate can take much longer.
- Higher risks – Empty homes are more vulnerable to vandalism, break-ins and issues like undetected leaks.
- Executor liability – Without the right insurance, the executor could be personally responsible for damage or loss during probate.
- Specialist protection – Probate insurance covers the unique risks of empty properties.
- Flexible terms – Many providers offer short-term, pro-rata policies, so you only pay for what you need.
What Happens If You Let the Insurance Lapse?
Letting the insurance lapse during probate could lead to serious consequences.
Without cover, the property is at risk. And if something does happen, the cost could fall on the estate or even the executor personally. Some mortgage providers also insist on continuous insurance, and failing to maintain it could lead to penalties or forced sale.
Insurers often require unoccupied homes to be regularly inspected. So if a problem goes unnoticed, like a leak or break-in, it could void your cover altogether. That’s why arranging the right insurance as soon as possible is key.
What to Look for in Probate Insurance
If you’re arranging probate house insurance, here are a few things to check:
- Unoccupied property cover. Make sure the policy is designed for empty homes.
- Inspection requirements. Some policies need weekly or monthly checks. Know what’s expected.
- Sufficient limits. The policy should cover the full rebuild value and contents.
- Extra protection. Adding alarms or security features can reduce risk and often the cost of cover.
Why Choose Thomas Carroll?
We understand the stress and uncertainty that often comes with probate. You’re already dealing with a lot and the last thing you need is a complicated or unclear insurance process.
A house may still be insured when someone dies, but taking quick, informed action is the best way to make sure it’s properly protected. Probate property insurance gives executors and families peace of mind while the legal process runs its course, keeping the home safe and secure for what comes next.
Contact our team today on 02920 853788 or email contact@thomas-carroll.co.uk to find out how we can help protect your property.
