How do you insure a property during probate? 

If a house owner has passed away, securing unoccupied property insurance after death becomes essential during the probate process. Executors must make sure assets are protected, especially when a property is left empty. This guide explains how to manage property insurance while probate is underway. 

Risk of lapse in coverage 

Standard home insurance policies often stop covering a property after it has been empty for 30 to 60 days. This is because unoccupied homes are more vulnerable to risks such as fire, escape of water, vandalism, or theft. During probate, a property may remain vacant for weeks or months, at which point regular insurance may fail. An Executor needs to act promptly to avoid any gaps in protection.  

Informing insurers of death 

Executors should inform existing insurers about the homeowner’s death as soon as possible. Some insurers allow the policy to be transferred into the Executor’s name. However, if the property will remain unoccupied beyond the insurer’s allowed grace period, a specialist probate insurance policy will likely be needed to maintain cover. 

Even if a transfer is possible, insurers may impose restrictions or require changes if the house is no longer occupied. 

Unoccupied property insurance options 

When probate is ongoing and no one occupies the property, the best option is specialist insurance, often called probate house insurance or unoccupied home insurance. These policies are tailored for the probate period. They typically provide coverage for up to a year and require fewer inspections initially. 

Cover usually includes liability protection, structural damage, theft, fire, flood, malicious damage, and escape of water. Executors and Administrators can purchase these policies and can add beneficiaries as named parties to maintain transparency.   

Policies may be arranged for three, six, or 12 months and can be cancelled if the property is sold sooner. Many insurers offer pro-rated refunds for unused months. 

Practical steps and precautions 

If probate is expected to take time, the Executors should: 

• Change the locks, fit alarms, and secure windows to reduce risk

• Arrange for regular inspections, usually every 30 days, and keep records

• Drain water systems in winter to avoid pipe damage

• Check that bins, drains, and other systems are maintained regularly  

Meeting insurer requirements, such as inspections or security conditions, is vital to ensure that any future claims are valid.  

Summary 

Insuring a property during probate requires swift action by the Executors. Standard home cover may become invalid after short periods of unoccupancy. Specialist unoccupied property insurance after death fills the gap by protecting the estate, building, contents, and third-party liability. Executors should contact insurers early, switch or arrange appropriate probate policies, and meet insurer conditions to keep the estate assets safe until probate is complete or the property is sold.