Can You Insure a House That is Going Through Probate?

When a person passes away, their estate often includes property that must be insured during the probate process. Probate is the legal procedure by which a deceased person’s assets are distributed, and it’s crucial to ensure that any property within the estate is adequately covered during this time. So, can you insure a house that is going through probate? The short answer is yes, and in fact, it’s essential to do so.

Understanding the Need for Insurance During Probate

After someone passes away and there is no surviving owner, the house they owned becomes part of the estate being administered by the executor or administrator (you may find our guide ‘Insuring an Empty House after the death of the owner’ page useful.

The property may be left unoccupied, or a family member or tenant may still occupy it, and this significantly affects the type of insurance required. Regardless of the situation, it is essential to have the right insurance coverage to protect the property during the probate process.

Failing to properly insure a house can lead to costly liabilities. For example, if the property is damaged or vandalised and the cover is excluded, the estate could face financial loss. The executor, who has a legal duty to protect the estate’s assets, could even be held personally liable if the property is not adequately covered.

Types of Insurance for Probate Properties

When insuring a house during probate, the type of insurance required depends on whether the property is occupied or unoccupied. Each situation necessitates specific coverage, making it vital to understand your options.

• Unoccupied Probate Property Insurance: If a house is left empty after the owner’s death, you will require specialist Probate House Insurance. Standard unoccupied home insurance policies often do not cover properties that are unoccupied for extended periods, leaving the estate vulnerable to potential risks. Our Probate House Insurance offers tailored coverage specifically designed to protect the property throughout the probate process, helping you safeguard your liability and the property.
• Occupied Property Insurance During Probate: If the property is still occupied during probate, you’ll need insurance that reflects the fact that someone is living in the house. Standard home insurance policies typically won’t apply, as they’re not designed to cover properties in probate. Insuristic offers Occupied Property Insurance During Probate, which is specifically designed for homes that remain occupied during this time, protecting the estate from risks like accidental damage or theft.

The Risks of Not Insuring a House During Probate

As the executor of the estate, you are legally responsible for arranging proper insurance. If you don’t secure the right coverage for the property, you could face personal liability for uninsured losses. For example, it is not uncommon for many unoccupied home insurance policies to be inadequately designed for probate, thus failing to fully protect an executor’s liability. Policies may exclude essential cover such as theft, malicious damage, flood, and subsidence. They may also impose more onerous conditions that must be met for claims to be paid.

Our Home Insurance for Executors page explains the importance of arranging the right probate property insurance and highlights the risks of using an incorrect policy. Executors must ensure the insurance meets the specific needs of the estate and covers the property appropriately to avoid potential legal or financial issues.

Why Choose Insuristic for Probate Insurance?

At Insuristic, we specialise in providing tailored insurance solutions for probate properties. Whether the property is occupied or unoccupied, our policies are designed to meet the specific needs of executors and administrators. We offer:

• Broad Coverage: Our probate property insurance options provide comprehensive protection for properties during probate, including both occupied and unoccupied homes.
• Tailored Policies: We recognise that each probate case is unique. Our policies are adaptable and can be customised to meet the specific needs of the estate.
• Easy-to-Arrange Insurance: We simplify the process for executors and administrators to organise insurance swiftly and without fuss. With Insuristic, you can conveniently purchase probate property insurance online in just minutes.

If you’re looking to insure a house going through probate, Insuristic has you covered with expert advice and tailored solutions.

Explore more about our Probate House Insurance and Unoccupied Property Insurance solutions today.