Home Insurance for Properties in Probate

If a property is going through probate, it may need a specialist home insurance policy. Probate home insurance is designed to protect the property during this transitional period, covering risks like theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

Here, we’ll explain how probate home insurance works for occupied and unoccupied properties, what it covers, examples of what impacts the costs, and where to find and compare tailored quotes from UK insurers.

Can you get home insurance for a property in probate?

Yes, you can, and in some cases, it may be a requirement if the property is unoccupied. Probate home insurance is designed to insure the property during the probate period. However, it sometimes falls under the broader umbrella of ‘unoccupied house insurance’.

Not all mainstream insurers offer this type of cover, but specialist insurers can arrange policies to match the property’s condition and probate status. To get a home insurance policy during probate, you’ll need to prove you have an ‘insurable interest’ in the property, which usually means being an executor or a listed beneficiary.

Policies will usually be issued in the executor’s name, with anyone else listed as an additional policyholder. Standard home insurance policies may become invalid once the homeowner dies, and many providers also apply strict limitations to cover if the original policyholder is no longer in the home.

What does probate home insurance cover?

Typically, it covers most of the same risks as regular buildings and contents insurance, but is tailored to cover a property during probate. The exact protection varies, but a probate or unoccupied home insurance policy typically includes a mixture of:

• Buildings insurance: This covers the home's structure, including walls, roof, windows, and any permanent fixtures. Getting outbuildings cover for things like garages, greenhouses, and sheds is also possible.

• Contents insurance: Protects any remaining contents inside the property from theft, fire, or damage. This can include furniture, clothing, appliances, and more.

• Unoccupied property cover: Designed for temporarily vacant homes, but it may come with conditions like regular checks or inspections. You might need working security features or confirmation that utilities are turned off.

• Public liability insurance: This is to cover claims if someone dies, gets injured or becomes sick while on the property grounds during the probate period, perhaps due to something like unsafe stairs or loose tiles.

• Malicious damage, theft, and vandalism: Unfortunately, this is a key risk for unoccupied homes, particularly if valuables or family heirlooms remain in the property. However, theft or attempted theft sometimes isn’t included as standard.

• Extras: Some providers also offer optional extras, such as family legal protection, emergency assistance, accidental damage, or extended unoccupancy limits beyond 30 or 60 days (sometimes up to 180 days).

Why get home insurance for a house in probate?

A property in probate can be vulnerable, particularly if left unoccupied for an extended period. Without adequate insurance, the estate could be liable for serious financial losses if something happens, whether that’s a break-in, burst pipe, or a storm-damaged roof. Common risks during probate include:

• Theft or vandalism in vacant properties.

• Water damage due to undetected leaks or freezing pipes.

• Fire from electrical faults or arson.

• Legal claims if someone is injured while visiting the home.

Executors are legally responsible for protecting the estate’s assets, including any property. Insuring the home during probate is a key part of that duty.

Home insurance costs during probate

Premiums for probate home insurance can vary depending on the insurer, property value, condition, and location. Whether the home is occupied, unoccupied, or undergoing clearance or repairs can also influence the cost.

Here’s a general idea of the factors that will impact your insurance premiums:

• Property value: The more expensive the property, the more it will usually cost to repair or rebuild, meaning higher premiums. This is especially true for older, non-standard construction properties.

• Your level of cover: The more comprehensive protection you have, the higher your premiums might be. For example, if you want more benefits or higher limits for buildings, contents, legal or any other included cover.

• Cover length: The longer a property is vacant or unoccupied, the higher your probate home insurance quote is likely to be. Most policies will have minimum or maximum unoccupied periods that can impact the cost.

• The location: If your property or postcode is in an area with high crime statistics, or one prone to weather events like flooding, it can increase the risk of a claim, making home insurance during probate more expensive.

• Home security: There’ll be an expectation of basic security measures, but adding extra security features to an unoccupied property could help deter burglars, reducing your risk and potentially making your home insurance cheaper.

• Your claims history: As the policy owner (even if you’re not the homeowner), if you’ve had multiple insurance claims, perhaps with your personal property, it could suggest to insurers you’re more likely to claim.

Get a bespoke probate home insurance quote online

Finding the right home insurance policy for a probate property can be difficult, especially if mainstream insurers aren’t comfortable providing cover if the property is unoccupied or the legal ownership is in transition and being managed by executors or solicitors.

That’s why a brief discussion with an adviser is the best way to ensure you get the correct level of cover during probate. Whether the property is occupied, unoccupied, partially furnished, being prepared for sale, or anything else - our advisers can help you compare tailored quotes for your needs.

If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser who specialises in home insurance during probate, you can get started here:

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Best UK providers for probate home insurance

Not all UK insurers offer home insurance for a house in probate, especially if the property is unoccupied. Below are examples of a few popular UK providers that may be able to offer cover for certain properties:

• Aviva: Offers unoccupied home insurance policies that can be adapted for probate properties. Their policies include buildings, contents, and liability cover, and allow for extended unoccupancy with certain conditions, such as periodic inspections, turning off the utilities, or removing high-value items. They also offer bereavement support for existing policyholders.

• Saga: Provides specialist insurance for over-50s and often caters to probate cases where family members are managing an estate. Their bereavement service means named executors can transfer a policy, and they can provide continued cover during probate. Still, the homeowner would need to have had an existing policy with Saga.

• Homeprotect: Underwritten by AXA, Homeprotect specialises in non-standard situations, including home insurance during probate. The level of cover depends on how long the property is unoccupied, with short-term unoccupancy of 30 to 180 days or limited ‘FLEEA-only’ (fire, lightning, earthquake, explosion, aircraft or other flying devices) if more than 181 days.

Why choose Teito for your probate home insurance?

Getting home insurance for a property during probate can be challenging because your choice of insurers will be limited, and your exact situation can impact your options and premiums. Luckily, our expert advisers can help you get the right cover for a house in probate, at the best price.

Our advisers specialise in probate home insurance and understand the unique risks involved with these properties, whether occupied or unoccupied. They can help you get the correct type of cover for the property to ensure you meet your obligations.

Here are some more reasons why people across the UK trust us to get them home insurance during probate:

• We specialise in complex protection like probate home insurance

• Our advisers are 5-star rated on leading review sites

• Your first consultation is free, with no obligation to proceed

• You’ll get access to bespoke quotes from specialist providers

Ready for a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser specialising in probate home insurance? You can get started here.