Do You Need Unoccupied House Insurance During Probate (A Guide To Probate Property Insurance)
When a person dies, their property may be left unoccupied while the probate process is finalised. This raises the question: do you need unoccupied house insurance during probate?
The short answer is yes. Standard home insurance policies often do not provide adequate cover for an unoccupied home, leaving the deceased’s estate exposed to risks such as theft, vandalism and weather-related damage.
Throughout this article, we will break down the importance of probate property insurance and the risks associated with leaving an unoccupied property un-insured.
If you require probate property insurance, speak with our expert team today on 01934 522 252.
Why Probate House Insurance is Necessary
Probate house insurance is designed to provide cover for a property that remains unoccupied following the death of the owner. Without probate insurance, the house could be at risk of damage or liability issues that may not be covered under a standard home insurance policy.
Executors and family members handling the deceased person’s estate must ensure that unoccupied property insurance is in place to protect the asset during this transitional period.
Risks of Leaving a Property Uninsured
Unoccupied house insurance is crucial because properties left vacant are more vulnerable to damage and crime. Break-ins, attempted theft, vandalism, escape of water, and structural damage due to storms or cold weather are common risks.
A standard house insurance policy may not provide cover once the property is left unoccupied for an extended period, making a specialist house insurance policy necessary.
What Does Unoccupied Property Insurance Cover?
Unoccupied property insurance provides a comprehensive protection plan tailored to vacant properties. Policies can include:
● Property insurance for structural damage, including fire, flooding, and storm-related issues.
● Liability cover to protect against accidents or injuries occurring at the property.
● Property owner’s liability, which safeguards executors and beneficiaries from legal claims.
● Contents insurance, ensuring any valuables left in the property remain protected.
● Specialist unoccupied property insurance options for additional cover as needed.
Probate House Insurance Cover vs. Standard Home Insurance
Many insurance providers offer specialist insurance policies for unoccupied homes but standard home insurance policies typically do not provide adequate cover. Standard home insurance often requires the property to be occupied, meaning an unoccupied house insurance policy is necessary once the property remains unoccupied beyond a set timeframe.
Additionally, probate home insurance is designed to be flexible, allowing for an extended period of cover depending on how long the probate period lasts. Standard home insurance usually does not account for the unique circumstances surrounding a deceased person’s estate.
How to Choose the Right Unoccupied House Insurance Policy
Selecting the right probate home insurance policy requires careful consideration of several factors:
● Policy duration: The length of time the property will remain unoccupied during the probate process.
● Level of cover: Ensure the policy provides adequate unoccupied house insurance, including protection against theft, fire, and water damage.
● Flexibility: Some policies, such as those offered by Birnbeck Insurance Brokers, provide cover with nil excess and no inspection requirements.
● Cost: Prices for probate insurance vary depending on the provider, so comparing policies can help you find the best option.
Security Measures to Protect an Unoccupied Property
To reduce the risk of damage or theft, executors should take certain security measures. These may include installing alarms, securing doors and windows and checking the property regularly. Some insurers require these precautions before they provide cover for an unoccupied house.
Specialist Probate Property Insurance from Birnbeck Insurance Brokers
Birnbeck Insurance Brokers offers specialist unoccupied property insurance designed specifically for probate properties. Our policies include:
● Flexible period of cover options with 3, 6, 9 and 12 month policy terms available.
● Nil excess and no inspection requirements.
● Comprehensive cover for up to seven-bedroom properties.
● Protection against risks such as break-ins, escape of water, and fire damage.
● House insurance during probate tailored to executors, solicitors, and family members handling the deceased’s property.
Get a Quote Today
If you are handling a deceased person’s estate and require unoccupied house insurance, Birnbeck Insurance Brokers can help. We provide tailored probate property insurance policies to ensure the property remains protected while the legal process is completed.
Contact us today on 01934 522 252 to discuss your probate house insurance needs and get a personalised quote.
