When a property is going through probate, a specialist home insurance policy may be required. Probate home insurance is designed to protect the property during this transitional period, helping cover risks such as theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
In this guide, we explain how probate home insurance works for both occupied and unoccupied properties, what cover may include, the factors that can affect the cost, and where to find and compare tailored quotes from UK insurers.
Can you get home insurance for a property in probate?
Yes, you can arrange home insurance for a property going through probate, and it may be necessary if the property is unoccupied. Probate home insurance is designed to insure the property during the probate process, although it can also be classed as a form of unoccupied house insurance.
This type of cover is not always available from mainstream insurers, but specialist insurers may provide policies suited to the property’s condition and probate status. To take out a home insurance policy during probate, you will usually need to show that you have an insurable interest in the property. This generally means you are an executor or a named beneficiary.
In most cases, the policy is issued in the executor’s name, with any other relevant parties added as additional policyholders. A standard home insurance policy may no longer be valid after the homeowner dies, and many insurers place strict limits on cover if the original policyholder is no longer living in the property.
What does probate home insurance cover?
Probate home insurance usually covers many of the same risks as standard buildings and contents insurance, but it is adapted for a property going through probate. The level of protection can vary between insurers, although a probate or unoccupied home insurance policy may include a combination of the following:
Buildings insurance: This covers the structure of the home, including the walls, roof, windows, and permanent fixtures. Cover for outbuildings, such as garages, greenhouses, and sheds, may also be available.
Contents insurance: This protects belongings left inside the property against risks such as theft, fire, or damage. It can include items such as furniture, clothing, appliances, and other household possessions.
Unoccupied property cover: This is intended for homes that are temporarily empty. It may come with conditions, such as regular property checks or inspections. Insurers may also require working security features or confirmation that utilities have been switched off.
Public liability insurance: This can cover claims if someone dies, is injured, or becomes ill while on the property grounds during the probate period. For example, this could relate to unsafe stairs, loose tiles, or another hazard at the property.
Malicious damage, theft, and vandalism: These are important risks for unoccupied homes, especially where valuables or family heirlooms remain inside. However, theft or attempted theft may not always be included as standard, so it is important to check the policy wording.
Optional extras: Some insurers may offer additional cover, such as family legal protection, emergency assistance, accidental damage, or extended unoccupancy limits beyond 30 or 60 days, and in some cases up to 180 days.
Why get home insurance for a house in probate?
A property going through probate can be more exposed to risk, especially if it is left unoccupied for a long period. Without suitable insurance, the estate could face significant financial losses if the property is affected by a break-in, burst pipe, or storm damage.
Common risks during probate can include:
- Theft or vandalism at an empty property.
- Water damage caused by hidden leaks or frozen pipes.
- Fire resulting from electrical faults or arson.
- Legal claims if someone is injured while visiting the property.
Executors have a legal duty to protect the estate’s assets, including any property. Arranging suitable home insurance during probate is an important part of meeting that responsibility.
Home insurance costs during probate
The cost of probate home insurance can vary between insurers and will depend on the property’s value, condition, and location. The price may also be affected by whether the home is occupied, unoccupied, being cleared, or undergoing repairs.
The main factors that can influence probate home insurance premiums include:
Property value: A higher-value property will usually cost more to repair or rebuild, which can lead to higher premiums. This may be more noticeable with older homes or properties built using non-standard construction methods.
Level of cover: More comprehensive protection can increase the cost of insurance. For example, premiums may be higher if you choose increased limits for buildings, contents, legal expenses, or other included cover.
Cover length: The longer a property is empty or unoccupied, the more expensive a probate home insurance quote may be. Many policies also include minimum or maximum unoccupied periods, which can affect the price.
Location: If the property is in an area with higher crime rates or a greater risk of weather-related damage, such as flooding, the cost of home insurance during probate may increase.
Home security: Insurers will usually expect basic security measures to be in place. Adding extra security features to an unoccupied property may help deter burglars, reduce risk, and potentially lower the cost of cover.
Claims history: Even if you are not the homeowner, your claims history as the policyholder may be considered. Multiple previous insurance claims, including claims relating to your own property, could suggest a higher risk to insurers and may increase premiums.
Our free home insurance calculator tool can help you determine how much cover you'll need. You can use these estimation when speaking to our advisers for a bespoke quote
Get a bespoke probate home insurance quote online
Finding the right home insurance policy for a probate property can be challenging, particularly if mainstream insurers are unable to provide cover for an unoccupied home or a property where legal ownership is still being settled by executors or solicitors.
A brief discussion with an adviser can help you find the right level of cover during probate. Whether the property is occupied, unoccupied, partly furnished, being prepared for sale, or in another situation, our advisers can help you compare tailored quotes based on your needs.
For a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser who specialises in home insurance during probate, get in touch today.
Best UK providers for probate home insurance
Not every UK insurer provides home insurance for a property in probate, particularly if the home is unoccupied. However, some well-known providers may be able to offer cover for certain properties, depending on the circumstances.
Aviva: Aviva offers unoccupied home insurance policies that may be suitable for probate properties. Cover can include buildings, contents, and liability insurance, with extended unoccupancy allowed under certain conditions. These may include regular inspections, switching off utilities, or removing high-value belongings. Aviva also provides bereavement support for existing policyholders.
Saga: Saga provides specialist insurance for people aged over 50 and may support probate situations where family members are managing an estate. Its bereavement service may allow named executors to transfer a policy and keep cover in place during probate. However, the deceased homeowner would usually need to have held an existing policy with Saga.
Homeprotect: Homeprotect, underwritten by AXA, specialises in non-standard home insurance, including cover for properties going through probate. The level of protection can depend on how long the property is unoccupied. For example, short-term unoccupancy may be covered for 30 to 180 days, while properties empty for more than 181 days may have more limited “FLEEA-only” cover, which usually applies to fire, lightning, earthquake, explosion, and aircraft or other flying devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, probate home insurance, also known as unoccupied house insurance, is designed to cover the specific risks linked to an empty property. However, insurers will usually require regular property checks for the policy to remain valid.
Your policy may also include minimum or maximum unoccupancy periods, often starting from around 30 days. In some cases, these limits can be extended depending on the insurer and the property’s circumstances.