house insurance & transfer of deeds

bunnyhugs

My mother has left her house to me in her will. It's too soon to decide what to do yet, but am considering moving into it when other things are settled. The house and contents insurance premium was renewed shortly before my mother died. I informed them when she died and asked if the house would continue to be insured; they replied that it would be, until such time that the deeds were transferred to a beneficiary (they haven't been yet).
My question is, what will happen when I tell them that I have had the deeds transferred - will I be treated like a new customer rather than taking over my mother's policy?
More importantly, is there usually a qualifying period before making claims (I can't find anything in the booklet provided) I would like to know because for several years cracks in the ceiling and wall have appeared and slowly grown - Mum didn't want to have the worry and upheaval of repair work so it was left. Now I'm concerned that if the damage is serious and I make a claim, they will say it's not covered as the cracks already existed, or because I'm a new customer I can't claim until a period of time has elapsed.
Knowing the insurance companies can be a bit slippery, I'd like to be forewarned and forearmed if there are any kind people who can give me some advice! Thank you for reading my rambling question!

rs65

Yes, you will be a new customer.

There is not usually any qualifying period but when you take out a policy you will not be able to claim for problems you knew about beforehand.

Why not speak to the current insurers about the cracks?

vaio

If you are going to make a claim then I'd have thought it would be good to make it now and in the name of your mothers estate rather then your own

bunnyhugs

I've been thinking about your advice, Vaio, and I'm going to contact the insurers and tell them about the problem before I get the deeds transfered. As they have told me that my mother's insurance is valid as long as certain conditions are met, they shouldn't be able to say we can't claim if necessary, I hope! I do need to transfer the deeds soon though - do you think once I've made the call and the details are logged, it will be ok to go ahead with the transfer? Any thoughts gratefully received.