Home insurance on occupied inherited property

MG523

Hi,

This is my first post so do let me know if I've missed anything out.

My father passed away a few months ago and left our family home in his will to myself and my 3 siblings. I am an executor of the will along with my mother and uncle (both own and live in different properties, I rent a property elsewhere).

We are hoping to sell the house next year so have not transferred the name on the title deeds as we were told it would be easier to just pass the deeds straight to the new owner. My sister is now currently the only resident in the property.

In the weeks after my father passed away, we called the home insurance company and as the insurance was jointly in my mother's name, we were able to keep the policy as it is (buildings and contents). However, my mother now no longer lives in the property which I think is causing some confusion.

The policy is now up for renewal and we received a quote from the company in my mother's name - however, when calling up to renew, we were told that as my sister is not a legal owner of the property, she would not be able to insure it. We would have to get another quote for the building's insurance in the executor's name and they would only insure my sister for her contents.

I'm a little confused about this - who is now the legal owner of this property and responsible for buildings insurance? My sister has inherited the property along with us 3 siblings and is living there, but as we have not transferred the title deeds, I'm guessing she is not a legal owner?

Would anyone have any experience or recommendations for how we proceed with insurance? Will the quote be higher due to the complex circumstances?
We weren't told any of this by the company at the time of my father's death and they have not been particularly helpful over the phone...

Any advice much appreciated - thanks in advance.

rs65

MG523 wrote: »

Would anyone have any experience or recommendations for how we proceed with insurance? Will the quote be higher due to the complex circumstances?

The premium shouldn't be higher just because of the circumstances but you will likely have less options.

Insurance should be in the name of the owners. Is that the 4 siblings or is it still in the name of 'The Executors of ....' ?

If it is still the executors, then its normal for the current insurer to carry on cover but with a name change. If your mother no longer has any interest in the house or contents then take her name off.

MG523 wrote: »

We are hoping to sell the house next year so have not transferred the name on the title deeds as we were told it would be easier to just pass the deeds straight to the new owner.

Not my area but I would have thought you need to update the Land Registry. Presumably the new owners will be buying from the siblings not your father.