House insurance for Probate Property

Mettamezzo

Hello everyone.

My Mother sadly passed away last week. I am co-executor for her Will and I am the Beneficiary. My Mum has her home insurance with Lloyd's which is due for renewal in August. When we informed them of her passing we were told that now the house is unoccupied, that we need to switch off, gas, electric and water. The thing is, I am a constant visitor to the property. It is 5 minutes walk away from my front door. We want the property to still looked lived in until Probate is granted and then I shall sell. We need power for the lights, gas central heating to be working during winter to stop pipes freezing. We visit twice a day, to open and close curtains, vacuum and clean etc. I am stunned.:( Are there insurance companies that specialise in Probate Properties. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks all, Mettamezzo.

Uxb1

Try a Broker specializing in Holiday homes
They are familiar with properties which are not occupied continuously though are looked after with care by their owners and not "abandoned"

Mine is insured via A-Plan - the actual underwiter varies each year.
Requirements during winter if water if left on and not drained is heating on and on a Frost stat to keep the temperature up and prevent freezing and the loft hatch left open.
They have reasonable inspection requirements.
I know A-plan would do your requirements as an executor of the deceased - because I've used them in precisely your situation - at a far greater distance away.

The mainstream domestic insurance companies will not be interested and will put in all sorts of awkward impractical clauses to basically get rid of you

Mamoflads

I would double check again with the insurer I’m sure they are underwritten by RSA who during the months of October to March will ask you to drain down the water, switch of gas and electricity when there is no central heating system on a timer. So if your popping the heating on using a timer you can get round this. I would try and stay with the current insurer until probate is granted as unoccupied homes aren’t an attractive risk despite your regular visits.

Bizzywizard

Hi,
I used a brokers in Taunton called Townley Insurance Brokers, for my mothers property when she passed. They will be open on Monday. They give you lots of different options ie 3,6 or 12 month policies. Hope this helps!

in_my_wellies

Whichever company you go with please check their cancellation fee. On my mum's policy she was due a refund of £26 but the cancellation fee was £35 

Mettamezzo

Thank you all for your help and advice. It is very much appreciated and I will investigate further.