Buildings insurance on house awaiting probate

hubb

My mum recently died and I am in the process of applying for probate. Her buildings insurance runs out at the end of this week and I need buildings cover but not sure for how long as I don't want to pay a year upfront because the house will be going up for sale as soon as probate comes through. Is there anyone who has been in a similar position and found the best way of insuring for buildings, while not knowing for how long. Are there any companies who offer a good rate for this kind of situation. No poing insuring contens as no value to anything as the house has been cleared. Thanks.

jonesMUFCforever

Probate might take a long time in these uncertain days - then you have to sell - 12 months insurance  might not be long enough?
You will find restricted cover will apply if the house is not lived in. Have you approached the current insurer to see what they say?

hubb

jonesMUFCforever said:

Probate might take a long time in these uncertain days - then you have to sell - 12 months insurance  might not be long enough?
You will find restricted cover will apply if the house is not lived in. Have you approached the current insurer to see what they say?

I haven't approached them and I think I binned their old renewal quote as it was higher. I could still speak to them though as I have already dealt with them. We visit the house mostly every day, or every other day.

Thrugelmir

hubb said:

jonesMUFCforever said:

Probate might take a long time in these uncertain days - then you have to sell - 12 months insurance  might not be long enough?
You will find restricted cover will apply if the house is not lived in. Have you approached the current insurer to see what they say?

I haven't approached them and I think I binned their old renewal quote as it was higher. I could still speak to them though as I have already dealt with them. We visit the house mostly every day, or every other day.

Being an empty probate property you can expect a loading on top of the renewal quote. You should have already of notified the insurance company of events. 

hubb

Thrugelmir said:

hubb said:

jonesMUFCforever said:

Probate might take a long time in these uncertain days - then you have to sell - 12 months insurance  might not be long enough?
You will find restricted cover will apply if the house is not lived in. Have you approached the current insurer to see what they say?

I haven't approached them and I think I binned their old renewal quote as it was higher. I could still speak to them though as I have already dealt with them. We visit the house mostly every day, or every other day.

Being an empty probate property you can expect a loading on top of the renewal quote. You should have already of notified the insurance company of events. 

I did notify them right at the beginning and it hardly made a difference to the cost.

hubb

They have quoted me £131 for the year for "Saga Essential" buildings cover (no accidental damage) considering the new situation of the house being unoccupied. Does this sound reasonable ? I could shop around but the probate might complicate things in the search criteria, and Saga are already familiar with the property. Also, if I pay 12 months (in the hope of selling in the next few weeks) will they refund me the outstanding difference if and when it sells or is it better to pay DD ?

davidmcn

Sounds fine to me, unoccupied cover is generally significantly more expensive than standard.

jonesMUFCforever

hubb said:

They have quoted me £131 for the year for "Saga Essential" buildings cover (no accidental damage) considering the new situation of the house being unoccupied. Does this sound reasonable ? I could shop around but the probate might complicate things in the search criteria, and Saga are already familiar with the property. Also, if I pay 12 months (in the hope of selling in the next few weeks) will they refund me the outstanding difference if and when it sells or is it better to pay DD ?

Your contract of insurance is likely to be for 12 months (£131 seems a very good deal to me but check the T&C 's especially for winter preparation) - you will have a right to cancel at any time - but please check the terms - probably there will be a cancellation fee - this information will be in the summary page of the policy.