Do you understand the importance of Unoccupied House Insurance?

When someone passes away, family members, beneficiaries and executors can be unaware of the importance of unoccupied house insurance and the protection that it brings. When a home owner passes away and the property is left unoccupied there is only a short period of time to notify the insurer and put adequate protection in place.

Grieving family members can often miss this crucial step, which can lead to various problems. For example, if the insurance has been invalidated and a water pipe bursts, as an executor it may be that you could find yourself liable for any damage or the difference in property valuation if you have failed to put comprehensive insurance cover in place.

There is no need to remain with the current providers if you feel that they do not offer enough protection. You will need to check the provider’s terms and conditions and it may be that you will need to make enquiries with other insurance providers in order to ensure that the house is fully protected.

Furthermore, during the winter months it will usually be a condition of the insurance that the property’s water system is drained or the heating is kept to a constant temperature. Another usual condition is that the property is regularly checked and such conditions need to be adhered to. It is also sensible to take steps such as turning off any unnecessary utilities – such as fridges or freezers which are not in use. If there are any assets in the property of either sentimental or significant value it would be suitable to relocate these to a safer place and make a detailed inventory of the items that have been removed from the property.

Unoccupied house insurance can be overlooked at such a difficult time, but the implications of not having such insurance in place can be extremely serious and costly.

If you need any assistance, contact our Estate Administration team today on 01908 660966 / 01604 828282 or at probate@franklins-sols.co.uk.