Insuring a Property as an Executor – Top Tips
When someone dies, one of the first responsibilities for the Executor is to protect the estate’s assets — and that includes the property. Whether the home is empty, occupied by family, or rented out, Executor house insurance is essential during the probate process.
This guide explains what Executor house insurance is, why it matters, and offers practical tips to help Executors manage property insurance effectively.
You can also request up to three quotes for probate property insurance from trusted, FCA regulated, UK providers through The Probate Network.
Why Executors Must Insure the Property
When the homeowner dies, their existing home insurance doesn’t automatically stay in force. In most cases, the policy ends or becomes invalid unless the insurer is told about the death.
Even if payments continue, the insurer could refuse a claim if they haven’t been informed.
As the person legally responsible for managing the estate, the Executor has a duty to protect estate assets, including the property. If damage, theft, or vandalism occurs without valid cover, the Executor may be personally liable for the loss.
What Is Executor House Insurance?
Executor house insurance is designed to cover estate properties between the date of death and the final sale or transfer.
Depending on the situation, Executors may need:
- Empty property: You’ll need unoccupied probate house insurance, which protects unoccupied properties from risks such as theft, leaks, or storm damage.
- Occupied property: You’ll need occupied probate property insurance, which provides protection while someone continues living in the home.
Top Tips for Executors Arranging Probate Property Insurance
1️⃣ Notify the Existing Insurer Immediately
Contact the deceased’s insurer as soon as possible. Explain that the policyholder has died and confirm whether the policy can continue temporarily.
You’ll usually need to provide:
A copy of the death certificate.
Details of who (if anyone) is living in the property.
Your contact information as Executor or Administrator.
If cover cannot continue, arrange specialist Executor house insurance immediately to avoid a gap in protection.
2️⃣ Choose the Right Cover
Each policy should include:
Buildings insurance (to cover structural damage).
Contents insurance (for any remaining valuables).
Public liability cover (if someone is injured on the property).
3️⃣ Understand Policy Conditions
Probate and Executor policies often come with specific conditions to maintain cover validity, such as:
Regular property inspections (e.g. every 14 or 30 days).
Keeping heating on low to prevent frozen pipes.
Draining water systems if the property is fully vacant.
Securing doors, windows, and installing alarms.
If you live far away or have multiple properties to manage, it can help to engage a probate property maintenance company.
They can handle regular inspections, repairs, and provide evidence for the insurer that the property is being properly maintained — keeping the policy valid and reducing risk.
4️⃣ Review Coverage Limits and Exclusions
Before buying Executor house insurance, check that:
The rebuild cost of the property is accurately insured.
All valuable contents remaining in the home are covered.
Common risks such as fire, flood, and theft are included.
Be aware of exclusions such as:
Gradual leaks or storm damage if the home is left empty too long.
Damage caused by renovations without notifying the insurer.
Limited cover if security systems are not maintained.
5️⃣ Be Mindful of Renting Out a Probate Property
Sometimes Executors or beneficiaries consider renting out the property during probate to generate income or cover costs.
If this is being considered:
Inform the insurer before allowing anyone to move in.
If you intend to rent the probate property, understand that standard probate insurance won’t cover tenants. You’ll need landlord insurance or a tailored policy that includes rental occupancy.
Keep tenancy agreements, safety certificates, and inspection records.
Renting without proper insurance can invalidate cover and create liability issues for Executors — especially if damage or injury occurs during the tenancy.
6️⃣ Plan for Costs and Cash Flow
Insurance premiums and maintenance costs are estate expenses. These should be paid from the estate’s funds before any distribution to beneficiaries.
However, if there isn’t available cash until the property is sold, Executors may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.
To help with this, probate loans are available to cover short-term estate expenses such as:
Executor house insurance premiums
Property maintenance or inspection services
RICS Valuations and legal fees
- There are also loans for Inheritance Tax
A probate loan allows Executors to manage these costs without personal financial pressure. The loan is repaid directly from the estate once funds are released.
7️⃣ Compare Specialist Providers
Not all insurers understand the legal and practical challenges of estate administration. Using a specialist Executor house Insurance provider ensures your policy includes:
Cover tailored to the occupancy status.
Clear conditions for inspections and maintenance.
Flexible cancellation when probate completes.
Through The Probate Network, Executors can request up to three quotes from trusted UK insurance providers who understand probate and estate management.
Common Mistakes Executors Should Avoid
Assuming the existing policy continues automatically.
Forgetting to tell the insurer the policyholder has died.
Failing to classify the property as occupied or unoccupied correctly.
Ignoring inspection or maintenance conditions.
Letting tenants move in without landlord or rental cover.
Not budgeting for insurance and estate management costs.
Avoiding these mistakes helps Executors protect both the property and their personal liability.
Key Takeaways
Executor house insurance protects the property during probate.
Notify the insurer immediately after the death.
Choose probate house insurance for empty homes, or occupied probate property insurance if someone lives there.
Use a probate property maintenance company for regular inspections if you’re not local.
Renting the property requires specialist landlord insurance — not standard probate cover.
Use probate loans to fund insurance and maintenance costs if cash is tied up in the estate.
Compare quotes from specialist probate insurers for the right protection.
A Final Word on Executor House Insurance
Executor house insurance is more than a formality — it’s a vital safeguard for the estate and the Executors personally.
Whether the property is unoccupied, occupied, or rented, taking the time to secure the right policy ensures that this valuable asset remains fully protected throughout the probate process. For a detailed checklist of questions to ask any insurer, read our guide to unoccupied property insurance for executors.
To find suitable cover, you can request up to three quotes from trusted UK providers via The Probate Network.
More Information
The Probate Network collaborates with lots of probate property specialists. To find a property specialist to match your specific requirements simply complete the form below. Up to three (no more) companies will respond to your enquiry. We will email you details of the providers who receive your contact details so when they get in touch, you are expecting them.
