Checking Property Insurance Is Valid After a Death
After a death, it is important to check that the property insurance is still valid. Insurers often have rules about unoccupied properties that could affect your cover.
Last reviewed: 4 April 2026
What to have ready
- ✓Policy number
- ✓Property address
- ✓The date the property became unoccupied
- ✓Whether the property has security features (burglar alarm, deadlocks, etc.)
Phone script
You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.
I’m calling about the home insurance policy on [property address]. The policyholder, [full name], passed away on [date of death], and the property is now unoccupied. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. I need to understand what cover we still have and for how long.
What to ask for
- –How long the property can remain unoccupied under the current policy (usually 30 or 60 days)
- –After that period, which risks are still covered and which are excluded (theft, water damage, and malicious damage are usually the first to be excluded)
- –Whether the insurer needs to be formally notified that the property is unoccupied
- –Whether you can extend the unoccupied cover with the same insurer (and at what cost)
- –Whether there are any requirements for maintaining the property (heating, regular inspections, securing all windows and doors)
- –Whether you should arrange specialist unoccupied property insurance instead
Watch out
If you do not notify the insurer that the property is unoccupied, they may reject any future claim. Even if you plan to arrange specialist cover elsewhere, notify the existing insurer first. Check whether you are also required to inspect the property regularly (weekly or fortnightly visits are common requirements).
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