Short answer: Call the existing homeowners insurer right away, report the owner's death, and keep paying the premium so coverage doesn't lapse. Ask how the policy treats an estate or executor as the insured, and how long the home can sit empty. Then transfer or replace the policy once title passes, based on whether you'll live there, rent it or sell it.
Week one
- [ ] Find the policy. Look for the declarations page, autopay records or mail from the insurer.
- [ ] Call the insurer or agent. Report the death and ask who is now covered. Many policies extend coverage to the legal representative (executor or administrator) for a period, but the terms vary.
- [ ] Keep premiums paid. A lapse during probate can leave the home uninsured.
- [ ] Secure the house. Lock it up, stop deliveries, forward mail, and set the thermostat to prevent frozen pipes.
Watch the vacancy clock
Standard homeowners forms commonly limit coverage, such as for vandalism and glass breakage, once a home has been vacant for more than 60 consecutive days. Some insurers require a vacancy endorsement or a separate vacant-dwelling policy. Ask:
- [ ] Is the home considered vacant or unoccupied under this policy?
- [ ] Which coverages are reduced, and after how many days?
- [ ] Is a vacancy endorsement or vacant home policy available?
Once you decide what to do with it
- Moving in: get a homeowners policy in your own name, and update your auto policy's garaging address if you're moving.
- Renting it out: homeowners policies generally aren't designed for tenant-occupied homes. You'll need a landlord or dwelling fire policy.
- Selling: keep coverage through closing and confirm what applies while it's listed and empty.
- Keeping it as a second home: see how to insure a second home in another state.
Don't forget
- [ ] Flood insurance, if the home has an NFIP policy: ask how to assign it to the new owner.
- [ ] Earthquake or other separate policies.
- [ ] Contents: valuables the decedent kept in the house may need separate coverage until they're distributed.
- [ ] Liability: an empty house with a pool or other hazard still carries liability risk.
Bottom line
Your first job is to keep the house insured without a gap. After that, match the policy to what you plan to do with it. See vacant home insurance.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. Vea vacant home insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance continue after the owner dies?
Often for a period, with the estate's legal representative covered, but terms vary. Call the insurer promptly and keep premiums paid.
How long can an inherited house stay empty?
Standard homeowners forms commonly limit some coverages after 60 consecutive days of vacancy; check your policy.
Can I rent out an inherited house on the old homeowners policy?
Usually not. A tenant-occupied home generally needs a landlord or dwelling fire policy.
Should flood insurance be transferred?
If the home has an NFIP policy, ask about assigning it to the new owner.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.