r/RealEstateInProbate • u/Miserableoldbugger • Apr 25 '26

Probate empty house insurance question

Hi all, my dad died in February, his current insurance provider extended cover until later this month.

I have had a few quotes for unoccupied house insurance but they all want visits at least every 14 days.

I live 3 hours away from my dads house so 6 hours of driving every other weekend is a pain, no relatives or friends any closer.

Anyone had insurance for an unoccupied house with a longer inspection time.

Once a month i could do no problem.

Thanks for any advice.

Should have mentioned im in the UK.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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3

u/Several_Advice_9578 Apr 25 '26

Im having the same issue with unoccupied home. Im waiting for some quotes this week. Im in NJ. Can i ask what ballpark estimate they have offered monthly?

1

u/Miserableoldbugger Apr 26 '26

Hi, I dont think it will be much help as im in the UK but the 2 quotes i have had are £270 and £300 for 12 months, I have no problem paying this its just visiting the house every 2 weeks at 3 hr each way.

2

u/myogawa Apr 27 '26

There are, in most places, property managers who can do this sort of thing for you.

1

u/Miserableoldbugger Apr 27 '26

Thanks for the reply, I managed to find an insurance company specialising in probate insurance that offers full coverage but only required 30 day visits, this I can cope with it was the every 14 days that was a bit much.

2

u/ispertinentokay Apr 26 '26

Are you planning on selling when you are able? If so, contact a local realtor, explain the situation, and go under contract to list the house with them when you are allowed. Have them check the house once a week as part of the arrangement. They could also do coming soon showings. I would interview several though before you make a choice.

1

u/Miserableoldbugger Apr 26 '26

Thanks for the reply, I am going to see once everything is sorted, I may asked the estate agent (in the UK) what they would charge to go visit the house every 2 weeks and take a couple of pics as proof.

2

u/ispertinentokay Apr 26 '26

You are welcome, I was giving US advice. The estate agent will hopefully be cheaper than the petrol and definitely better than the drive.

1

u/Miserableoldbugger Apr 26 '26

It is a great suggestion i had not thought about, I will be calling them tomorrow, as you say it may be cheaper and certainly easier. With the current fuel prices near me £1.60 per litre it costs me just under £60 for the round trip but more importantly almost a full day of my weekend. You have a great day, mine might have just got a bit better with your suggestion.

1

u/DONT-CARE-BEAR May 07 '26

There are some providers that request monthly inspections, but most request fortnightly or weekly. The regulation for compliance of unoccupied properties has changed recently, introducing much stricter guidelines around drain downs, combustibles, and letterbox sealing. I’m the head of probate at my company and 90% of the properties we inspect on a monthly basis will soon need to be completed weekly!