Does Your Probate Client Know Their Homeowners Insurance May Not Work the Way They Expect?

Probate Attorneys: Does your client know their homeowners insurance may not work the way they expect once the house is vacant?

Mom dies. The house is insured. The Personal Representative assumes, "We're covered." But has anyone called the insurance company? More importantly, has your client told the insurer -- in writing -- that the owner died and the property is now vacant?

Does your client know: Whether the current policy still provides the coverage they expect? Whether a vacant-property policy or endorsement is needed? How often someone must physically check the house? Whether the heat must remain on? Whether the insurer has requirements involving the water supply?

These details are easy to overlook while the Personal Representative is dealing with probate, creditors, family, paperwork, and funeral expenses. Meanwhile, the house is sitting empty. Then a pipe bursts. There's a break-in. A tree damages the roof. That is a terrible time to learn what the insurance company expected your client to do.