What happens to homeowners insurance after death?

What happens to your homeowners policy when a spouse dies?

A homeowners insurance policy doesn't automatically cancel if the policyholder dies. If both spouses are listed on a homeowners insurance policy, the policy may remain in effect after one of the spouses passes away with the surviving spouse listed as a named insured. Each insurer has different terms and guidelines, but it's up to the surviving spouse to call the insurer to confirm the change.

In some cases, a spouse who wasn't initially listed on the homeowners insurance policy may be added as the named insured. In any case, an insurer will require documentation, including:

• A death certificate
• A letter of authority indicating who is acting as executor of the estate
• Proof of property ownership in order to adjust the policy

Transferring a homeowners insurance policy after the death of the policyholder may take a couple weeks, so it's best to act immediately to avoid a lapse in coverage as the transfer takes place.

Homeowners insurance for estate property with no surviving spouse

If there's no surviving spouse, the deceased person's estate executor is responsible for the home insurance policy.

The executor must act to change the home insurance policy. An insurer may give an estate executor 30 days or the remainder of the policy to secure the appropriate homeowners insurance coverages as a new policyholder. During this time, the executor must continue to pay the current homeowners insurance premium or risk a coverage lapse.

In most instances, insurers won't cover damage to an empty home, because no one is around in the event something happens.

What happens to homeowners insurance during probate?

Probate can be avoided with proper estate planning. When a home goes into probate, it can take months or even years for the home to be officially inherited — or the court may rule that the heirs or executor must sell the home.

Can you insure a property that's not in your name?

It may be possible to insure a property that's not in your name if you show an insurable interest in the property. An insurable interest means you have a good and logical purpose of protecting the home (and, in turn, yourself) from loss. However, you're essentially then paying for insurance on behalf of the legal homeowner.

Can a property stay on a deceased person's insurance policy?

Once a homeowner dies, their homeowners insurance policy is still in effect. However, it can expire or be canceled if no one pays the premium.

Of course, an insurer may have no way of knowing about the homeowner's death right away — but they may eventually find out. That's why a surviving spouse, family member, or estate executor should contact the insurer and submit a death certificate within 30 days of the homeowner's death.

How to file a homeowners insurance claim after the policyholder dies

You may need to take a few extra steps to file a claim on a homeowners policy if the policyholder has passed away, but it's still possible. Promptly notify the insurer of the death so they can begin transferring the policy to the appropriate person to keep coverage active.

Remember, you'll need some documentation to transfer the policy, but you may still be able to file a claim while the transfer is in process.

Transfer an existing homeowners policy through Progressive

Log in to manage your Progressive account, or call 1-866-749-7436 for guidance from a licensed representative.