How to Notify Homeowners Insurance

Call the homeowners insurance company and report the death of the policyholder. Say: "I need to report the death of the policyholder [name] on policy number [number]. I am the [executor/surviving spouse] and need to discuss continuing coverage." The insurance company will update the named insured on the policy — typically to the executor, the surviving spouse, or the estate.

Do not cancel homeowners insurance while the estate owns the property. An uninsured home is a catastrophic financial risk — a fire, storm, or liability claim on an uninsured property could wipe out a significant portion of the estate. Keep the policy active continuously until the property is sold or transferred to a new owner who obtains their own policy.

If the home will be vacant for an extended period (many insurers define "vacant" as unoccupied for 30 to 60 consecutive days), notify the insurer. Standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit coverage for vacant properties. You may need to purchase a separate vacant property insurance policy or a vacancy endorsement, which typically adds 25 to 50 percent to the premium. If the property will be vacant, take steps to reduce risk: set light timers, have someone check the property weekly, maintain the lawn and snow removal, and keep the heat at a minimum of 55 degrees in winter to prevent frozen pipes.