What Happens to Homeowners Insurance When the Policyholder Passes Away?

By Andrew Muller, Mappus Insurance, a division of Afore Insurance Services, LLC

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is never easy. Between legal, financial, and emotional matters, one critical area that’s often overlooked is what happens to their homeowners insurance policy—especially when the deceased wasn’t living in the insured property at the time of death.

At Mappus/Afore Insurance, we guide families and estate representatives through these complex transitions to ensure properties remain properly protected during probate or sale.

Does the Policy Still Apply After Death?

Yes—standard ISO Homeowners policies (such as an HO3 policy form) include a provision for the death of the named insured. Coverage temporarily extends to:

• The legal representative of the deceased (executor or administrator), but only for the home and personal property listed in the policy.
• Any household members living at the home at the time of the insured’s death, as long as they continue residing there.

However, if the policyholder wasn’t living at the insured home—perhaps they moved into a care facility or had relocated—this second provision usually doesn’t apply. That creates some important considerations for estate planning and risk management.

For example, the homeowners insurance was written only in the name of the husband. The husband and wife move into an assisted living facility, so they are no longer “residents of the premises”. If the husband passes, the wife does not have coverage. The simple solution is to add the wife as the second named insured.

Risks When the Deceased Didn’t Live at the Property

If no one is living in the home at the time of death:

• Vacancy becomes a concern: After 30–60 days of vacancy, most policies reduce or exclude coverage for vandalism, water damage, and theft.
• Coverage may not automatically transfer: If the home is retitled to an heir or sold before updating the insurance, coverage could lapse or claims could be denied.
• Estate liability increases: Any damage to the home during probate could financially impact the estate if the proper insurance isn’t maintained.

What Executors and Families Should Do

To avoid lapses or denied claims, Afore Insurance recommends taking the following actions promptly:

1. Notify the insurance carrier immediately upon the insured’s passing.
2. Request that the estate or executor be added to the policy, or discuss converting the policy to a dwelling fire or vacant home policy.
3. Disclose the occupancy status of the home. If it’s empty, additional steps may be needed to retain proper protection.
4. Maintain the property—keep utilities on, schedule regular inspections, and ensure the home looks lived-in to deter issues.

Protect the Home—and the Estate

While insurance may be one of the last things on your mind during a time of loss, it plays a critical role in protecting your loved one’s legacy. A small oversight—such as leaving a vacant home insured under the wrong policy—could cost thousands in denied claims or liability.

Let Mappus/Afore Insurance Help

Our team at Mappus/Afore Insurance Services is here to help you navigate the complexities of insurance after a death. Whether you’re an executor, family member, or trustee, we’ll make sure the property remains protected until it’s sold or transferred.

Reach out today to speak with one of our advisors and ensure peace of mind during this important transition.