FAQs

Premiums are expressed as a rate per day and accumulate for up to a year, typically from £1 per day (plus insurance tax). If the estate remains unresolved, the full years premium is due and you can usually start again with another policy.

The daily premium and full terms and conditions are based on the potential cost of rebuilding the property and its postcode. A minimum premium and insurance tax will apply and full details will be provided when you apply.

After a short while, home insurance becomes invalidated once the property is empty.

The family home is usually the largest asset of the deceased’s estate and solicitors have a duty of care to ensure it is protected while the estate is under their management.

It may do so, but only for 30 days (as stated in the policy), and then it will become invalidated due to the additional risks associated with being vacant, unless the insurer specifically agrees to continue the cover.

Short period policies, as they are called are often available for periods of 1, 3 or 6 months, however these policies are disproportionately expensive as they are front loaded for the early risk of damage and administration costs.

Most importantly, they create more administration in order to regularly renew, with the risk of omission to renew leaving a gap in cover. Then, if there is a serious escape of water or a fire, the lawyer could find themselves at the risk of a professional indemnity claim from the Estate - as we have seen on many occasions.

Yes, because of the higher risk of serious damage resulting from the lack of personal security and early discovery of problems.

Policies vary in their requirement from as little as every 7 days. Watchman is less demanding as an inspection must be completed every 30 days.

Whatever the period, it is important to keep a record of when an inspection was completed as evidence should a claim occur.

Empty houses are much more vulnerable to theft and malicious damage but also many minor accidents such as a burst pipe or a sparking electricity plug will remain undetected for many days and cause much greater damage than if they were detected early.

For these reasons insurers regard the risk as being much higher and require notice if a house is empty and will not continue the home insurance.

Almost all home insurance policies will become invalid if a house is left empty for any length of time, the period varies from policy to policy and may be as little as 30 days of continuous unoccupancy.

Yes, getting started is easy. Simply call the Watchman team on 01935 389812, or email us at [email protected]

Unoccupied probate properties require regular inspections to meet insurance obligations. Executors and legal representatives are expected to ensure these checks are correctly carried out. 

Watchman provides comprehensive property inspections designed to satisfy insurer requirements and protect the property’s value. We also provide a comprehensive report explaining what has been checked and what requires corrective action.

Yes. Watchman delivers professional, eco-friendly, fully licensed, and cost-effective property clearance solutions for probate properties. 

Watchman works with both professional advisers and families. 

Clearance is carried out by trusted partners who are fully licensed waste carriers, ensuring work is completed responsibly and in compliance with environmental standards. 

Yes. Watchman provides photographs before and after the clearance. 

Two valuation options are available: Estate Agent Valuations and RICS Red Book Valuations for HMRC purposes. 

RICS Red Book Valuations are used for HMRC submissions, Inheritance Tax calculations and establishing Capital Gains Tax baselines. 

Yes. Watchman offers maintenance solutions including lock changes, utility isolations and drain downs, property cleaning, gardening, grounds maintenance and much more.

Yes. Watchman manages the sale of probate assets through strategic assessment, active management of agents and verification that best value was achieved.