As an executor or administrator you have a duty to protect estate assets. That means keeping the empty property insured — and unoccupied property policies almost always require regular, documented inspections.
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Why probate properties are exposed
Probate can take months, sometimes years. A home that was lived in and looked after suddenly stands empty, often full of contents, while legal work slowly proceeds.
Standard home insurance falls away
Most household policies restrict or void cover once a property has been empty for 30–60 days. Executors typically need specialist unoccupied property insurance — which carries inspection conditions.
Contents and the property itself
An unoccupied house full of the deceased's belongings is attractive to opportunists, and undetected leaks, damp or vermin can quietly damage both building and contents.
Personal liability for executors
Executors can be personally criticised — or held liable — for failing to safeguard estate assets. A documented inspection routine is clear evidence you took the duty seriously.
How Inspection Record helps executors
A schedule you won't forget
Set the interval your policy requires and receive reminders. Probate is busy enough — the inspection routine runs itself.
Photos that document condition
Time-stamped photos on every visit create an evolving condition record — useful for insurance, for beneficiaries, and for the eventual sale.
One record for the whole estate file
Print or export a formal inspection record with dates, notes and photos — ready for the insurer, co-executors or solicitors.
Shareable proof of diligence
If a claim arises or a beneficiary questions your stewardship, you can produce a complete, contemporaneous record of every visit.
What interval should you set?
Check the unoccupied policy — 14-day inspections are the most common condition for probate properties, with 7 days sometimes required in winter or for higher-risk homes. Set your interval in the app to match the policy exactly.
What insurers expect to see
Evidence that the inspection condition was actually met: dated entries, the checks performed (water off, heating setting, post cleared, no signs of entry) and photos. A formal record removes the argument entirely.
Common questions
I live far from the property — can someone else inspect?
Usually yes. Most policies allow a nominated responsible adult — a relative, neighbour or agent — to carry out inspections. They can log visits and photos in the app, and the record stays in one place.
How long will the property need unoccupied cover?
Until the estate sells or transfers the property, which is commonly 6–12 months. Unoccupied policies are often written in 3- or 6-month terms and renewed — the inspection condition applies for the whole period.
What should each probate inspection include?
External security, signs of forced entry, water and heating checks, post collection (uncollected post advertises an empty home), and a walk-through of every room with photos of anything that has changed.
Executor duties, documented
Meet the policy's inspection condition and build a record that protects both the estate and you.
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