As an executor, you may not realise the importance of having the deceased’s valuable assets insured, until such time as they have been disposed of or distributed.

Should their uninsured home suffer flooding whilst the probate process is underway for example, you could be held personally liable.

Always check that any insurance policies remain in place for at least six months after the person’s death and should probate continue after this time, check periodically that everything is still current.

Don’t allow valuables to remain on full view of visitors or passers by, when public notification of the death has been given.  Similarly, ensure that their home continues to look occupied and strengthen security measures if necessary.

Tony Crocker