Would you ever be comfortable leaving your home uninsured?
As a Minnesota homeowner, you’ve likely taken steps to protect your home and family.
However, many people overlook what happens to their homeowners insurance after they pass away.
In most cases, insurance coverage ends just 30 days after the homeowner’s death—unless legal action is taken in advance.
This short window can leave your home uninsured during a vulnerable time.
Fortunately, you can avoid this risk by setting up a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD), which provides a smooth transfer of ownership and helps maintain insurance coverage.
Homeowners Insurance in Minnesota Often Ends 30 Days After Death
Insurance companies typically issue policies in the homeowner’s name. When the named insured dies, the policy usually remains in effect for only 30 days. If no one updates the policy or takes legal ownership during that time, the home may lose its coverage.
Although families often assume insurance will continue, this isn’t automatic. Because Minnesota’s probate process can take weeks or months, no one may have legal authority to act before the 30-day deadline passes. As a result, the home might remain uninsured—and exposed to risks.
Tip: Though Minnesota probate is typically not completed within 30 days, it can be shorter, simpler and less expensive than you might think. Read more in our post: 5 Common Myths About Minnesota Probate – Debunked.
What Can Happen When a Home Is Not Insured During Probate?
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Fire, Storm, or Vandalism Damage May Not Be Covered
If the home is damaged or destroyed during probate and no insurance is in place, the estate or heirs may be fully responsible for repairs or total loss. -
Lender May Force-Place Expensive Insurance
If the home has a mortgage, the lender may purchase “force-placed insurance,” which is often much more expensive and offers limited coverage — at the estate’s expense. -
Property May Decrease in Value
Uninsured properties are often left vacant and can deteriorate quickly, reducing their resale value and the inheritance ultimately passed on to beneficiaries. -
Heirs May Face Legal Liability
If someone is injured on the property (e.g., a trespasser, contractor, or visitor), there may be no liability coverage, exposing the estate and heirs to lawsuits. -
Delays in Selling or Transferring the Home
Real estate agents and buyers often require proof of insurance to move forward with a sale. Without coverage, the home may sit unsold, delaying probate closure. -
Condemnation or Code Violations
If the property becomes a nuisance due to neglect or damage, it may be cited by the city or even condemned — leading to legal action and repair mandates. -
Increased Risk of Theft or Squatting
Vacant and uninsured homes are prime targets for theft, vandalism, or unauthorized occupants, leading to costly legal and cleanup issues. -
Higher Estate Costs and Delays
Repair costs, legal fees, and potential claims can all drain estate assets and extend probate — reducing the amount inherited by beneficiaries.
Use a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) to Prevent Insurance Gaps
A Transfer on Death Deed allows you to name a beneficiary who will automatically inherit your home upon your death. Unlike traditional wills, TODDs bypass probate, allowing for an immediate legal transfer of ownership.
It’s affordable, easy to execute, and doesn’t affect your control over the home while you’re alive.
With a TODD in place:
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The beneficiary takes legal ownership as soon as you pass away.
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They can contact the insurance company and update or replace the policy without delay.
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Your home stays protected during a time when many estates face uncertainty.
In other words, a TODD makes the transition much smoother—and keeps your home insured during the process.
Better yet, you can revoke or change the TODD at any time during your lifetime.
Take Control Now—Avoid Future Problems
Planning ahead gives your family one less thing to worry about. By setting up a TODD now, you make sure your home passes smoothly and stays protected—without needing court approval or waiting for probate.
At Markve & Zweifel, we can assist in drafting, recording, and informing your insurance provider about a Transfer on Death Deed.
And, this is just one small piece of the overall Estate Planning Puzzle we can help with!
Ready to Protect Your Home?
A TODD may be a simple document, but it solves big problems. Don’t leave your home at risk of being uninsured during probate. Let us help you include a TODD in your estate plan.
