My father passed away a year ago and was the joint owner of the house. The house insurance renewal was sent out just before he passed away. I did inform the insurance company of my father's death but at that point they said it would not make any difference to the premium.
I have had this years renewal notice come through and the contents premium has gone up by £61. Oddly the buildings insurance has gone down by £3.
They have stated that this is mainly due to the fact that the house is now occupied by one person and is a higher risk especially as it is 4 bedroom detached and would normally be occupied by a family.
There are several people living on their own in similar houses around here. Most of them had a family when they moved in several years ago but the children have now left home and their husband / wife passed away.
They have said their premiums did not increase suddenly after the death of the husband / wife.
I was married but my wife passed away in 2003 and at that time we owned a house just outside London. I lived in it for about 15 months after her death and can not remember a drastic increase in the insurance premium. I know it was husband / wife occupation in 2003 where as it was father / son last year but I can not see how this would make any difference.
Frank
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I am guessing at this HUNTERF but could it be something to do with the house being unoccupied more often if you are the only one living there? The more people occupying a house surely means the less of often the house is left empty and therefore the less chance of burglary ?? 
HUNTERF You deserve a decent, helpful response to your question. I hope that one will be forthcoming. 
Mine was meant to be a serious response soop 
Gillybob Yes! Of course it was. Please don't think otherwise. 
I also think you should shop around Hunter - loyalty to one company is not rewarded any more and also go back to your insurers and ask precisely why? Find out, if you can, what they offer new customers and then challenge them. There is no reason I can think of why sole occupancy should make you a higher risk. Good luck.
I know that soop
I agree there is no longer a reward for loyalty in insurance gracesmum in fact there seems to be an incentive for new customers at the expense of the loyal ones!
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