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Can you file a claim on behalf of the insured if they are deceased?

My mother's car was hit and damaged (minor scratches) in a parking lot after she died. I'm not officially the executor of her estate, and I'm not on her insurance. Will her insurance still cover the damages? I don't know if I need to cancel her policy or try to get the damages covered first. 

Feb 15, 2023 Winter Park, FL

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Ross Martin
Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

First of all, we're very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Our thoughts are with you and your family. As to your question, you mention that you're not the official executor of the estate. Do you know if there is an official executor? If you're in contact with the person who is, they would be best equipped to handle this.

The executor of her estate would need to reach out to the insurance carrier to see if the damages would still be covered. If they will cover the damages, an adjuster will be in contact with the executor to let them know the next steps in the claims process. The executor would also be the one able to cancel the policy afterwards.

However, if there is no executor to the estate, you can reach out to the insurance carrier to see what can be done on the matter. Hopefully this helps and if you have any other questions, please let us know.

 

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