After a loss

Securing the home and car

A quiet house and an unused car are both easy targets.

Current as of October 2026. Laws and figures can change — see full disclaimer.

When someone lived alone, their home and car may sit empty for weeks after a death. Obituaries and funeral notices are public, and unfortunately some people watch them. A few simple steps can protect the house and what's in it.

The home

• Locking doors and windows, and collecting spare keys from neighbors, cleaners or caregivers
• Changing locks if many people had keys
• Throwing out perishable food and checking that the stove, heaters and water are off
• Moving valuables, important papers and medications somewhere safe
• Keeping lights on a timer and lawn or snow taken care of so the house looks lived in
• Asking a neighbor to keep an eye on it during the funeral

Insurance

Many homeowners policies limit coverage once a house has been empty for a while, often after 30 or 60 days. Calling the insurer to explain the situation is common, and they can say what the policy requires.

The car

• Keeping it in a garage or driveway, locked, with the keys somewhere safe
• Keeping the insurance active until the car is sold or transferred
• Not letting anyone drive it until the insurer confirms they're covered