Pipes burst in an inherited house - insurance claim?

[Scott Reynolds]

Hey BP, so I'm in the process of inheriting a house from my step-mother's estate. It is out of state from me (PA), and has been cared for by my step-brother (executor). It was my father's house originally, and my step-mom was signed onto the deed when they were married. Apparently last spring, there was a freeze and some of the pipes burst causing significant water damage. My brother told me about this a month or so ago.

I just had the deed transferred to my name. I don't know why I never thought to ask about this, or ask him to do this, but is it too late to file an insurance claim? I am in the process of transferring the insurance to my name, but have not done it yet. My understanding is that the estate is currently paying for the insurance.

It sounds like a significant amount of damage, and I do not think I will be able to pay for the repairs out of pocket, hence asking about the insurance.

I have no idea why we didn't think of this, but I'm assuming it would be preferrable to have the estate make the insurance claim, as opposed to myself (so it wouldn't be on my personal insurance records), if this is even possible?

If that wouldn't work, would I even be able to make a claim considering that the damage occurred a while ago, and the insurance had just been transferred to me?

Thanks for any information