Are you planning on leaving your home unoccupied? Going on an extended holiday? Buying a holiday home you plan on using in the summer months? Either way, your home may be unoccupied for longer than your standard home insurance policy will allow.
Insurers will generally allow your home to be unoccupied for 60 days in order for full cover to remain in force. Every insurer has their own definition of unoccupied, but generally unoccupied means not slept in overnight for 60 days and/or unfurnished. Some insurers may even restrict cover after 30 days.
When your home is left empty, the risk of certain damage occurring increases, especially in the winter months, for example escape of water, burst pipes, fire and theft. You must always advise your insurer when your property is going to be unoccupied for longer than their definition allows, otherwise you may find yourself with an expensive escape of water claim, but no cover.
If you think you are going to be leaving your home for an extended period of time, you most likely need a specialist unoccupied home policy. Vizion can help with this. We understand that not everyone’s circumstances are the same. We will discuss your specific requirements with you and offer the best advice catered to you.
Some examples of when you may find your home unoccupied can be:
- Selling your home and you have already moved into a new home
- Long periods between exchange and completion and the vendors have already moved out
- You have a holiday home that isn’t your main residence
- You are letting out your home and between tenants
- You are doing renovations to your home and will not be living there
- You’re travelling for extended periods
- Waiting for probate
We work with insurers that can offer annual policies as well as short term policies, they also offer different levels of cover so you can opt for more or less depending on what best suits your insurance requirements.
Insurers will generally apply certain conditions to be complied with, these can include:
- an inspection condition whereby the property must be inspected internally and externally every 7 or 14 days.
- Turning the water off or leaving the heating on a minimum temperature
- Ensuring all security protections are in place
If you require assistance with an unoccupied property, or any other insurance needs, please contact Vizion Insurance Brokers Limited
Terms and conditions vary by insurer. This article is for general guidance only.
