Buildings insurance for unoccupied property

trevbob

I have a freehold property that I'm looking to sell, however I've alredy relocated from the area so can't stay over on a regular basis. Anyone have any recommendations for buildings insurance in these circumstances, similar I guess to a second home that is not let. Don't need a full landlord's policy.

rhartley

I have a freehold property that I'm looking to sell, however I've alredy relocated from the area so can't stay over on a regular basis.  Anyone have any recommendations for buildings insurance in these circumstances, similar I guess to a second home that is not let.  Don't need a full landlord's policy.

Not a very popular risk with insurers unfortunately. They all seem to be convinced that any empty property will be taken over by squatters, drug dealers or arsonists the moment it becomes vacant.

If you currently have the house insured you might persuade the existing insurer to provide cover on a "restricted perils" basis. You might even get wider cover if you can arrange for a friend or relative to undertake regular inspections.

Also try the insurer of your main home - you have some leverage as they've got your "good" risk as well as the bit they'd rather not do. Of course, it helps if you've got a long and loyal history with one insurer rather than having chopped and changed every year.

If that fails then you've going to be looking at a specialist unoccupied policy and they are generally quite pricey with high excesses and nasty cancellation clauses (i.e. they like to keep you premium when you sell the property).

Perhaps get some advice from a local reputable broker or a specialist. You may be able to locate one using this site:-

http://www.insurancexpert.co.uk/site/insurance_expert_search.htm