House unoccupied more than 60days problem getting insured

Transalper

I've just been searching the comparison sites as my buildings and contents insurance is due for renewal. I will be going on a once in lifetime trip soon for up to 6 months. My house will be unoccupied but I have someone to come in and check it once a week or so. I have come up against a brick wall, no one will insure me so far. Surely holiday/second homes are under the same conditions do they have the same problems obtaining insurance? Does anybody know of a way round this as my holiday is booked and paid for.?

lisyloo

Could you get someone to occupy it for you now and again?

Transalper

It depends how the insurer would define occupied I guess, I said there will be someone coming round regular, but if the worst happened it would be looked into further at their advantage I would presume. I thought they would just put more excess on the contents but it effects the buildings too.

markelock

surely if someone stayed there for a day every 30 days, that's it sorted?

OshayAway

Sounds like you will need an unoccupied property policy. Standard policies will not be satisfied by someone simply looking in now and again. Most risks would be unaffected by you not being there, if not higher.

There are unoccupied policies available for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, these poicies can be converted to a regular owner occupied or let property policy once it ceases to be unoccupied.

Rikki

There are policies out there. A friend of mine works abroad and he has house insurance that covers his house being unoccupied for more than sixty days.
I can't ask for you as he's away now unfortunately.

Transalper

Thanks for the answers so far. My insurance runs out Nov 7th so I have until then to sort it. Any links or names of these companies that might do it would be appreciated. As for the person coming round and living there for 1 day, it's a possibility but would I have to say there is more than 1 person living at property from when I take out new policy ? , do they ask for names? I would like to do it without worry that there would not be a pay out if anything happened.

Essex_Maid

Try this company - a friend went to a broker recently and they came up with this company: Vasek - but don't know anything about them other than they used them for a short period.

http://www.vasek.co.uk/Products/UnoccupiedResidential.asp

Rikki

Transalper wrote: »

Thanks for the answers so far. My insurance runs out Nov 7th so I have until then to sort it. Any links or names of these companies that might do it would be appreciated. As for the person coming round and living there for 1 day, it's a possibility but would I have to say there is more than 1 person living at property from when I take out new policy ? , do they ask for names? I would like to do it without worry that there would not be a pay out if anything happened.

I find with the comparison sites they are not geared up to situations out of the norm. You would be better off giving a few companies a ring. The policy can be adapted to suit you then.

Transalper

I've found a few "specialist" insurers including the one called Vasek which was suggested. My present premium is under £180 for buildings and contents. Some of these were quoting nearly £550. I cannot afford this figure right now. They do a cover for £40 per month with a £50 start up fee. I can stop it after 6 months but that is £290 paid and I will still have to find regular insurance when I come home. I will have no job at this time so don't need that one. Someone just called me offering £204 buildings only for 1 year. Maybe a seperate contents ie, a landlords cover might cover me ??? I enquired about the friend occupying once every 30 days but was told the hidden small print would say it should be someone living there most of the time ie. 5 nights out of 7. Any more suggested work arounds appreciated!

Transalper

Update;
My present insurer, (this is one on the comparison sites that indicated it was not possible) said that as long as someone sleeps there once in 60 days then it's fine. I've requested they send this in writing. But now it's £176 total and a few beers in the fridge for my mate who shall sleep there:beer:. Most insurers out of the yellow pages told me "computer says NO" And asking me for an average of £540 up to £950 by some "specialists" who say this is what I should pay for more than 30 days unoccupied property is a rip off. Maybe for holiday/second homes yes. Lesson learned!!