insurance on home while travelling abroad (long vacation)

manorman

Rang our buildings-insurers Royal & Sun today who assured me that on our policy (a "HP" policy??..its an oldish policy we've had for 15 years or so) cover is not valid if you are away more than 60 days (in total) in any one calendar year!

I had thought (wrongly) it was 60 days for any one trip...I thought that's what they told me
when I enquired last year but today the (very helpful) young man was adamant.

Looks like if we want to "disappear" to Oz for 3 months+ this year we need a new insurance policy with someone else ..the R&S guy basically confirmed that regrettably (from his perspective) that was the case.

Any tips?

tanith

my brother and I were only discussing this very thing yesterday.. His immediate neighbour and friend recently retired has gone away for 3/4 months vacation (I wish) and was told the same by his insurers.. he asked if he could pay an extra premium for the period he was away and they agreed to this..... don't know how much it was but he paid it gladly for the peace of mind........

good luck

nadnad

usually its 30 days in any one trip. ask them if they will extend your cover for an added premium - it may be cheaper than going elsewhere. Can i also give you some extra advice - we went away for quite a while and i was worried about leaving the house. I got 3 timer plugs and plugged them into a lamp upstairs one downstairs and the tv - timed them for various times - eg getting up time, home from work, bedtime etc and varied the times from day to day - it made it look like someone was in - i got them from B&Q they were about £8 each. I also got a light sensor lightbulb - for outside - automatically came on at night and off as soon as it was light. just these extra little things all help. and if you can - ask a trustworthy neighbour to keep an eye. some police stations also can help out with this (i dont know where you live) but the more local ones can take details and keep an eye out. there you go and have a great trip!

mattymoo

The other reason insurers stipulate a 30 day limit is because damage may go undetected and worsen.

Ask them to refer the case to their technical referral unit (I'm ex RSA but the name may have changed since I left 8 yrs ago). They may say yes to cover but you need to shut off water supply and drain down the heating system.
You might also need to arrange weekly checks on the property by neighbour or property agent if you do not get on with neighbours.
Oh, and the security should be compliant with their security condition or brought up to that standard if not.

I'm afraid call centre monkeys stick to their script but in truth they can be flexible - you just have to speak to the right person.