Empty house insurance

rick_2-2

Could anyone offer advice on buildings insurance for an empty house, utilities are on but currently not lived in as people are working overseas.

Having a nightmare trying to find insurers?!

Thanks in advance

Rick

wolftastic_2

It might depend on what your intend to do with the house, e.g. live in it yourself or rent it out/sell it. If you intend to live in it I would have thought your existing insurers would offer cover.

However, if it is an investment property or rental, you may need to insure it under a commercial policy rather than a domestic policy, if so you will probably need to visit an insurance broker or your bank may have insurance arrangements.

Normally under a commercial policy, cover for an unoccupied building is restricted to fire, aircraft and explosion damage only, other perils could be included but usually they are limited. Also there may well be a requirement to disconnect utilities and visit at least weekly as part of an unoccupancy warranty. These restrictions are pretty standard for an empty property. Cover available may also depend on the condition of the building.