Home insurance when unoccupied for long periods?

CarolynCh

Hi - does anyone know which (if any) insurers offer a policy where the property can be unoccupied for periods of more than 60 days at a time? We travel for long periods, and have relied on friends staying over to break the 60 day limit, but would like to sort out something a bit more "legit" to give us peace of mind. I have contacted Towergate as I know they offer policies for unoccupied premises but not sure if that is exactly what we need. Thanks for any information.

sleepless_saver

Have you tried using a broker to find you something suitable? There are companies who do cover unoccupied property e.g Vasek. Don't know what they're like.

CarolynCh

Thanks - I have emailed Vasek.

We asked a local broker last year and they weren't very helpful - just saw our low renewal quote from our existing insurer and said that we should hold on to it as there is no way they could find anything near that. Didn't really inspire me with any faith in them!

sleepless_saver

Housesitters?

CarolynCh

Thanks ss - I'll have a look at the site.

Our HI renewal arrived yesterday and states (on both the buildings and contents sections):

...or if the home is occupied by anyone other than you or a member of your family, exclusions will apply.

so I'm not sure even if we were covered when friends were staying over. I think we need to look into it all a bit more closely (and quickly, since current insurers only give us 20 days notice before renewal!).

robc281274

Hi CarolynCh - did you ever resolve this? I have the same query...

CarolynCh

robc281274 wrote: »

Hi CarolynCh - did you ever resolve this? I have the same query...

Hi Rob - no - none of the insurance companies which I emailed even bothered to reply. I tried to get a definitive answer from our existing insurance company but got different answers from each person I spoke to. I need to write to the head office asking for written clarification and also asking for their policy on housesitters which we are currently considering.

If anyone finds anything which they think might be useful, please post! Thanks.

jennifernil

If you qualify, I believe Saga might offer a longer period.

CarolynCh

jennifernil wrote: »

If you qualify, I believe Saga might offer a longer period.

Not old enough for Saga yet unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it!)

CarolynCh

Went with a housesitter in the end and got written confirmation from our house insurers that they are OK with it. Apparently their wording in the policy documents and "key features" was all wrong and they are looking into re-wording it all. The only exclusions appear to be that if you have someone staying in your house (e.g. a housesitter) then the insurance company will not pay out for theft or malicious damage as the guest is treated as a member of your family.