Unoccupied Property Insurance

sliphi

davidmcn said:

Insurers have been relaxing such conditions on existing policies at least, I expect they may be doing so on new cover too (given that people don't necessarily have much choice about insuring properties which they're not allowed to visit).

That's not the indication I've seen
In fact, quite the opposite. Our insurance broker sent us a reminder that at this time when property may be being left unoccupied, then normal buildings cover may not be sufficient.

Found it quite odd, as they already supply us empty/unoccupied property insurance cover. Perhaps it was a 'send to all' message?

sliphi

Lover_of_Lycra said:

That's the problem.  It was being checked once a week but since the lockdown I've not been able to get someone to go and check on it.  

So you already have empty/unoccupied buildings insurance?

Lover_of_Lycra said:

davidmcn said:

Insurers have been relaxing such conditions on existing policies at least, I expect they may be doing so on new cover too (given that people don't necessarily have much choice about insuring properties which they're not allowed to visit).

That's good to know.  Luckily I'm on good terms with my neighbours although sadly I'm missing out on all the baking.

I've never found cover that does not require regular inspection, although fortniightly or even monthly is more common with specialised unoccupied insurance cover.

But that inspection does not need to be done by you in person - nothing to stop you getting someone else you trust to inspect it.  A record may need to be kept of those inspections including any actions needed to be taken as a result of that inspection, so anyone you instruct needs to be made fully aware of what is expected.

sliphi

Lover_of_Lycra said:

I've never used an insurance broker in my life.  Maybe I've always been a rather vanilla insuree so I've been able to source it easily myself.  Anyway, I contacted A-plan, spoke to a nice chap yesterday and he's going to phone me back tomorrow.

Unfortunately, my experience of A-Plan sorting out unoccupied property insurance was not good. They are a general insurance broker, and whilst they continue to boast that they do specialise in unoccupied building insurance, they don't really.

They are ok for short term cover, maybe 3-6 months, certainly less than 12 months, e.g. for someone awaiting probate, for someone in long term (more than a month) hospital care, a property empty pending sale. But they could offer us little for a long term unoccupied property, other than very basic FLEA cover unless I could agree to arrange daily inspection.

To be honest, if it's less than 12 months cover you require, best to start with your existing insurer as many can arrange this for you.

davidmcn

sliphi said:

davidmcn said:

Insurers have been relaxing such conditions on existing policies at least, I expect they may be doing so on new cover too (given that people don't necessarily have much choice about insuring properties which they're not allowed to visit).

That's not the indication I've seen
In fact, quite the opposite. Our insurance broker sent us a reminder that at this time when property may be being left unoccupied, then normal buildings cover may not be sufficient.

The first three insurers I've picked at random all have relaxations of their usual policy conditions on their websites:

Admiral:

"Do I need to tell you if my main home (permanent residence) or holiday home will be unoccupied for longer than I previously told you?

No, you don't need to tell us. Unoccupancy exclusions shown in your policy documents won't apply if Coronavirus restrictions prevent you from living in or checking your home."

Direct Line:

"Typically, if a home is unoccupied for more than 60 days, then any insurance will not cover loss or damage...However, we are in unprecedented times and all claims will be treated on a case by case basis so therefore unavoidable un-occupancy due to COVID-19 be considered acceptable up to 12 weeks"

Aviva:

"I'm unable to visit my holiday home/second property insured with Aviva. Will you extend the period of 60 days before the policy unoccupied exclusions apply?

Yes, we'll automatically extend the unoccupied period to 120 days due to the impact of coronavirus. Full cover will apply during this 120-day period and you won't need to pay an additional premium. We'll review this regularly as the situation develops."

sliphi

Direct Line does not provide for empty/unoccupied property insurance. At least that is what they firmly informed me when I was invited to call them.

What you are quoting seems to be a temporary variation to usual residential buildings insurance that always allows for some short periods of unoccupancy (e.g. to cover holidays) Exceptions to this will be dealt with on a case by case basis during this period of National Emergency.
But it's not a subsitute for empty/unoccupied property insurance if that is what should be in place.

The OP asked for a recommendation of "an insurer to provide long term cover for an unoccupied property"

davidmcn

sliphi said:
But it's not a subsitute for empty/unoccupied property insurance if that is what should be in place.
The OP asked for a recommendation of "an insurer to provide long term cover for an unoccupied property"

Yes, I made clear I was only talking about existing policies, which the PP queried.

[Deleted User]

sliphi said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Could anyone recommend an insurer to provide long term cover for an unoccupied property?  Thanks.

Use a specialised broker that specialises in empty/unoccupied property insurance

Google can also assist.

Google could probably be used to answer most questions posed on this forum.  I was specifically looking for recommendations ideally from people who have insurance or have had insurance for unoccupied properties rather than just "use a specialised broker" so if you have a broker you have used in the past and recommend then please share.

[Deleted User]

sliphi said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

That's the problem.  It was being checked once a week but since the lockdown I've not been able to get someone to go and check on it.  

So you already have empty/unoccupied buildings insurance?

Lover_of_Lycra said:

davidmcn said:

Insurers have been relaxing such conditions on existing policies at least, I expect they may be doing so on new cover too (given that people don't necessarily have much choice about insuring properties which they're not allowed to visit).

That's good to know.  Luckily I'm on good terms with my neighbours although sadly I'm missing out on all the baking.

I've never found cover that does not require regular inspection, although fortniightly or even monthly is more common with specialised unoccupied insurance cover.

But that inspection does not need to be done by you in person - nothing to stop you getting someone else you trust to inspect it.  A record may need to be kept of those inspections including any actions needed to be taken as a result of that inspection, so anyone you instruct needs to be made fully aware of what is expected.

I had regular buildings and contents insurance with Aviva because I was living in the property.  I then moved overseas for work, contacted Aviva to tell them the property would be unoccupied for an extended period of time and paid extra to cover me for this.  A friend was checking on the property weekly although because it was a friend and not a relative I am not covered for theft.  My Aviva policy is coming to an end soon so rather than renew with them I thought it would be better to take out a policy with an insurer that specialises in unoccupied properties.  Can you recommend an insurer or broker?

Someone else has recommended A-Plan but you don't rate them so which brokers do you rate?

dacouch

Lover_of_Lycra said:

davidmcn said:

Insurers have been relaxing such conditions on existing policies at least, I expect they may be doing so on new cover too (given that people don't necessarily have much choice about insuring properties which they're not allowed to visit).

That's good to know.  Luckily I'm on good terms with my neighbours although sadly I'm missing out on all the baking.

If there is a requirement to inspect, I strongly recommend that if you or a neighboor is doing it that you keep a record of each visit along with any notes on changes to the property or action you took. Ideally have this as a record off site or in the cloud, it can be very helpful if there is a claim and the Insurer wants proof you were complying with the inspection clause

Nebulous2

sliphi said:

Direct Line does not provide for empty/unoccupied property insurance. At least that is what they firmly informed me when I was invited to call them.

They were quite happy to give me holiday home insurance. There are conditions, it has to be heated to 5 degrees, October to end of March, or the water drained. It has to be checked once a week. It is a listed building and it was difficult to find anyone else even remotely interested. Buildings only. I have my own home insurance with them, which probably helped.