Unoccupied house insurance

Bobziz

Hi, I'm looking to sell my late father's property, but current restrictions have meant that my sister's and I are well behind in clearing the property, which is now unlikely to be sold until next year.  Consequently, we'll need to renew the house insurance. Does anyone have any tips or recommendations for companies to insure an  unoccupied property. 

Premiums appear to be significantly higher than for an occupied property, as would be expected.
Many thanks...

Flugelhorn

Mother was insured with SAGA (who I have previously been unimpressed with) but they continued the cover for me as the same sort of rate. I had to ensure that the property was checked once a week - a lovely neighbour did this ( as he was doing for 2 others in the street).  

BooJewels

I'm in an identical situation, although I did the insurance thing a year ago when he went into care.  I went through a local broker who found me something suitable - she used them herself for her own parents' house at the time.  The price was pretty much the same from every quote (all within 20 quid of each other) - but the terms and endorsements varied quite a bit - some were un-doable - one wanted me to change external locks because I couldn't read the BS mark on the 5 lever mortice in an external porch door - despite the main front door inside having substantial security in excess of their requirements.    They kept telling me that it was the point of entry to the property and I told them it was only the point of entry to the porch.  It gained you no more than getting out of the rain and a bin of bird food.  I never got around to telling him that the back porch door was only wedged closed with half a brick!

I went with Vasek Insurance.  Their endorsements were significantly more sensible.

badger09

My experience was similar to that of Flugelhorn.

Existing insurer Churchill agreed to continue cover if certain conditions were met: eg property inspected by responsible person every week, water turned off @ mains & CH left on at 15C in winter (this was March). Cover was maintained with  additional excess £500, but valuables not covered. When original expiry date approached, they agreed to continue cover on this basis until property was sold - approx 5 months later (November). When I cancelled policy they refunded pro rata. I was impressed by Churchill, and their Bereavement Team were very helpful.

macman

'Occupancy' can simply mean that someone stays overnight every 60 days. The important thing is that the insurers are notified ASAP after the death, as obviously that is seen as a major change of circumstances. Start with the existing insurers and see what they offer, if renewal is due then they have an incentive not to hike the premium too much.