HOUSE INSURANCE WHEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY FOIR MORE THAN 60 DAYS

billywhizz1966

My wife and I are planning to be away for more than 60 days this winter

I had my house insurance renewal through today and after reading the standard questions (will the property be unoccupied for 30 days which in the past I answered no - I rang to find out what teh definition of unoccupied was as I could arrange to have someone stay for odd night to ensure it remained valid

I was informed by my insurer (e sure) that this wouldn't satisfy them and they even sent me by e  mail the paragraph he read out which wasn't on their website which was as follows;

Our definition of unoccupied is:

“When your house is not being lived in by you or any member of your household for more than 30 consecutive days. By lived in we mean staying in and sleeping overnight for at least 3 nights in a row every week. Visits to check on your home does not constitute occupancy.”

This surprised me as this definition is not anywhere on their website 

With a number of people regularly spending winters away I hope thy can direct me to how I am best ensuring we are covered for most eventualities

Flugelhorn

that has changed - friend has spent the last couple of winters abroad and me checking the house once a week was quite enough for the insurance company. Interesting to know if this is all companies 

michele-p

One of my friends goes to Spain every winter, they said they get their home insurance through the Caravan Club (they don't have a caravan!) who have a policy for those out the country over the 30/60 days most allow. Hope it helps!

sheramber

Each company will have their own requirements. 

You need to search for one that meets what you need.

DullGreyGuy

Each policy will have its own duration and definition of unoccupied. 

Our policy (M&S Premier/Aviva) allows for up to 90 days unoccupied however the definition of unoccupied is very poor as it says someone must be "regularly" living in (which it says is normal life of sleeping, cooking, bathing etc). 

If you are going to be taking extended holidays each year it may be worth finding an insurer with a more workable set of definitions. 

The consequences of unoccupied can also vary, some it simply stops cover, others it stops only certain covers like Theft and Escape of Water

billywhizz1966

Thanks to all

I have managed to find a great deal with homeprotect. They allow me to be away for up to 180 days with clear instruction on what they cover, With cashback it was less than the quite from my current supplier who had hiked their premium up £103 despite no claim and wouldn't even quite beyond their 30 days. In hindsight they did me a favour    

Emilotte

I used to have M&S cover but they are now withdrawing their Home ins cover. Many companies will give CAR insurance for 90 days and it is completely illogical that they cannot also cover the house for that time… I insure my car with LV= and they will increase house cover for the 90 days but at a high cost and many exclusions. Total for the year including the 90 days away approx £700

lady1964

This is interesting as me and my husband will be away for 6/7 weeks during the winter and house insurance is on our ‘to do’ list.
We will of course check the policy we already have but recommendations would be really useful should we need to change companies.

Annemos

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82103389#Comment_82103389

Good evening lady1964

My John Lewis Policy says this for unoccupied: so maybe they will consider up to 60 days absence if asked.

=======

Unoccupied
Not lived in and not occupied overnight by you or your
family for more than 60 consecutive days during your
insurance period

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martindow

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82103528#Comment_82103528

If you could get a member of your family to stay for a night every couple of months, this looks as if it could cover a very long holiday!

Annemos

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104732#Comment_82104732

Definition of Family in that JP Policy:

Family
Your spouse, domestic partner or civil partner, children,
domestic staff and/or any other person permanently living
with you and not paying for their accommodation.