Why would I need specialist "Unoccupied Property Insurance" cover?

Some insurers may not provide cover if a property is left unoccupied for more than 30 days. Insurers may be reluctant to insure an empty home because they are often seen as a higher risk - they can be targeted by thieves, squatters or vandals; and the damage caused by flood or fire will often be more extensive because there is nobody at home to limit the damage.

What else would be helpful to know?

Unoccupied Property Insurance policies will often require you to meet certain requirements - these are often known as "Unoccupied Warranties" or "Unoccupied Building Conditions". For example, draining the water systems, switching off the utilities, documented visits on a weekly basis, installing certain locks, sealing the letterbox, etc. Failure to comply could lead to a claim being turned down.

Insuring a property that is going to be unoccupied or is going through probate, trust or deputyship can be different to taking out standard home insurance.

Specific conditions to comply with

Some insurers put in stringent terms (“Unoccupied Building Conditions”) which must be enforced before they will provide cover. If these conditions are not complied with then it could affect any claim. Guardcover offers, possibly, the most flexible cover for properties unoccupied for less than 12 months, with choices of conditions and premium discounts for certain types of properties.

It is worth noting that insurance policies can sometimes include specific endorsements that you need to understand. These are different to the 'Warranties' and these would be made clear to you at the time of your quote.

What is insured

Again, some unoccupied property policies and a number of standard home insurance policies may offer reduced cover, so your buildings and contents may only be covered in the event of damage caused by fire, lightning, aircraft or explosion (sometimes known as ‘FLEA’ cover). With Guardcover, we offer a wide-range of cover as standard which can help to give you peace of mind around your property. In addition, your property will be automatically covered for damage caused accidentally as well as by theft, attempted theft, malicious damage, storm, flood, escape of water/oil, falling trees and subsidence, landslip or ground heave.

We can cover damage to your insured property caused by: Accidental damage & malicious damage. Theft & attempted theft. Escape of water or oil (including water from a plumbing or heating system). Fallen trees. Storm, flood, fire & subsidence.  (Excludes damage caused by frost and wear & tear. As well as damage to gates and fencing caused by weather-related incidents).

As well as: £5million property owners' liability (£2million if insuring land only). Damage to locks following theft, attempted theft or loss of keys (maximum £5,000 per claim and £15,000 per policy period). Up to £2,500 (maximum £500 per claim) to cover tree felling or lopping). Up to £5,000 cover per period of insurance for fly-tipping (policy does not cover the first £1,000 of any claim). Up to £5,000 per policy period to cover tenant debris removal

Up to £5,000 per policy period to cover trace & access to find the source of a leak. Breakage of glass, including boarding up costs (excludes damage to glass in transit or being fitted). 24 hour, 365 days a year claims helpline, providing emergency assistance where needed. Risk services helpline for advice on fire, security & other risk-related issues (Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm).

*We can even insure areas of land that are in probate.

Excesses, terms and conditions and full details are available in the policy documentation.