If your property is standing unoccupied for an extended period of time, for example if you are temporarily relocating, you must pay attention to the property insurance implications.
That’s because of something called the “Unoccupied Property Conditions” which you will typically find included somewhere in the small print of your household policy.
What this normally states is that if your property stands unoccupied for more than a specified number of consecutive days, perhaps usually somewhere between 30-60 then your property insurance may become null and void.
That’s because of something called the “Unoccupied Property Conditions” which you will typically find included somewhere in the small print of your household policy.
What this normally states is that if your property stands unoccupied for more than a specified number of consecutive days, perhaps usually somewhere between 30-60 then your property insurance may become null and void.
Shocked?
Well, this is a fairly standard provision and one that can catch out many homeowners who are using a furniture removals company to put their goods into storage for a period of time while moving elsewhere.
You should check your own individual policy for the specific details but you will typically find that it will oblige you to notify your insurance providers in advance of your intention to leave your property unoccupied.
In turn, they may choose to:
- ask you to take out a new form of unoccupied property insurance to provide cover
- continue to extend cover under your existing policy in return for an additional premium
- keep the cover in place but subject to certain new conditions
Why are they doing this?
Statistically unoccupied properties are far more at risk of certain types of problems than those where someone is in residence. As the risks increase, insurance companies will wish to reflect that in their pricing and cover levels.
Incidentally, don’t make the mistake of assuming this only applies to extended absences. As mentioned above, even if you are planning to go on an extended holiday, you may be putting your household insurance cover at risk.
You should read your policy carefully and contact your insurance provider for a discussion well in advance of vacating your property on anything other than a short-term basis.
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