unoccupied property insurance
Most standard buildings insurance policies only allow up to 30 days of vacancy. So, if your property is, or is likely to be vacant for more than 30 days, then to maintain cover, an insurance policy that specifically caters for a period of unoccupancy is required.
An unoccupied property is considered a greater risk by insurance companies because it is often left unchecked for water leaks, electrical faults etc. and there is an increased likelihood of vandalism where a property is empty for a longer period.
Unoccupied Insurance
We recognise that on many occasions, a property can stand empty due to factors such as refurbishments, long trips overseas, going through probate, or simply a lack of tenant.
Policy Information for Unoccupied Property Insurance:
> Click here
to view the insurance policy summary explaining levels of cover and the policy excess.
> Click here
to view the acceptance criteria of the unoccupied property insurance policy
all types of vacant property covered
What is an unoccupied property?
A property is classed as unoccupied when it has been empty for a period of 30 days or more. If you have a tenanted property, the property is deemed to be unoccupied immediately it becomes vacant, empty, untenanted or not in use.
Why is an unoccupied property a higher insurance risk?
The fire brigade attend more than 8,000 fires in vacant property each year and it is estimated that losses from unoccupied property total in excess of £100 million every year.
Equally as serious is the risk of injury to people. The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 makes the owner of a vacant property legally liable for death or injury to visitors or trespassers to the property. According to the Act, owners owe a duty of care to ensure that premises are and remain well secured, particularly in preventing access by children. Liability insurance is therefore vital.
What steps can be taken in order to prevent or minimise the risks when a property becomes unoccupied?
(many of the steps in this list will be required by insurance companies when providing Unoccupied Property Insurance)
• remove all valuable items from the site
• take measures to remove all flammable and combustible materials such as floor coverings, furniture, equipment, stationery etc.
• if at all possible maintain a permanent surveillance presence - this represents a high level of security
• all mains services to be turned off - except electricity supply which is needed to maintain a fire or intruder alarm system
• the water system should be completely drained, however it may also be necessary to maintain water supplies where a sprinkler system is installed
• from 1 October to 1 April each year, any central heating system should be kept working at a minimum temperature of 5°C
• all letter boxes should be sealed up and measures taken to prevent accumulation of mail
• all buildings should be secured against unlawful entry by closing and locking doors and windows and setting any fire or security systems
• any accessible windows should be fitted with security grilles, this is preferable to 'boarding up' as it draws attention to the site's vacancy
• installation of security lighting either by continuous lighting during the hours of darkness or by sensor controlled equipment which will activate when approached if electronically operative.
Our unoccupied property insurance has been developed specifically for any type of unoccupied property.
Get an insurance quote now for your unoccupied property using our quick quote below - or call and speak to one of our experts.
Quick online quote for unoccupied property insurance
or call for immediate response and advice
For quotes on Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance - please call us - 0800 197 4809.
Quick Select
Menu
Van Insurance
Great deals
Call Now!
Arthur C Savage & Company Limited t/a Arthur Savage Insurance. Company registration number 310113 / FSA Firms authorisation number 310137
Registered Address: 2 - 3 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HZ
