Unoccupied Property Insurance

Here’s our best practice suggestions to protect unoccupied property during the winter months

Securing Unoccupied Property Insurance is an important step for practitioners to consider when dealing with vacant property in an estate.

Our Unoccupied Property policies underwritten by Vasek offer several advantages over many other products. Most notably, they do not require routine property inspections, a common condition elsewhere.

That said, a few simple precautions can make a big difference in reducing the risk of damage, particularly during the colder months. Burst pipes and leaking water tanks remain the leading cause of claims on unoccupied homes, which is why the following Heating Clause now applies to all Vasek policies:

Heating Clause

To maintain cover for Escape of Water and Trace & Access between 1 November and 31 March, one of the following conditions must be met:

  • The entire property is heated by a gas or oil-fired central heating system (fitted with automatic controls and a separate thermostat), set to operate continuously — not on a timer — at a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F).
    or
  • All water supplies are turned off at the mains, and the water system is completely drained.

Failure to meet one of these conditions could invalidate Escape of Water cover

Unoccupied property insurance

While these policy requirements are essential, a few additional steps can further protect your property over winter.

Winter best practice recommendations

Prevent Flooding and Water Ingress
– Inspect gutters and drains for blockages. Clean out any debris, mud, or leaf buildup to ensure that water can flow freely off roofs and surfaces, directing it away from the property.

Prepare for high winds
– Checking for loose fence panels, unstable fence posts, and unsecured roof tiles or fittings can help prevent damage from high winds.

Light maintenance and preventative measures
– Potential burglars or vandals are more likely to be deterred if the property looks vacant. Consider light maintenance to garden frontages and think about installing security cameras and timers for lights.

Simple measures, like those suggested above, can help prevent property damage and reduce the need for claims. They can also minimise the risk and costs associated with any damage that may occur.

If you have any questions about our Unoccupied Property Insurance or any of the other policies we provide, please email our dedicated insurance team at [email protected], give us a call on 0330 900 1700 or send a message using our ‘Contact‘ form.