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.
A key benefit of our Unoccupied Direct policy from Vasek is that, unlike most other providers’ policies, it does not require routine property inspections or mandatory utility drain-downs, which can otherwise void coverage if not performed.
However, just because these measures aren’t mandatory with the Vasek Unoccupied property insurance policy we provide, it doesn’t mean they aren’t wise to consider. Taking some simple precautions can help ensure the property remains in good condition; preventing potential damage and claims as winter weather approaches.
Prevent Escape of Water
– Damage from water escaping due to burst pipes and water tanks is the leading cause of unoccupied property claims. Fortunately, taking simple steps can help prevent or minimise the risk of such damage.
– Consider setting the heating system to a constant low temperature to, avoid damage from freezing and burst pipes.
– Drain the water system, including pipes and tanks, especially if there are water tanks situated above the ground floor.
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.