Are you in your main or second home during lock down? If it is the latter, then you might want to check your home insurance policy to make sure that your property is covered for long absences away.
During this difficult time many people across the country may be isolating somewhere other than their own property, perhaps with friend, family member or in a second home. If this is the case, then there are thousands of properties up and down the UK that are unattended and are a prime target for burglars.
According to statistics, 7 out of 10 burglaries are committed when the property is empty, and while the lockdown is forcing most people to spend more time indoors, it will be these empty homes that are particularly at risk.
So, if you must make a claim on your home insurance, will the insurers pay out if you have left your home sitting empty?
Typically staying away for a week or two would not usually be a problem as your home insurance allows your property to be empty for up to 30 days at a time (some insurers offer 60). But at this moment in time, many people have been in self isolation away from their home for five plus week’s and could inadvertently be invalidating their home insurance. Should they get burgled or the property becomes damaged or flooded whilst away, the chances of making a successful claim could prove to be difficult.
But there is some good news for those who are away from their property during the lockdown. The financial watchdog recently told insurers to make sure that any change in circumstances to comply with government advice does not impact their customer's current policy. This means that if you are in lockdown in a second home, you are probably still insured on your main residence.
What to do if you cannot get to your vacant property
You should:
- Contact your insurer and explain your situation. Ask them to extend the home unoccupancy period for the policy.
- Ask a neighbour or someone you trust to check on your home on a regular basis to reassure you and your insurer that there no problems and that the doors and windows are securely locked (clearing the post or milk from the doorstep).
- Ask friends or family members who are keyholders if they would be happy to stay there once a month.
- Consider lighting time switches
Making a claim might be trickier than usual
Insurers, like all firms, are facing staffing issues as the coronavirus crisis unfolds and will also be dealing with a higher volume of enquiries than usual. As a result, making a claim may take longer than usual. It will also be difficult for a loss adjuster to come out and assess your claim while the lockdown is in place.
Instead, insurers are setting up 'isolation visits' by telephone or skype rather than by face to face discussion.
