What Is Insuristic's Unoccupied Home Minimum Security Requirement?

In addition to having key-operated locks on all doors and accessible windows, there are a few important responsibilities you'll need to keep on top of to make sure your cover remains valid.

1. All security measures at the property must be maintained in good working order.
2. Whenever the property is left unattended, all security protections must be fully operational.

If these aren't met and there's a break-in, the insurer won't pay for any resulting loss or damage.

Regular inspections are also a condition of the policy, both inside and outside the property. How often depends on which policy you hold.

• Buyers of our Unoccupied Home Insurance need to inspect the property at least once every 14 days.
• Buyers of our Probate Property Insurance need to inspect the property at least once every 30 days.

It's not just about checking the property for any maintenance issues; you also need to ensure it remains secure.

During every inspection, there are three important things you must do to keep your cover intact.

1. Check that all accessible windows and doors remain locked.
2. Remove any accumulations of junk mail, newspapers, and flyers. This might seem minor, but a build-up of post is a clear indicator to thieves and vandals that the property is empty, which can increase the risk of a break-in. Not to mention, it’s a fire risk.
3. If you need the utilities on when visiting to inspect the property, make sure to switch them all off again, as this is a condition of the policy to prevent the risk of fire and explosion. The exception is you can leave the utilities on that power the heating or security system – but everything else needs to be off.

External security lighting, such as lights with PIR (passive infra-red) detectors, is acceptable. 

However, if you are thinking of leaving internal lighting on a timer to make the property look lived in, don’t, as this would be in breach of the utilities condition. 

Insurers are more concerned about unattended electrical devices, such as timers and lighting, that could cause a fire.

If you need to insure an empty property, don't get caught out by complex security requirements or confusing lock types.  The only person who needs to know what a BS3621 Mortice Deadlock is a locksmith.

Save yourself time and the headache and insure with Insuristic today.

Visit our Unoccupied Home Insurance page or if the property is going through the probate process, our Probate Property Insurance page to learn more or get a quote.

If you have further questions, please visit our Unoccupied Home Insurance FAQs (or Probate Insurance FAQs) pages.

You might find these related FAQs helpful too:

• How do I secure an unoccupied property for insurance?
• Do I need to inspect an empty house?