This depends on the value of your buildings and how much contents cover you require.
If a minimum security condition applies to the property, this will be listed under the terms and conditions section of your schedule (received at quote and policy issue stage).
If the minimum security condition applies it will be:
External Doors (not including patios):
Your main entrance should have either:
a lock approved to BS3621 or a mortice deadlock of at least 5 levers.
Or
A rim automatic deadlatch with a key-locking handle on the inside. Or a key-operated multi-point locking system. It needs to have at least three fixing points and a lock cylinder with at least five pins to the main entrance door
All other external doors should have key-operated security devices. These should be top and bottom, in addition to existing locks or a lock to the standard above.
The Master Locksmiths Association have produced some handy guides. They contain an overview of each lock and a picture to help you understand what you have got on the property:
A multi-point locking system (often found on patio doors too).
Patio Doors
All patio doors should have either a:
key-operated patio door lock mounted internally on the centre rail(s); or
should have key-operated security devices (top and bottom). These should be in addition to existing locks.
Windows and Skylights
All accessible, opening windows and skylights should have key-operated security devices fitted. This is regardless of the floor they are on.
Storage of keys
When the property is unoccupied, all keys should be removed from locks and placed out of sight.
This is understandable if you have never been to the property.
You should be able to see the wall construction by visiting Instant Street view.
You can view the roof in Google Maps in Satellite View.
This will usually be found on the deeds of the document.
If you do not have these, you can usually find an estimated build year on the property checker website
If the property in probate is suspected of being a listed building, don't worry you can easily check this.
In England & Wales you can search by visiting the website of The National Heritage List to find out if your property is listed. Alternatively, you can contact your local authority.
Insuristic can cover most listed buildings, it would just need a quick referral to our insurer.
If you cancel the unoccupied policy, the insurer will provide a pro rata refund.
Unlike many brokers brokers we would organise a pro-rata refund and cancellation for you without charging any administration fee.
To cancel, you would just need to provide the info on our contact us form, including a reason for cancellation and we will do the rest.
If you need some help understanding the level of security on the property you may find the guides produced by the Master Locksmiths Association helpful. If you click on the links below, you will see a description of each lock type including pictures.
A multi-point locking system (often found on patio doors too).
The alarm will need to be installed and have a maintenance contract in force with an NSI approved company. You should find the company details on the alarm box.
You can check if the company is NSI approved by clicking here. If you are unsure select no when you are asked this question during a probate house insurance quotation.
Unfortunately, you can only use a no claims discount on one property at a time.
If the probate property is claims free you can use its no claims discount on the property.
The existing insurer should be able to tell you how long they have insured it for and if it qualifies for no claims discount.
If you do not know the answer, please choose zero no claims discount during a probate house insurance quotation.
An interested party is any other person or organisation with a financial interest in the property, such as a mortgage provider or people with an economic interest in probate proceedings.
The answer is generally yes.
Unoccupied houses are a much higher risk for insurers than a regularly occupied house.
Claims from burst pipes are common and if they are undetected for some time can be very expensive to repair.
Unoccupied houses are also a higher risk for claims from theft, vandalism, and fire.
When the property is going to be unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days. Some insurers might give slightly longer cover.
If in doubt, check your policy schedule and wording or speak to your insurance provider.
Unoccupied properties are typically still furnished. Vacant properties are completely empty of contents.
This will vary depending on your insurance provider. Most insurance providers will define the property as being unoccupied when it has been uninhabited for 30 consecutive days or more.
You should plan to visit the property as often as you can to protect the value of the estate.
I'm sure you want to ensure your loved one’s property completes the probate process without any damage that may delay you realising its value.
Most unoccupied home insurance providers will require you to visit the property every 7 days and document your visit (a photograph of the outside and one inside should suffice to evidence your visit).
This is sensible if you consider the longer an issue is undetected, the greater the potential damage, particularly in escape of water claims.
Most insurers apply an escape of water excess of £1,000, sometimes more, so it is worth regularly inspecting the property, even if you are not required to do so.
The cost of unoccupied house insurance can vary between providers and the duration of cover you buy.
The things that influence the cost are previous claims, the properties security, its value, location etc.
Yes. If your home or a property you own is going to be unoccupied for more than 30 days consecutively, you must tell your insurer as your cover could be invalid.
If your current insurer cannot help there are insurance providers, like Insuristic, who can help you buy cover from 3, 6, 9 or 12 months
You can get a quote here.
You should check your policy documents for details of how to claim.
If you are in Insuristic customer, check out our how to claim guide.
Most insurers will restrict or choose not to continue cover if the property is going to be unoccupied for more than 30 days consecutively.
If this is the case for you, contact your insurer to discuss your circumstances as soon as possible.
If they cannot help, you may need to buy specialist cover, thankfully Insuristic can insure unoccupied properties in a couple of minutes.
Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) is a tax on general insurance premiums.
There are 2 rates:
a standard rate of 12% (applicable for most insurance products offered by Insuristic)
a higher rate 20% for
travel insurance
certain insurance when sold with mechanical/electrical appliances
certain insurance when sold with some motor vehicles
If you change your mind in the first 14 days (following receipt of your policy documentation), this is known as the ‘cooling off period’.
You can cancel your policy via the contact us form, quoting your policy number and the date you wish to cancel your policy from.
We will not charge you a fee to cancel your policy.
You will receive a full refund, however if your insurance provider has charged a policy fee, this may not be recoverable.
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Insuristic Limited (No: 13926650), is an Appointed Representative of SJL (Worcester) Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with the reference number 763599.
This can be checked by visiting https://register.fca.org.uk/s/.  Insuristic is a registered trademark. ©Copyright 2023 Insuristic Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.