Insuring our empty house

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated:

 

How can we keep our house fully insured while we move out temporarily during building work? Our insurers won't cover our building for malicious damage or problems such as leaking pipes, or any contents at all even though we have offered to pay a higher premium.

We really don't want to have to transport and store some bulkier items of furniture, but mostly we're worried about the building not being fully covered. I understand there is an increased risk but this must be a common situation that insurers are asked about. JT, Horsham, West Sussex

Graeme Trudgill, manager, technical services at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, replies: It is sometimes possible to negotiate with insurers to maintain a wider level of cover subject to certain actions being taken by the policyholder such as disconnecting the services ( water, gas) undertaking regular inspections of the property and paying a higher excess (the first amount you would have to pay in the event of a claim).

We would recommend that insurance is arranged through an insurance broker who would be able to negotiate cover for the unoccupied property and the particular circumstances.

British Insurance Brokers' Association members have access to an unoccupied properties scheme arranged by broker, Camberford Law, where full cover can be provided in many cases. www.camberford-law.com or contact gemmaf@camberford-law.com.

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