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Insurance for unoccupied properties
We can offer various levels of unoccupied property insurance for all types of empty property, with just a simple phone call. Specialists in the provision of non-standard policies, we can provide flexible terms on a variety of empty home insurance policies, all designed to cover prolonged periods of vacancy.
Additional risk
To many standard insurers an unoccupied house is considered high risk. An empty home is regarded as vulnerable and at greater risk of damage due to vandalism, water damage due to burst pipes and other maintenance related concerns which can escalate if left unchecked.
It is this additional risk which leads standard insurers to restrict and often revoke cover should a property be unoccupied for more than 30 days per annum.
Why do you need unoccupied home insurance?
Whatever the reason for a house being left empty, it’s crucial that insurers are informed and specialist levels of cover are put in place to protect it. This needn’t be difficult or expensive, however it is worth remembering that many insurers will refuse to pay out under the terms of a standard policy, should it come to light that the property has been left vacant.
Prime reasons for requiring unoccupied property insurance:
- Awaiting sale
- Undergoing works or renovation
- Owner/relative deceased and property in probate
- Barn conversion
- Holiday home
Unoccupied property insurance tailored to you
Our knowledgeable account managers are always happy to advise on the best levels of cover, the most competitive rates and the most suitable solution for you.
Comprehensive cover whilst you renovate, refurbish or extend
Insuring your home whilst you undertake a major renovation or just a small extension is relatively straight forward. We can offer a number of options dependent upon the level of cover that you require. This can include:
- The building including outbuildings, walls and garages
- Contents cover including all the normal perils such as escape of water
- Contract works including materials, fixtures and fitting used in the works
A ‘FLEA’ policy and other solutions
There are numerous levels of cover available on unoccupied property insurance, depending on the level of cover you require. Full cover is often available provided the specialist insurer is fully aware of the circumstances.
- Restricted cover known as a FLEA policy may be a more cost effective solution
- A typical FLEA policy insures against Fire, Lightening, Explosion and Aircraft
- It may be possible to extend this to include other perils such as earthquake
- It is important to check exactly what you’re getting in your cover
The right protection for you
If your property will be left unoccupied for an extended length of time, there are simple steps you can take to help protect against crime that can have an influence over your policy. These include:
- Arranging for someone to regularly visit the property
- Fitting the latest deadlocks to all doors and key operated locks on all windows
- Speaking to specialist insurers and explaining the situation fully
- Our account managers are always happy to advise on the best levels of cover, the most competitive rates and the most suitable solution for you
We would always recommend that you read policy wordings and key facts documents to fully appreciate the cover and any exclusions and limitations.
What do our customers say?
'A proactive, competitive company – a change from the norm!'
Very good at calling back, professional and diligent. The quote was also super competitive and we will be moving more of our insurance needs across to them in due course. It’s a rarity these days to find a company that does what it promises, and does it well. I would have no hesitation in recommending.
'Competitive, and hassle free application. Hope any claims are the same.'
The conscientiousness of the agents and their speed of answering queries – and a small discount persuaded me to change insurers. The efficiency of completing paperwork was excellent. Of course there have been no claims as of yet but otherwise a positive experience on a routine matter
'Easy to work with, makes the process a breeze, the team understand my needs'
They are great people to work with, Lisa now deals with all my insurance needs. They make it a breeze and if you need to make an amendment, they got you covered.
'Listened and made appropriate recommendations'
Spoke with many insurance companies after filling out an online form for quotes. Most asked to fill in the same information again over the phone. This got very tedious after the first five. Highworth listened, made suggestions and offered a very competitive price. An excellent service. Form filling on acceptance.
'Top of the class in every way'
Quick and helpful response followed by quick and efficient service at the highest professional level. Best encounter with an insurance service that I have ever had.
'Refreshingly uncomplicated!'
They answer the phone promptly, are friendly but professional. I didn’t feel I was talking to an automaton and the whole experience was refreshingly straightforward, uncomplicated and stress free. I would definitely recommend Highworth Insurance and will use them again in the future.
'Exceptional customer service'
I have a thatched cottage and only a handful of insurers will insure contents/buildings on these cottages. I found the gentleman that I dealt with really helpful and friendly and he sorted my insurance out for me. Several other insurers had on line quote forms and never got back to me with a quote. Their loss! I am not sure of the gentleman’s name, but he is a credit to your company.
'This is how it should be done!'
I called Highworth at the suggestion of my partner. I found Gemma very professional and helpful. The cover options she came back with addressed my requirement perfectly. Once I had forwarded confirmation of NCD the price reduced, great! Fantastic cover, good price, excellent service!!!
'Attentive and excellent service'
Highworth were recommended by a friend as they are specialists in listed properties and older properties. My contact was excellent and thorough and took time to explain the cover and options available. Once we had determined the key details and the price everything progressed very smoothly indeed.
'Highworth saved me £700 this year compared to Halifax!'
Excellent service. Helpful, pleasant staff member made the process of re-insuring my house very simple. Highworth resolved an ongoing ‘subsidence’ issue that has cost me thousands of pounds over the last decade!
'Great service and saved lots of money!'
Last year I bought my first house and had a real trouble trying to get house insurance because of ‘historical movement’ on the survey. This year I did a lot more research and came across Highworth insurance. I did an online form and got a call back really quickly from Clarise. Clarise was brilliant. Very professional, helpful and gave excellent customer service. She also managed to save me £150 for the year. Great company to use.
'Responsive and helpful throughout my quest for home insurance.'
I was particularly impressed with Jo Wilson who I found extremely conscientious, pro-active, immediately responsive and very helpful. I felt totally supported in what was a tricky situation where I was securing insurance for a house in a flood risk area. I felt that she was very much on my side.
'The right information clearly explained'
Excellent, straightforward information which covered all my needs and requirements. It was nice to get a clear explanation as to the difference between those who advertise they can insure you for £140 or so (which they can’t) and those who actually understand clients.
'Quick solution to a sudden problem'
Having moved home I suddenly needed to sort out my buildings insurance as my existing insurer said my current policy could not continue as I had moved into a leasehold flat. I didn’t realise I had a problem until I notified them of my change of address. The person dealing with my enquiry settled all my problems and issued a policy to cover my needs.
'Outstanding service from highly skilled professional – exceptional'
Outstanding service from an individual who was focused on finding the best policy for us. I would strongly recommend this company to others and to anyone who wants assurance that their home is well insured.
'Efficient, polite and knowledgeable service!'
From the first phone call to ask questions on the levels of cover available for our house renovations, through to the decision and policy purchase, the help and guidance provided by Daniel was superb. A very efficient, polite and knowledgeable service. Thank you!