Do you own a property that will remain vacant for an extended period? This isn't about going away on a trip for several weeks or a couple of months time. Those are situations that the insurance provider determines to be "unoccupied" by their definition. It's something that many people do occasionally, and is to be expected.
During the heating season if the home is unoccupied for four days or more, this is one of the only times that coverage restriction might apply. Home heating requires someone to be around every day to make sure it's all in good working order. Or you can shut off the water, and drain any pipes and appliances. You will not be covered if you have not taken those steps and your pipes freeze over while you're away.
What's considered "vacant"?
"Vacant" to insurance providers, usually means that you've left your home and have no intention of returning, or it may be a new home you haven't yet moved into. It could also be a home you're renting out, and it is currently untenanted.
Get in touch with your insurance provider immediately if you expect to have a vacant property. Vandalism, glass breakage, and water damage are examples of common exceptions for vacant homes, even if you have insurance coverage in general. Typically, you will need what is called a "vacancy permit" to have insurance coverage for your home if it is vacant for over 30 days.
Exactly what are vacancy permits?
It costs more than regular insurance, but you can add a vacancy permit to your policy and retain some coverage for your home. Keep in mind that there are exclusions like water, glass and vandalism.
There are also a number of things you can do to help prevent losses from occurring while your property is vacant:
Have the landscaping maintained, and be sure that there isn't any junk or rubbish in the yard.
Be sure that your windows are covered by curtains.
The flyers and mail that is delivered to the home should not be left idle.
Keeping your lighting system set on a timer is a good idea.
Once or twice a week, you, or someone else should have a look around to make sure everything is safe and secure.
During the winter, make sure heat is being properly maintained.
Having an alarm installed is a good idea, but at the very least, ensure that windows and doors are all secured tightly.
Go out of your way to make it appear that someone is living in the home. A vacant home is an easy target for a vandal, so don't make it apparent that the home is empty. Most importantly, keep in close contact with your insurance provider. They will need to know how the home is being cared for, and when it's expected to be occupied once more. It's important to be fully protected during this time so that if there is a problem, you are covered as well as possible.
During the heating season if the home is unoccupied for four days or more, this is one of the only times that coverage restriction might apply. Home heating requires someone to be around every day to make sure it's all in good working order. Or you can shut off the water, and drain any pipes and appliances. You will not be covered if you have not taken those steps and your pipes freeze over while you're away.
What's considered "vacant"?
"Vacant" to insurance providers, usually means that you've left your home and have no intention of returning, or it may be a new home you haven't yet moved into. It could also be a home you're renting out, and it is currently untenanted.
Get in touch with your insurance provider immediately if you expect to have a vacant property. Vandalism, glass breakage, and water damage are examples of common exceptions for vacant homes, even if you have insurance coverage in general. Typically, you will need what is called a "vacancy permit" to have insurance coverage for your home if it is vacant for over 30 days.
Exactly what are vacancy permits?
It costs more than regular insurance, but you can add a vacancy permit to your policy and retain some coverage for your home. Keep in mind that there are exclusions like water, glass and vandalism.
There are also a number of things you can do to help prevent losses from occurring while your property is vacant:
Have the landscaping maintained, and be sure that there isn't any junk or rubbish in the yard.
Be sure that your windows are covered by curtains.
The flyers and mail that is delivered to the home should not be left idle.
Keeping your lighting system set on a timer is a good idea.
Once or twice a week, you, or someone else should have a look around to make sure everything is safe and secure.
During the winter, make sure heat is being properly maintained.
Having an alarm installed is a good idea, but at the very least, ensure that windows and doors are all secured tightly.
Go out of your way to make it appear that someone is living in the home. A vacant home is an easy target for a vandal, so don't make it apparent that the home is empty. Most importantly, keep in close contact with your insurance provider. They will need to know how the home is being cared for, and when it's expected to be occupied once more. It's important to be fully protected during this time so that if there is a problem, you are covered as well as possible.
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