Home insurance for empty house??? Advice please.

[CottageJug]

Sadly lost a parent and am selling their house. The normal house insurance will run out soon and direct line won't insure an empty house. Anyone used an insurance company for an empty property?

We currently use Saga house for relatives house we are selling . It was insured through them before hand , but it might be worth giving them a ring.

Speak to a local insurance broker - local to you, they don't have to be local to the house. They will be able to advise you on the right policy. A High Street broker offers so much more than either going direct or via a comparison website.

I used saga.

removed all valuables from the house and checked it every one to two weeks. These were the conditions of the policy I had with saga. They were very helpful and when I sold the property and cancelled the policy I received a refund promptly.

When PIL died the insurance covered it but only if someone was dropping in weekly, does yours have that option? We kept their gardener who is happy to pop in weekly to keep an eye on indoor plants etc as well as keep the garden in order until we sell.

I had this - nightmare especially as DM had made a claim for a break in the previous year. Couldn’t get anyone to insure even with the ‘popping in’. I eventually went to a broker and paid over £1000 - this was some years ago. But the house sold quickly and I got a refund of the outstanding amount so in the end it only cost about £200. It can be done but you have to suck up the initial cost.

When my parents were living abroad for months at a time they used NFU. It was more expensive if I remember. I think someone had to stay in the house at least every 3 months, but u can’t remember how long for.

i know they were very happy with the service- they could always talk to someone, I think they had a designated person and a direct line to get hold of them.

I insured through a broker. I think there are only 2 insurers that do empty property insurance. Expect to pay a lot, and look carefully at the requirements to inspect the property every 30 days or whatever - keep records.

It’s not as bad as you might think. We’re in this situation and our policy came in at roughly £600, with a ‘visit every 30 days’ clause. Look for a good broker, that’s your best bet.

I paid less than £200 with Saga, but as the empty house was only five miles away I was able to check the property every week.

I'll check out Saga. I'm in the same town so can pop in very regularly

I ended up paying £400 for six months, then didn’t sell in time so another £400 for six months but house completed in two with no refund. On reflection, I wouldn’t insure contents. I did at the time as sentimental but it just was not worth it. Take anything valuable out and just insure buildings. Also look at window locks / smoke alarms. Upgrading/adding will reduce premium if none at property and give you peace of mind.