Buildings insurance - Can someone please advise?

[sunrisesunshine]

Hi everyone, can someone please help me as I'm a bit confused regarding my buildings insurance.

I bought my first house and completed on the 7th November. I had planned to move in before Christmas but unfortunately there have been some delays with tradesmen completing work so I won't be moving in now until the 6th-7th January. I'm still in my rental property.

I set up buildings insurance with admiral just before exchange/completion. I thought the property could only be left unoccupied for 30 days as I vaguely remember answering a question about it. I was going to call admiral tomorrow to ask for an extension or change the policy but now I've checked my documents online it says "Days unoccupied limit: 60 days". If that's the case then it should be fine and I will move in around the 60 days mark.

The only thing I'm confused about is that it says that the property is my main residence (clearly I selected that so it's my fault) but would that make a difference? Can the property still be left empty for 60 days even though I've said it's my main residence? Do I still need to phone them and ask for an extension because I said the house wouldn't be left empty for longer than 30 days?

Obviously I want to make sure the house is insured properly but I've heard that they charge a lot more for empty properties which is a pain considering it will only be empty for another month. It's all a bit confusing.

Just to add, I visit the house daily, if not every other day most weeks as it's only 10 minutes away from where I live now. I also have family members and tradesmen working there. I'm not sure if that makes a difference but I just wanted to add that the house is being checked on most days.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I would recommend you contact them to let them know either way, but more importantly, let them know what work is currently being done. I know someone who didn't tell insurance about some building work, and their insurance was later cancelled; it caused them issues getting re-insured.

I think you'll find you sleep there once every week or so, don't you? Which resets the unoccupied clock......😉

@TheITCrowded thanks, I will. The house isn't having any structural work done, just a new boiler, plastering, painting and carpets. No major works but it was just easier to have it all done before moving in. I will definitely let them know though just in case. I also couldn't get broadband installed until the 23rd December and I work from home so that's why I've stayed put for now.

You'll be fine from the sounds of things. If needs be you can always spend the night on the 59th day to reset the clock.

Even if you are not living there it is not unfair to call it your main residence if it is the only property you own.