Why it is Important to Have Insurance for an Unoccupied House in Limerick 

Unoccupied house in Limerick ? It may come as a surprise to many homeowners in Limerick that some standard house insurance policies do not cover a house if it is left unoccupied for more than 30 days

Why it is Important to Have Insurance for an Unoccupied House in Limerick 

Sometimes, certain circumstances dictate why you might leave your house unoccupied for an extended period. Whether you are stuck away from home or even travelling for a long period of time due to a medical illness, you should reconsider your house insurance cover. Do you need to inform your insurance company? Yes absolutely, it is essential to inform your insurer if you plan on not being home for a period of time. It may come as a surprise to many homeowners in Limerick that some standard house insurance policies do not cover a house if it is left unoccupied for more than 30 days. The risk factors change when a property is left vacant. Your insurance provider must update your policy. 

 What does an unoccupied home mean?  

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Often confusion arises regarding the word occupancy. Often, holiday homes are mistaken as unoccupied property and vice versa. An unoccupied home is a property left empty for more than 30 to 60 days. If your property is left vacant for this length of time, there will be changes to your cover policy. Your property can be left unoccupied for many reasons such as:  

• You bought the house but have not moved in   
• The property is for sale  
• The property is undergoing renovations 
• You inherited the property, and it will be unoccupied until it is sold  
• You are travelling due to a long-term illness  

 What is Unoccupied Home Insurance?  

Unoccupied home insurance is a policy that covers a property if it is unoccupied for a period of time that the policy will allow. You can generally obtain cover for up to 60 days. But after this, the policy will not cover the home if it is left unattended. When your home is left unoccupied, it is at risk of structural damage or even theft. A standard policy will be paused or cancelled if the home in Limerick is left unattended for more than 30-60 days. A vacant house comes with higher risks.  

If you are in a situation where you must leave your house unoccupied, then it is essential that you inform your insurer to ensure your home is safe and fully covered.  

 What does Unoccupied house insurance cover?  

Unoccupied home insurance will cover several risks these include: 

• Flooding and fire damage (any of these can cause severe damage) 
• Theft or attempted theft (an attempted break-in could cause a lot of damage and theft in the home will result in loss of valuables) 
• Storms  
• Water damage (including burst pipes and leaks)  
• Vandalism  
• Legal expenses (this can help you cover the costs of any legal fees in the event you need to remove trespassers or squatters in the home.  

An insurance policy varies between insurance companies so some may not provide all the same level of cover as each other.  

 How to Keep an unoccupied home in Limerick safe?  

If you are leaving your property vacant for a lengthy time, there are many things you could do to ensure your home is secure, safe, and to prevent any problems from occurring.  

• Install extra security such as fire alarms, locks, and alarm systems. This will deter thieves and keep your property safe. It will also help lower your home insurance premium.  
• Ask a neighbour or a close friend to keep an eye on the property. 
• Leave the heating on low during the winter months to ensure the pipes don’t freeze.  
• Drain the pipe systems so if water remains unmoved it could freeze solid and expand. This will cause the pipes to burst and leak.  
• Keep valuables in the home hidden.  
• All locks on the doors and windows should be solid and functional.  
• Set a timer so the lights turn on during the evening and the night-time. 

 Getting the Right Insurance Cover

If your property in Limerick is left vacant, finding the best insurance can be challenging. Research the market to find the best-unoccupied insurance experts who offer the best price suitable to your budget. It may also be a good idea to look up a home insurance guide for an explanation of all the different policy types so you can make an informative decision. Insurance companies can offer the right insurance advice and financial protection for your specific needs. Not all company policies are the same so you should always compare them.

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