Many homeowners think that when they take out buildings insurance cover, they do not need to worry about anything. But this is not so, due to the fact that when you leave your home unattended for more than a month, it is advisable to obtain unoccupied buildings insurance as the consequences of not taking out such policy could be disastrous.
One of the simplest and quickest ways of obtaining an insurance policy for unattended homes is by comparing some online quotes. There are many reasons why people leave their homes empty for an extended period of time. This could be due to family emergency, moving to a different place or taking a long vacation.
You can even get in touch with your existing insurance company and notify them that you are intending to leave your property unoccupied for longer than a month. The insurer should offer the most reasonable rates to their customer; however it is always worth comparing the rates online.
Unoccupied homes are targets for vandalism and burglary, which is why it is essential to notify the insurance company before you leave. The premium is worth paying as you may discover that you have to pay for other damages done to the property when left unattended.
As most insurance firms view empty properties as higher risk for theft and damage, they automatically change the coverage to a set number of days that the house has been left vacant. So the number of days differs with each insurer.
The new coverage is for the liability insurance with less coverage on the structure part of the property. Also these policies are for temporary durations such as three to six months.
Some homes are left unattended due to renovations and repairs or the previous owner has died and it is waiting to be re-sold, which means you still have to switch your normal coverage to vacant insurance until you move into the property. It is also worth raising deductibles to save on your monthly premiums. Remember, the higher the deductible, the more expenses you can claim.
As with any other policies, there are ways to keep the cost of unattended home insurance down by installing security alarms and secure locks on windows and doors. Many insurers will only consider insuring the property unless it is equipped with security alarms. This is the best way to save money on the premiums.
If you have been with an insurer for some time, it is worth asking about loyalty discounts. Good paying customers are normally given preference over new ones and what better time to get a good discount than now when you plan to leave your house vacant.
If you wish to find out more about unoccupied buildings insurance, visit your local insurance agent for advice and quotes. Next, spend a little time searching for online websites that give quotations for this type of cover. You never know, it may work out cheaper to switch to a new provider rather than your existing insurer.