FAQs

Premiums are expressed as a rate per day and accumulate for up to a year, typically from £1 per day (plus insurance tax). If the estate remains unresolved, the full years premium is due and you can usually start again with another policy.

The daily premium and full terms and conditions are based on the potential cost of rebuilding the property and its postcode. A minimum premium and insurance tax will apply and full details will be provided when you apply.

After a short while, home insurance becomes invalidated once the property is empty.

The family home is usually the largest asset of the deceased’s estate and solicitors have a duty of care to ensure it is protected while the estate is under their management.

It may do so, but only for 30 days (as stated in the policy), and then it will become invalidated due to the additional risks associated with being vacant, unless the insurer specifically agrees to continue the cover.

Short period policies, as they are called are often available for periods of 1, 3 or 6 months, however these policies are disproportionately expensive as they are front loaded for the early risk of damage and administration costs.

Most importantly, they create more administration in order to regularly renew, with the risk of omission to renew leaving a gap in cover. Then, if there is a serious escape of water or a fire, the lawyer could find themselves at the risk of a professional indemnity claim from the Estate - as we have seen on many occasions.

Yes, because of the higher risk of serious damage resulting from the lack of personal security and early discovery of problems.

Policies vary in their requirement from as little as every 7 days. Watchman is less demanding as an inspection must be completed every 30 days.

Whatever the period, it is important to keep a record of when an inspection was completed as evidence should a claim occur.

Empty houses are much more vulnerable to theft and malicious damage but also many minor accidents such as a burst pipe or a sparking electricity plug will remain undetected for many days and cause much greater damage than if they were detected early.

For these reasons insurers regard the risk as being much higher and require notice if a house is empty and will not continue the home insurance.

Almost all home insurance policies will become invalid if a house is left empty for any length of time, the period varies from policy to policy and may be as little as 30 days of continuous unoccupancy.

Yes, getting started is easy. Simply call the Watchman team on 01935 389812, or email us at [email protected]