Householders urged to inform home insurers about long trips
23rd Aug 2010
British property owners have been advised to inform their insurer if planning a long trip otherwise they risk invalidating their home insurance if they stay more than 30 days away.
Analysis of policies from top home insurance providers by Moneysupermarket revealed that some insurers only provide existing cover for unoccupied properties for a maximum of 30 days, although some protect for 60 days.
This means that the estimated half million Brits who live overseas for part of the year and nearly 300,000 who take a career break or gap year in retirement each year are particularly vulnerable.
According to the price comparison site, forking out more money for an expensive home insurance policy will not guarantee longer cover and it recommended putting in place security measures to ward off thieves.
Property owners should install a good home security system, regularly check the state of their locks, keep all items of value away from windows and lock all windows and doors before leaving the house.
According to Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, uninsured victims of burglary face an annual bill of £200 million.
© Zoopla Property Group Limited