Have a Holiday Home or Second Home? Here are some tips when planning to leave a property unoccupied.
2.1 million households apparently also own a second property. In England, there are now 482,000 houses now used as second homes. If you own a second home or holiday home, you’ll want to do everything you can to reduce the risk to your property. Equally, if you plan on leaving your main property unattended for a period of time, it’s crucial to not reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves and vandals. Furthermore, it is essential to know and understand your home insurance policy, and ensure that your house is fully insured while you are away.
An empty home is a vulnerable home, after all, be it from drips, leaks, floods, fires, ice, wind, burglars or vandals. Smart home devices are becoming more popular, aiding property owners in improving their at-home security. At Romero Insurance Brokers, we’ve listed some key tips to help take some of the anxiety out of owning a second home, and leaving your main residency.
How long will my insurance policy allow me to leave my property unoccupied?
Most standard insurance policies allow properties to be left unoccupied for a maximum of 30 days. However, home insurance provided by a specialist insurer can cover you should the property be left empty for longer than thirty days.
Check your policy details, and contact an experience broker to learn more. At Romero Insurance Brokers, our private clients insurance experts are ready to answer your questions and provided the best insurance solution for your unique needs.
How to safeguard an empty property?
Perhaps you are planning to visit your second home for a few weeks and wish to ensure your main property is safeguarded. Or perhaps you are moving between properties. Here’s a list of quick safeguarding measures you should take to best prepare your property for time away.
- Unplug and switch off all electrical appliances
This includes your water supply, stopping it via the stop tap. Also your electricity supply via the fuse box or consumer unit. Be aware, if you have a security system power via your home’s main supply, its best to leave active power to it.
- Shut all entry points
Ensure the doors are locked, as well as the windows. Review entry points of your house and ensure there are no visible openings.
- Inspect the property for signs of damage
Over time, sections of your house will deteriorate or become damaged. Check pipes, gutters and the roof for signs of damage.
- Fire or flooding hazards
A fire risk or damp area left unchecked can cause serious damage to your house. Review your home for these risks; by removing fire susceptible materials in case of vandalism, and look to the corners of rooms and under cupboards for damp. Resolve any solutions before leaving the premises unattended for a period of time.
How to keep your unoccupied property secured?
Security will not only improve your piece of mind, but may affect your insurance policy. Our account executives would always suggest the following installations, at a minimum, for both second homes, holiday homes and your main residency.
1. Upgrade old locks and doors
Ensure you have frames with solid core doors. Deadbolt doors are a secure options, as are smart locks. Security keys are slightly more expensive locks but are far more difficult for thieves or other unwanted guests to break into.
2. Check entry points of your home
Check all windows and doors. Reinforce these entry points with security bars. Or security brackets. There are secure options available which do not affect the aesthetic of the house.
3. Implement security lights
Motion activated security lights are very common and very useful. Great for scaring away wildlife as well as potential intruders.
4. Install a CCTV security system
This includes cameras and video recording software. Many properties feature a camera system, covering all four sides of a property. These can include infrared features, able to see in the dark, and can alert you immediately to a foreign presence.
Securing holiday homes when they aren’t in use
Make your homes less attractive to thieves. Here are a few quick key ways you can do just that:
1. Automatic timers for light switches.
These also work for televisions and radios. They can be beneficial for automatically turning on the electricals, making it seems as through the house is occupied for a set period of time at regular intervals.
2. Keep tools hidden.
If someone does break into your home, do not facilitate with your own tools. Flat screen TV and mounted games consoles will need tools to remove, so keep these hidden. This also applies to ladder which should be kept secured away.
3. Talk to your neighbours.
Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property. They could also help with collecting post, deliveries and turning on or off the lights through the use of a spare key.
4. Unplug appliances.
Protect against power surges and also save energy by unplugging appliances that are not in use.
Jeff Gibson, Private Client Account Executive at Romero Insurance Brokers
“It’s imperative that you understand the clauses within a holiday home policy as you may find yourself without cover when you need it most. Here at Romero’s we can provide specialist holiday home policies and our team can take time to explain the cover and any restrictions along with your responsibilities to ensure that should the worst happen you will be fully covered.”
