Unoccupied homes 'could invalidate insurance'

By Marianne Straker, Wed 18 Aug 2010 - Published in Home Insurance

People have been warned that leaving their house unoccupied could invalidate their home insurance.

According to price comparison website moneysupermarket.com, some policies are considered invalid if the homeowner is away from their property for just 30 days.

The organisation also found that around 500,000 people spend part of the year living overseas, while nearly 300,000 take a gap year or career break, and said these homeowners need to make sure their homes are protected.

Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, commented: "Providers are very strict on how long a home can be left unoccupied for and it is therefore vital you inform your insurer if you plan to be away for longer than the stated length of time."

She added that people may have to take extra precautions when leaving their homes unoccupied, such as placing their valuables into storage, to meet the requirements of insurers.

Last month, the Association of British Insurers warned that burglaries tend to increase in the summer, as homeowners are more likely to be absent from their properties.

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