Summer holidaymakers 'must consider home insurance during long stay away'
Brits deciding to escape the country, or just their town, for a few weeks on an extended break during the summer have been told that they may be putting their home at risk if they stay away for too long. New research carried out by moneysupermarket.com discovered that policy wording on contracts of home insurance for over 50s from Castle Cover, along with other providers, often decrees that homeowners risk invalidating their insurance if a property is left unoccupied for 30 days or more.
The price comparison website explained that it could effectively impact on around half a million people who choose to go abroad and live for part of the year, or others who feel the need to take a career break or gap year. Insurers often tend to provide cover for unoccupied homes for up to 30 days or a month, though many can safeguard properties for 60 days and even longer. Obviously, it is not just a case of buying a more expensive policy to guarantee the extended cover period.
moneysupermarket.com insurance spokesperson Peter Harrison explained: "If you are going to be jetting off for an extended period, informing your insurer that your home will be unoccupied is essential. Providers are likely to increase your monthly premiums on a case by case basis for the duration of the trip so speaking to your insurer early is vital to avoid unexpected costs. They may even ask you to place all items of value into storage."
The expert added that people should not leave property unoccupied, and that it is always good to leave safety precautions in place, such as lights on a timed switch.
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