Unemployment, Accident & Sickness Insurance - British Insurance

Unoccupied Property Insurance

Customer reviews

We are pleased to offer specialist home insurance for properties that can be difficult to insure.

British Insurance

Flexible cover for unoccupied properties 
  • Instant cover available online or over the phone
  • Flexible so you only pay for the cover you need
  • Cover for empty homes undergoing renovations
  • No single article limit  
  • The policy is underwritten by well known insurers including Allianz & AXA

 

0844 346 0431

We don't charge you extra for arranging your policy on the phone

Get a quote
Flexible policies
Key features of unoccupied property insurance

We are pleased to provide Unoccupied Home Insurance with Towergate Connect, offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 month policies - so you are only paying for the cover you need

Quick and easy
Instant cover available online or over the phone (please note due to legal reasons, if you are the main executor of the unoccupied property or have power of attorney, you must purchase over the phone)
Cover for renovations
Cover for renovations - if you are decorating the kitchen or bathroom, need new plumbing, central heating, alterations to non load-bearing walls, extensions and re-wiring.
Other key features:
Cover for damage caused by subsidence

Protection against vandalism

Cover for damage caused by water or subsidence

Total value of contents can range from £1,000 to £15,000

Property owners liability cover of up to £2 million

Theft from garages and other outbuildings for up to £500

Escape of water (for example burst pipes)

Storm or flood damage

Fire or smoke damage

No single article limit - ideal if you are not sure how much an item is worth
Towergate Connect understand that there's a lot to do following the death of a relative or friend which is why they don't ask you to value individual items. Also, they leave you to choose whether you want to insure the total contents for as little as £1,000 or as much as £15,000.
Solicitors insurance
Insurance for unoccupied properties being dealt with by executors, solicitors and administrators of estates.

They insure under the executor name

One or multiple probate properties

Easy quotation process

24 hours claims line

Instant cover over the phone

Easy extension process

Key exclusions of Unoccupied Insurance for Solicitors
The property must be in a good state of repair. Properties should not be boarded up and should appear tidy from the outside.

Damage caused by contractors (contractors should have their own insurance)

Security requirements
The property must be in a good state of repair. Properties should not be boarded up and should appear tidy from the outside

All properties must have window locks

A lock approved to BS3621 standard

A mortise deadlock of at least 5 levers or a rim-automatic dead-latch with a key-locking handle on the inside or a key-operated (see tips and advice for more information) multi-point locking system with at least three fixing points and a lock cylinder with at least five pins to the main entrance door

Key-operated security devices, top and bottom, in addition to existing locks or a lock to the standard described in above to all other external doors, except sliding patio doors

A key-operated patio door lock mounted internally on the centre rail(s) or protection to the standard described above

Key-operated security devices to all opening windows and skylights on the ground floor

Construction and repairs
Major works e.g. extensions, structural repairs. Roofing can be considered for limited perils only

Damage caused by contractors (contractors should have their own insurance)

The first £250 for escape of water claims, £1,000 for subsidence/heave/landslip claims and £50 for all other claims

Your property may be unoccupied for a variety of reasons
The property is awaiting probate

The property is awaiting sale or occupation

The property is awaiting or undergoing refurbishment or renovation

The property is left vacant due to the owner being at a second property or abroad, hospitalised or taken in to care

The property is left vacant for over 30 consecutive days and the current insurer ceases cover

Properties awaiting probate
Towergate Connect can arrange insurance cover for unoccupied properties being dealt with by executors, solicitors and administrators of estates.

* Refer to FAQs to find out more about 5-lever mortise deadlocks.

About the policy
This unoccupied property insurance policy is underwritten by well-known insurers including AXA, Royal & Sun Alliance, Equity Red Star and Allianz.

All insurers have signed up to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and Financial Ombudsman Scheme (FOS).

The policy summary
The policy summary, also known as Key Facts, contains the main policy information. It explains how it works, covers off eligibility issues, highlights the features and benefits and outlines the exclusions and claims protocol.
The policy wording
The policy wording, also known as the certificate of insurance, is more detailed. It contains your policy terms & conditions and explains definitions, the insurance contract, exclusions and support services. It also advises how to make changes or cancel your policy, plus explains how to make a claim.
Landlord initial disclosure document
The Landlord initial disclosure document contains important information Towergate Connect must disclose to you.
Terms of business
The terms of business constitute a standard client agreement upon which Towergate Connect intend to rely and will apply to their appointment by you and the services that they will provide.
Policy documents
Amending your policy
You will be able to amend, change or transfer your policy cover by phoning the Customer Services team on 0844 736 0088. Please note that the eligibility criteria are also applicable to amendments to your policy. An amendment fee of at least £28.00 (which is subject to local taxes) may be charged, except if you are also renewing your policy at the same time.
Cancelling your policy
You are entitled to a full refund of the premium paid if you find the policy unsuitable for your needs and cancel it within 14 days of receipt of your policy documents (as long as no claims have been made). If you need to cancel cover after that time, cancellation charges will apply and no refund given if a 3, 6 or 9 month policy is cancelled early. Towergate Connect retain 50% of pro rata returns on a 12 month policy. Please call Towergate Connect or notify them in writing with the reason for cancellation and state the date from which you need cover to cease. Remember, if your policy is in more than one name, all policyholders will need to sign the letter. If you have any other queries please don't hesitate to contact the customer services team on 0844 736 0088.
How to make a claim on your Unoccupied Property Insurance
Towergate Connect has a dedicated claims team that will give you the support you need until your claim is resolved. When necessary their specialist loss adjusters will be available to help you.
The claims process
Call the dedicated claims team on 01708 777 710 for immediate advice or email them at householdclaims@towergate.co.uk

Download and complete the claim form

Obtain estimates for repair and/or replacement where possible

If necessary, Towergate Connect can send someone to inspect the damage

They will authorise repairs or pay you the value of your claim

Need to make a claim?
Once the claim form is completed please post it to:
Towergate Connect
Claims Department
St Edwards Court
London Road
Romford
Essex
RM7 9QD
In safe hands
Towergate Connect aim to deal with all claims on the day they receive them and will acknowledge safe receipt within five working days.

Contact Us

0844 346 0431

Monday - Friday
9am - 6pm

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Insurance guide

FAQs

Q: What is a 5-lever mortice deadlock?
Q: What if I only need to insure the property for a short period of time?
Q: Why can't I get standard buildings and contents cover for my unoccupied home?
Q: What if I work away and my property is left unoccupied for months at a time?

View all FAQs

What do we offer?

Unoccupied Property Insurance

Offering insurance on unoccupied properties for flexible periods of 3, 6, 9 or 12 month periods, so you only pay for the cover you need.