Unoccupied Property Insurance - Sorry, but it's time to check your winter precautions!

August 2012

Following a mercifully mild Winter and a sigh of relief from many unoccupied property insurance providers, many of us have been left wondering if the week or two of sunshine is all we are getting this Summer. Like many, I am hoping that the warm weather lasts for a while yet. However, I'm afraid that it's now time to carry out checks on your winter precautions in your unoccupied property.

Many unoccupied property insurance policies have additional terms that are applied during the Winter months, and these normally commence on October 1st (although some have heating conditions that apply all year round). Also, with the change in seasons just around the corner, we have to ensure that our properties are prepared to stand up to anything Mother Nature throws at them this side of next Spring, and we've only got what's left of the Summer to do it!

Service the boiler

One of the most important protections for your property is your heating system, particularly if you are not planning to drain the water system. Get you boiler serviced, and ensure that your heating system will last the winter. Whilst the heating engineer is there, ask him if (and how) it is safe to turn the water off at the main stopcock whilst still running the central heating - many systems allow this and it can prevent a failure turning into a major disaster if you limit the supply of water to the property.

Check the roof

Check your roof for any signs of damage or loose tiles, and pay particular attention to any areas of flat roof, which are particularly susceptible to weather related damage. It is best to get a flat roof specialist to check flat roof areas every 2-3 years and retain evidence that this has been done, as this is a common area for insurance claims to be challenged.

Check your woodwork

Any woodwork on the property - doors, window frames, soffits etc should be checked to ensure that they are fit to last the Winter, as cracked paint on wooden surfaces can soon cause rot to set in fast. In addition, it is a good time to take a look at perimeter fencing in case some maintenance is needed.

Guttering

It is important to ensure that the guttering and drainage on the property is undamaged and clear of debris. The risk of blockages increases during Autumn, so continuous vigilance is needed. Remember, at home, a blocked drain is normally noticed straight away and serious damage avoided. But unchecked, a simple blockage can cause quite serious damage to your property.

Let's get motivated

As you sit back in the sunshine with a glass of Pimms in one hand and a good book in the other, it may seem too early to be thinking about protecting our houses against the ravages of Winter. However, there are only 5 weeks of Summer left. Do you want to be up a ladder in the gentle evening sunshine, or in the wind and driving rain?

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