Unoccupied property insurance specialist Bickers Insurance Services have warned policyholders to ensure that they have made preparations for the cold weather expected over the next few weeks, particularly if they are planning to leave their homes empty whilst they travel this Christmas. Unoccupied properties are particularly at risk from freezing water pipes causing devastating damage if the heating system is either not maintained to a reliable standard, or not even switched on. If an empty property is not protected by a specialist unoccuipied property insurance policy, there is every chance a claim will be declined.
It is important that if your unoccupied property is to remain connected to the mains water supply over winter, the heating must be operational 24 hours a day, heating the home to a temperature of at least 12-15 degrees celsius, depending on your policy requirements. Furthermore, loft hatches should be left open by 12 inches to allow warm air to rise into the roof space, reducing the risk of freezing to water tanks and pipes situated above the insulation layer.
If you are not completely confident that your heating system is capable of reliably heating your unoccupied property, it is safer to drain the system and isolate it by switching off the mains supply. When a property is left unoccupied for an extended period, most standard property insurance policies automatically restrict cover so that an escape of water would not be insured. You will need a specialist unoccupied property insurance policy to provide the cover you need and even then, you must ensure that you are meeting the heating and inspection requirements of your policy.