Does an unoccupied premises in poor repair need insurance?

[Busby15]

Does an unoccupied premises in poor repair need insurance?

[grasscarp]

If I owned it I would keep up some kind of insurance in case something happens to the property - fire, flood etc; but it may be costly to get insurance if it is in poor repair.

[Postdog]

or, can an unoccupied premises in poor repair even qualify for insurance? - I think not probably.

[beso]

Generally insurance lapses after six weeks if a house is unoccupied. It is considered too big a risk that it will be vandalised or occupied by squaters.

[Old_Geezer]

I'd have thought whether you insure or not is your choice, your risk.

But Postdog's query is fair enough. Premium would be high and cover minimal if the property was likely to have a claim.

Even unoccupied why would one allow the property to fall into disrepair ?

[woofgang]

I would insure it against third party claim at least. When my Mum's house was empty we spoke to the insurance company who said they were happy to continue to insure it provided it was secure, utilities shut off and that someone visited (not necessarily slept overnight) at least monthly.

[hc4361]

Yes! You should have liability insurance if nothing else.

That falling chimney could kill someone.

[JackDanielsU]

I would assume the property in question had insurance when it was in a fit state?

Cover can continue on unoccupied buildings (it doesnt lapse after 6 weeks....most insurance companies have 60 days or 90 days grace periods - and even then it doesnt lapse - as long as the insurance company has been informed)

The insurance may be switched to FLEE cover - (fire, lightning, earthquake, explosion) or something similar - where only those incidents are covered.

If theres a mortgage on the property it must have insurance I believe - but if not its up to you

[joko]

there is no law that says you must get insurance