Most standard home insurance policies do not provide cover for Second Homes, Holiday Homes or Unoccupied properties. Howwever, we have access to specialist companies that can accommodate most circumstances, including providing cover for Holiday Homes that are let out to paying visitors.

There are a range of levels of cover available with each insurer offering different terms depending on the your own personal circumstances and length of time the property is left unoccupied.

The most basic products offer cover for FLEE perils only. Under these products cover is generally restricted to damage caused by Fire, Lightning, Earthquake or Explosion and Property Owners Liability, with some insurers providing additional cover for impact by Aircraft. Cover for a wider range of perils may be purchased depending on individual circumstances. Examples of the additional covers available include Escape of Water, Theft or Attempted Theft and Malicious Damage. The cost of the policy will reflect the level of cover being provided.

Many standard home policies will restrict or exclude cover if your permanent residence is left unoccupied for a certain number of days. When obtaining a quotation please let us know about your personal circumstances so that we can ensure the cover that is arranged is appropriate and meets your requirements.

Remember to consider cover for personal possessions that you may take with you on trips overseas. Most insurers will provide cover for personal possessions out with the UK for a specified number of weeks or months in the year. Please check with our advisor for details.

Damage caused by pets is not usually covered by buildings or contents insurance policies.

Please provide us with the renewal invitation from your previous insurer. Alternatively, provide us with the name and contact details of your previous insurer along with your policy number and we will try to obtain verbal confirmation of your entitlement on your behalf. If your insurers are unwilling to provide this to us we may ask you to contact them directly and request written evidence of your entitlement.

Please call us with your new mortgage lenders details including the new mortgage account number or reference number so we can amend the details and provide you with a new schedule should your new mortgage lender require a copy.

Please call us to discuss the change in your circumstances so that we can check whether this will have any impact on the cover you have in place.

Please call us with the details of the purchases to check that you have adequate cover in place, or to arrange additional cover where required.

Please call us with full details of the new property including the address and postcode. In most cases it is possible to amend the details on your existing policy to your new property and this can often be the most cost effective way of arranging cover.

It can be useful to have to hand the Home Buyers Report as this will include details that we may need. It is also helpful to find out as much additional information as possible, such as whether the property is part of a neighbourhood watch scheme, the type of door and window locks that are fitted and details of any burglar alarm installed at the property.

Renewal invitations are sent out around 21 days ahead of your renewal date. If you have not received your renewal invitation within 10 days of your renewal date please call us on 01224 848222.

During office hours, 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, please call our Claims department on 01224 848388 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Out with office hours your call will be answered by our manned messaging service. Your details will be passed to us and we will return your call at the earliest opportunity.

If you have an emergency out with office hours contact the emergency claim number in your policy booklet to receive advice on what to do next. If you cannot find the number you must deal with the situation as best you can in order to minimise damage and safeguard your family.