Going on a Long Holiday? Why Your Home Insurance Could Be Void After 30 Days
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| Going on a Long Holiday? |
You lock the front door, turn off the lights, and head to Heathrow. You are off on a dream 6-week trip to Australia or a long summer break in Spain.
You think your home is safe because you have Home Insurance. But you might be in for a nasty surprise. If you leave your property empty for more than a specific period—usually 30 or 60 days—your policy cover could be slashed to almost nothing.
The 'Unoccupied' Clause Explained
Standard UK home insurance policies are designed for homes that are lived in daily. Insurers see empty homes as high-risk because:
- Burst Pipes: A small leak can turn into a flood if no one is there to spot it for weeks.
- Burglary: Empty homes attract thieves.
- Squatters: Unwanted guests might move in.
Because of this, almost every policy has a "Days Unoccupied Limit". This is typically 30 days, though some premium policies (like Saga or Hiscox) might offer 60 days.
What Happens on Day 31?
If you are away for 31 days on a 30-day limit policy, your cover usually drops to "FLEEA" level immediately.
⚠️ What You Lose (FLEEA Restriction)
On the 31st day, insurers restrict cover to Fire, Lightning, Earthquake, Explosion, and Aircraft only. This means you are NOT covered for:
- Theft or attempted theft.
- Escape of water (Burst pipes) - The most common claim!
- Malicious damage (Vandalism).
- Storm damage (in many cases).
The Hidden "Winter Rule" (Read Carefully)
Even if you are away for less than 30 days, check your policy for the "Winter Heating Condition" (usually Oct to Mar).
Most insurers demand that if the home is empty for more than a few days, you must either:
- Keep the central heating on at a minimum temperature (usually 12°C or 15°C) 24/7, OR
- Turn off the water supply and drain the system completely.
If you turn the heating off to save money and a pipe bursts, they will pay £0.
How to Stay Protected
Don't cancel your trip! You just need to inform your insurer before you leave.
- Ask for an Extension: Call your insurer. They might agree to extend full cover for a one-off trip for a small extra premium (e.g., £20–£50).
- Get 'Unoccupied Home Insurance': If your insurer says no, buy a standalone short-term policy (like from QuoteRack or Adrian Flux) specifically for empty properties.
- Appoint a House Sitter: Some insurers accept "occupied" status if a friend stays there. Warning: They usually must sleep there overnight. Just popping in to water plants is not enough.
Check the Small Print
A "long holiday" is defined by the fine print, not your feelings.
Check your policy booklet today. If you are planning a gap year, a sabbatical, or a long winter escape, a 5-minute phone call to your insurer is as important as your passport. Don't come home to a flooded house and a rejected claim.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Insurance terms vary by provider. Always read your specific Policy Schedule to confirm unoccupancy limits and winter heating requirements.
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