House insurance while away sailing

[KLBH]

After a number of years as full time live aboard we are considering moving to land based for a few months and sailing for 6 - 8 months. Can anyone recommend an insurer that would cover our house and contents while we are away sailing?

 

[Graham376]

We're with GSI, not cheap but can be away for up to 6 months at a stretch and a total of 9 months p.a. GSI Specialist Insurance Brokers. Car & Home Insurance Services & Quotes (gsi-insurance.com)

 

[Davy_S]

We used to use Andrew Copeland for uk and Greek property, although we never had a claim, they were very good to deal with.
Unoccupied Homeowners Insurance UK

 

[sailaboutvic]

We going to be in the same position next years so I too am Interested in this .

 

[Poignard]

From my Saga policy:

"Notification of changes​

You must tell us at your earliest opportunity of any changes to the information shown in your Statement​

of Insurance or Schedule including the following:​

● you will be leaving the property unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days;"​

It does not say that you cannot leave the property unoccupied but only that you must tell them if you will be.

They may, of course, refuse to insure you or they may simply impose an exclusion or an excess. As happened to me when I told them that scaffolding was to be erected during roof repairs.

Might be worth giving Saga a ring to see what they can offer you.a

 

[Forty_Two]

LV & Saga will happily take a small extra sum from you when you notify them the property is unoccupied over 60 days, no problem with that, its not excessive.

The catch is they insist on a weekly internal visit to clear mail & check all is well which is not required up to 60 days, but no way round it after 60 days. Happened to me when i was locked down in France in 2020. Obviously an issue if you don’t have local family or a trusty friend.

Edit: I'm with LV

 

[Graham376]

LV & Saga will happily take a small extra sum from you when you notify them the property is unoccupied over 60 days, no problem with that, its not excessive.
The catch is they insist on a weekly internal visit to clear mail & check all is well which is not required up to 60 days, but no way round it after 60 days. Happened to me when i was locked down in France in 2020. Obviously an issue if you don’t have local family or a trusty friend.
Edit: I'm with LV

Our policy requires 2 weekly internal inspection, which a friend does for us and I've built a box behind the letterbox so not mail visible. Occupied doesn't of course mean the policyholder has to occupy, it could be a family member or friend staying for a night every 30/60 days to re-set the clock.

 

[BobnLesley]

Our policy requires 2 weekly internal inspection, which a friend does for us and I've built a box behind the letterbox so not mail visible. Occupied doesn't of course mean the policyholder has to occupy, it could be a family member or friend staying for a night every 30/60 days to re-set the clock.

A while ago now but we had ours empty (Aviva were our insurers) and all they required was for someone to visit every fourteen days and the heating to stay on during winter - simply set the thermostat at 10C; we had one relatively minor claim which was paid out without a problem.

 

[temptress]

A while ago now but we had ours empty (Aviva were our insurers) and all they required was for someone to visit every fourteen days and the heating to stay on during winter - simply set the thermostat at 10C; we had one relatively minor claim which was paid out without a problem.

We had the same. Told the insurance company 'we are going to be away more than 2 months' , they (Direct line) gave us a few easily complied with clauses and that was that. Not even an additional PREMIUM. Unfortunately now we are ashore full time these days.

 

[Mistroma]

We've used several different insurers since 2012. Cost and policy have varied quite a bit.

Internal checks , weekly, fortnightly or even every 10 days.
Heating fully drained or not mentioned unless outside sailing season
Coverage varying between non-existent to reasonable

We did stick with a specialist company for a few years but their costs rose and cover was poor. Small print said contents weren't covered and even a fire was only covered as long as it wasn't a malicious act. Standard home insurance worked a few times when they didn't seem too bothered about anything under 180 days. In fact we were able to extend to 200 days when insured as we said we might have travel problems. Mid-season renewal helped a couple of times when we switched company. The first company were OK with 60 days and the second company were fine with 120 days. I did explain to the second company, after getting a quote, that we weren't currently at home but would be returning within 120 days. They seemed happy and only interested in the 120 days they were covering and not that the property was empty for 180 days.

A very mixed bag and always a bit of a pain to organise. I'm lucky to have a neighbour who will check our house regularly.

 

[tkalfaoglu]

After a number of years as full time live aboard we are considering moving to land based for a few months and sailing for 6 - 8 months. Can anyone recommend an insurer that would cover our house and contents while we are away sailing?

Which country?

 

[KLBH]

Which country?

UK house, sailing in the Mediterranean, various countries.

 

[dpb]

We use Home Protect for up to 180 days. No claims yet though!

 

[Daydream believer]

I just leave the wife at home. ?
Cannot be much more than a few leaks to worry about these days

 

[RupertW]

We use Home Protect for up to 180 days. No claims yet though!

Home Protect were fine with us too - accepting our lodgers as keeping the house occupied. Sainsbury’s were full of questions despite 10 years with them and couldn’t come up with an answer

 

[john_q]

We use Towergate Holiday Home insurance

 

[dgadee]

I use Home Protect too. Not made a claim.