The extreme heat (reaching 35.1⁰ in Kew Gardens) and humidity is uncomfortable for a population unaccustomed to sudden spikes in temperature and older buildings and infrastructure (e.g. potholes) are also adversely affected. Empty properties, particularly older residential homes, are particularly susceptible to structural issues linked to high temperatures; yet many are sitting empty, exposed and unprotected.

Suitable insurance

The recent heat should prompt personal representatives and trustees of probate properties (and homes empty because the owner is in care) standing empty to ensure robust unoccupied property insurance is in place; and that any cover in place is fully effective.

The benefits of bespoke unoccupied domestic property insurance cannot be under-estimated, and Watchman Insurance deserves serious consideration. Importantly, it covers many of the risks associated with high temperatures, recognising that it can cause significant issues.

Extreme heat can cause hairline cracks to become more visible, and movement caused by heat may worsen. Brickwork and other building components also expand in the heat and in sustained hot weather the very foundations of a property can be impacted by shrinking soil, leading to movement. Then when the ground expands again, ‘heaving’ damage can be more significant than the first movements in the ground.

Older properties can also become heat traps, driving internal temperatures even higher than the temperature outside, exacerbating the problem. When summer storms come, there is a risk of water ingress and potential flooding.

These risks should be seriously considered and appropriate insurance cover put in place. Watchman Insurance is designed specifically to cover heat, flooding and other risks associated with unoccupied residential properties, including probate properties. Note that alternative standard property insurance policies may not fully cover various risks if the property is left vacant for more than a few weeks.

Watchman was designed by legal practitioners for practitioners. It is simple to arrange, cost-effective and geared specifically to cover the risk of residential properties left unoccupied after the owner’s death (or where the owner has gone into care).

Importantly, unlike many similar policies, Watchman’s policy usually covers the effects of extreme weather temperatures such as, flooding, malicious damage, subsidence etc. The property will need to be checked every 30 days, which is significantly less onerous than other policies that require a check every 7 days.

Many other unoccupied residential property insurance policies also demand payment of an upfront premium, which can add to any potential cashflow problems for the personal representatives. However, with the Watchman policy there is no such requirement – only a small initial deposit is required for cover to be in place.

Cover is calculated at a fixed daily rate; and the full insurance premium is then paid on completion of the sale or (if earlier) within 12 months. Cover can be arranged on the same day by telephone from a friendly and knowledgeable team.

Transparency is an important element of the Watchman policy, with no hidden charges or cancellation fees. For more information and a quote, contact us here Watchman cover can be arranged on the same day by telephone from a friendly and knowledgeable team.

Inspections

Watchman also provides a professional inspection service designed to give you peace of mind. With thorough assessments to help identify potential issues- such as heat damage -early, you can feel confident the property remains safe, secure, and well-maintained throughout the probate process.

If you’d like to learn more the Watchman team is here to help - simply get in touch here.