It has already proved a record-breaking summer for high temperatures and red ‘extreme heat’ warnings.

Though the official heat warnings are in the context of physical health and wellbeing, sustained high temperatures also pose significant risks for land and property. Probate practitioners and executors should be mindful of the implications of sustained hot weather for empty probate properties.

Properties at a heightened risk of wildfires and other heat-related problems are those located in the vicinity of dry grassland, woods and forests; and, for example, properties near railway lines and public parks and recreation grounds. By the end of July, firefighters had already been fighting large wildfires in areas of Wales, England and in the Cairngorms.

The risks are arguably even greater in the case of unoccupied residential property in vulnerable locations, particularly empty probate properties.

With extreme heat conditions becoming more common and long-lasting, personal representatives and their advisers must be certain that robust property insurance is in place to protect the property against the risks to empty probate properties.

Unoccupied properties are also at risk of flooding, storm damage; fire damage; electrical faults; structural disrepair; and criminal damage – and it is crucial that bespoke unoccupied domestic property insurance is in place to cover all the risks. This is why Watchman Insurance particularly deserves serious consideration.

Watchman

A Watchman policy is simple to arrange, cost-effective and geared specifically to cover the risk of residential properties which are unoccupied after the death of the owner (or where the owner has gone into care).

Importantly, unlike many similar policies, Watchman’s policy usually covers risks including malicious damage and subsidence. The property will need to be checked every 30 days, but this is 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. 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.

If you are an executor or acting for executors, it is important to remember that arranging adequate insurance is vital. As trustees, there is a legal duty to protect and preserve estate assets and if the property – often the most valuable asset - is inadequately insured and financial loss is caused to the estate as a result, the trustees could be personally liable for such losses.

Arranging adequate insurance ought to be considered a first step: those responsible for empty properties should arrange and keep a record of regular practical checks of the property – particularly in extreme weather conditions.

For more information on Watchman and a quote contact us here.