My property is unoccupied. Am I still covered?
Your Home Insurance cover remains in place if your property is unoccupied for up to 45 consecutive days. However, once it has been unoccupied for more than 45 consecutive days, certain coverages are restricted or removed. Specifically:
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Theft, attempted theft, malicious acts, and vandalism are not covered if the property remains unoccupied for more than 45 days.
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Escape of water or oil is excluded if the property has been unoccupied for over 45 days.
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Alternative accommodation or loss of rent cover does not apply if the property has been unoccupied for over 45 days.
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Accidental damage is not covered once the property has been unoccupied for longer than 45 days.
If your property is expected to be vacant for over 45 consecutive days, you must notify 123.ie immediately.
What should I do if my property will be unoccupied for over 45 days?
To ensure your cover reflects your situation:
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Notify 123.ie - Contact the Customer Care team before your home becomes unoccupied for more than 45 days. Provide details of:
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The reason the property will be unoccupied.
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The dates the property will be vacant.
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Whether the property will be furnished.
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Understand coverage changes - Once unoccupied beyond 45 days, cover for theft, malicious acts, vandalism, escape of water or oil, and accidental damage will no longer apply.
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Discuss policy adjustments - The Customer Care team will advise if any policy changes are available to help maintain protection.
Additional Information for Landlords & Holiday Homes
Landlord Policies
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If the property is unoccupied at any time between 1st November and 31st March, you must switch off the water at the mains and drain all water from the system.
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Other sections of the policy are excluded if the property remains unoccupied for more than 45 days, so it’s important to review your policy pack for full details.
Holiday Homes
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Between 1st November and 31st March, if your holiday home is unoccupied for any length of time, you must turn off the water at the mains and drain the system. The gas and electricity supply is turned off at mains unless the alarm system or central heating is dependent on the supply.
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From April to October, the same exclusions apply if the home is unoccupied for 48 hours or more.
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Refer to the holiday home unoccupancy endorsement in your insurance schedule for full details.
For full details on cover limits and exclusions, refer to your policy documents. If you need assistance, contact the Customer Care team at (01) 524 6029 or email info@123.ie.