Insuring home for relative in a care home

[robinh73]

Evening all, keeping it very brief, my aunt is now in a care home with the onset of vascular dementia. I am dealing with her affairs and have Power Of Attorney. Her home insurance has lapsed (previously was John Lewis). I need to get the property re-insured asap obviously. Silly question but is this going to be an absolute nightmare or a straight forward process?? Apologies if this is a daft question.

[OutInTheShed]

Quite a few specialist policies available, just google empty or unoccupied home insurance.

Terms and conditions vary. we were a couple of hours from my parents' home and regular visits were needed.
We got the place on the market and the estate agent did some of the visits.

[robinh73]

That's great. Many thanks indeed, just looked now and will set the ball rolling. Many thanks again.

[Little Lofty]

You can get cover easy enough, you just pay more for less cover, brokers are best for this type of insurance, I use UKinsuranceNET.

[megaphone]

I was surprised how quickly the insurers run for the hills when this happens, similar situation when my Gran died. She had been with the same insurer for years, once it elapsed they didn't want to know as the property was going to be empty for more than 30 days. I complained and they couldn't have cared less.

Yes 'empty property insurance' is available, but it's expensive and has less cover. Often requires regular visits to be made, often won't cover escape of water. As above I had to use a broker, cost £800+ for 6 months cover.

Edited by megaphone on Monday 21st July 07:59

[timmymagic73]

I was in the same position last year when my mother moved into a care home - we used Gallagher unoccupied home insurance which was reasonably priced.

Not a recommendation as fortunately we didn't have to claim on the policy, but worth a look.

[eliot]

had similar with my late mother - they did insure it, but as mentioned a bunch of clauses re water escape etc.

being into home automation, I made a remote node that had motion detectors, temperature sensors and even a "leak rope" (used in server rooms) in the loft near all the plumbing and a cctv system. Had a site to site VPN back to my house over a 4g router - and made part of my existing HA, so i could keep a virtual eye on the house 24x7

[Om]

We are in a similar position - we are about to start renovating my partner's late dad's house. We got probate through and were told now your insurance is void so have had to hurriedly get quotes for unoccupied home insurance. We were recommended Gallaghers and have just had a quote from Alan Boswell (to include renovation cover). Don't know who will be cheaper yet though...

[OIC]

eliot said:

had similar with my late mother - they did insure it, but as mentioned a bunch of clauses re water escape etc.

being into home automation, I made a remote node that had motion detectors, temperature sensors and even a "leak rope" (used in server rooms) in the loft near all the plumbing and a cctv system. Had a site to site VPN back to my house over a 4g router - and made part of my existing HA, so i could keep a virtual eye on the house 24x7

Business opportunity there I'd say.

[OutInTheShed]

eliot said:

had similar with my late mother - they did insure it, but as mentioned a bunch of clauses re water escape etc.

being into home automation, I made a remote node that had motion detectors, temperature sensors and even a "leak rope" (used in server rooms) in the loft near all the plumbing and a cctv system. Had a site to site VPN back to my house over a 4g router - and made part of my existing HA, so i could keep a virtual eye on the house 24x7

We just checked the smart meter remotely, which told us it hadn't burned down and nobody had stolen the lights on timers!

There used to be simple alarms which sent you pictures over the mobile network.
I think it can be worth investing a few gifts in your Mum's neighbours.

[robinh73]

Cheers for the replies guys. I have got the place insured which is a huge relief. I just hope that the place can go on the market asap and we can get it sold.

[eliot]

OIC said:

eliot said:

had similar with my late mother - they did insure it, but as mentioned a bunch of clauses re water escape etc.

being into home automation, I made a remote node that had motion detectors, temperature sensors and even a "leak rope" (used in server rooms) in the loft near all the plumbing and a cctv system. Had a site to site VPN back to my house over a 4g router - and made part of my existing HA, so i could keep a virtual eye on the house 24x7

Business opportunity there I'd say.

Probably needs a little more development
The coloured thing is the leak rope and the silver things are temperature probes.
PIR’s went onto digital inputs and digital outputs via the relays were used to control lights plugged into trailing 13a sockets.