Insurance on vacant property query

tc20

hi folks, my query is in relation to an elderly relatives property.

My relative has moved into full time residential care, where she has been for at least 6 months. She has told me that the property is insured, but there is something nagging me that if a property is vacated for more than a certain period, the insurers must be informed - is this correct, and if so, does anyone know what the defined period is?

The property is located in a residential/commercial area, and is just off the main street of a town. It was previously a commercial premises (hers) with living quarters above. The commercial side has not been in use for approx. 30 years.

A related concern is that the property although habitable, is in disrepair, and I am worried that if, for example, slates were to fall from the roof and cause damage or worse, who is liable?

My relative is totally compos mentis, but it is difficult to have a proper chat with the visiting restrictions currently in place.

thanks

Dav010

Insurers do tend to have occupancy conditions, you will need to check the documents. I had an unoccupied property policy on a building a few years ago and used this insurer.

https://aikenco.ie/products/unoccupied-properties-upi/