Businesses will continue to face new challenges in light of the recently announced three-tiered system restrictions that will replace the existing national lockdown restrictions on the 2nd December.

With the national lockdown coming to an end this week, many business premises may currently be closed or remain unoccupied after this date.

Buildings that are temporarily closed or permanently unoccupied can be at greater risk from losses as a result of theft, escape of water, arson or vandalism, etc. 

What does this mean from an insurance perspective?
 
Most commercial buildings insurance policies cease to offer full cover once the building has been unoccupied for 30 days. You should refer to your policy wording for the exact requirements defined by your insurer.
 
For insurance policies with Unoccupied Premises provisions already embedded in the policy wording, standard terms and conditions will apply.

If your premises are vacant, you must ensure:

• The premises are secured by putting all protective locking devices and any alarm system protections into effective operation.
• Gas, water and electricity supplies should be switched off at the mains (except electricity needed to maintain any fire or intruder alarm systems, or water used for operational heating systems or for fire sprinkler systems).
• The insured or their representatives visit the premises every seven days and immediately carrying out any work necessary to maintain the security of the premises.
• Removal of all post, trade refuse and waste materials from the interior of the premises, allowing no accumulation of refuse or waste in the adjoining yards or spaces owned by the insured.

All policies are different and if you now find yourself with an insured ‘unoccupied commercial property’ you should contact us so that we can advise you what to do.

Latest COVID-19 Government Guidance for various sectors:

Close contact services  Guidance for people who provide close contact services, including hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists, dress fitters, tailors and fashion designers.
 
Construction and other outdoor work  Guidance for people who work in or run outdoor working environments.
 
Factories, plants and warehouses  Guidance for people who work in or run factories, plants and warehouses.
 
Heritage locations  Guidance for people who work or volunteer in heritage locations.
 
Hotels and other guest accommodation  Guidance for people who work in or run hotels and other guest accommodation.
 
Labs and research facilities  Guidance for people who work in or run indoor labs and research facilities and similar environments.
 
Offices and contact centres  Guidance for people who work in or run offices, contact centres and similar indoor environments.
 
Other people’s homes  Guidance for people working in, visiting or delivering to other people’s homes.
 
Performing arts  Guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants.
 
Providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities  Guidance for people who work in grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities.
 
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services  Guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways.
 
Shops and branches  Guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments.
 
Vehicles  Guidance for people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles, field forces and similar.
 
The visitor economy  Guidance for people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events and consumer shows.
 
If we can be of any assistance during this difficult time or if there have been any changes to your business within the last 9 months please contact us on 020 7637 1606.