Temporary Unoccupied Buildings

April 27, 2020

Here is some general guidance* on “Temporarily Unoccupied Buildings” from our panel of insurers, please note that this is not a blanket policy and details of your specific cover will depend on the actual insurer your business is placed with and the level of cover you have, for the most relevant and up to date information it is always advised that you contact Flint Insurance directly.

“Cover will now continue to apply to your clients who have followed Government advice to close their premises temporarily for a period of up to 90 consecutive days. There is therefore no need to immediately notify us that your clients insured premises has closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Our Panel of Insurers have provided the following guidance to help Clients protect their business assets: 

• You should endeavour where practical and safe to inspect your Insured premises internally and externally and keep a log
• Risk assessments should be carried out on the changing risk/lack of supervision in place
• Any and all hazardous processes to cease (and not run unmanned) and be shut down safely
• Other processes should not be run if there is no adequate supervision; safety should not be comprised
• Heating left on but other critical services powered down if not required, unless to support protection or detection systems
• Drain all water and fuel supply tanks, apparatus and pipes
• All external areas must be clear of waste and combustible materials
• Consider waste build-up and the controls needed if waste collection services are affected
• All fire protection, detection, and security systems to remain active and monitored remotely where possible
• Adequacy of security controls should be assessed based on likely periods of unoccupancy and type of business, particularly in high-crime areas
• Secure and seal all letter boxes and openings and redirect post if necessary
• Consideration should be given to the accumulation of vehicles, proximity to buildings, and their security when premises are unattended
• Perimeter security, fences and lighting are in good condition and operational
• All physical security and locking devices are working and in place
• All protection and detection systems are operational
• There are no leaking fluids or spills
• Any unsafe conditions are identified and remedied

*Our information is kept up to date however we always advise that our clients contact us directly for the most relevant information regarding their policies and cover arrangements. Please do not assume that this advice/guidance is related to your own arrangements/circumstances and seek our advices at every possible juncture. For further information on how you can protect your business assets call us on 0208 309 5000.