Empty Church Buildings

If your Church, Church Hall, Manse or any other building insured under the Scheme becomes unoccupied and is therefore no longer being used for the purpose it was intended and it is going to remain unoccupied for a period of 45 days or more then it is policy condition that you notify us of this immediately.

Our experienced team can talk you through the options available to you with regard to insurance cover on the affected buildings and contents and the precautions that you will need take. Property becomes more vulnerable to loss once it becomes unoccupied or empty so there are certain conditions that you must comply with to ensure that the potential for loss is minimised and the policy cover remains operative. In addition cover under your policy is automatically restricted 45 days after the date upon which it became unoccupied.

Cover is restricted:

The following Cover does not apply whilst the affected building is unoccupied:

• Accidental damage
• The escape of water from any tank, apparatus or pipe
• The escape of fuel from any fixed heating installation
• Theft
• Malicious damage

Conditions are applied to your policy which you must comply with:

You must:

1. Carry out external and internal inspections of the buildings at least every seven days

   1. maintain a weekly log of such inspections to be retained for a period of at least twelve months.
   2. as soon as possible, repair, or arrange to repair any damage or defects found including the removal of graffiti.
2. Securely lock all external doors, close and secure all windows.
3. Drain all water and fuel supply tanks, apparatus and pipes.

4. Turn off all sources of power, fuel and water at the mains and wherever possible, chain and padlock the isolation valves.

   However, where the buildings are protected by

   1. an Intruder Alarm, CCTV or Fire Detection System you must provide sufficient power for their effective operation.
   2. a sprinkler installation, You must provide sufficient power or water supplies for its effective operation and sufficient heat to prevent freezing.
5. Advise us immediately if the buildings are to be occupied by contractors for renovation, alteration or conversion purposes or if the buildings are to become occupied or used.