Folgate Continues to Help Existing Policy Holders With A Further Extension to Unoccupied Risks Due to COVID19

As the Government continues to ease restrictions across the UK, many businesses have now re-opened and we write with a further update regarding Folgate’s approach to unoccupied premises as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19 and Government imposed restrictions.

We can advise that the temporary policy definition extension has been extended again and will now expire on 1st September 2020, at which time all unoccupied properties under existing commercial and landlords’ policies will be treated as unoccupied in accordance with the terms of the policy.

Please see further important information below regarding policyholder compliance with unoccupancy policy conditions and risk management.

Existing Policies – Compliance with Unoccupied Risk Management Requirements

The expiry of our extended ‘unoccupied/empty’ policy definition means that all policy terms, conditions and exclusions for unoccupied premises will apply with effect from 1st September 2020, at which time all policyholders are expected to comply.

Unoccupied terms and conditions may include, amongst other things, at least weekly visits to the insured premises, removal of combustible waste, switching off gas, water and electricity and letterboxes sealed. Most policies also exclude perils such as Theft and Escape of water.

If there are any individual, extenuating circumstances which mean a policyholder is unable to comply with any policy condition from 1st September 2020 onwards, please contact one of our underwriters as soon as possible to discuss. These risks will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

New business quotations for premises unoccupied due to COVID-19

As previously advised, it is important for our broker partners to note that any unoccupied new business cases must be correctly disclosed as unoccupied to our underwriters where consideration will be given on a case by case basis to see if we can help.

Policyholders who do not disclose their premises as unoccupied may find that their policies are affected in the event of a claim.

If you would like to speak to any member of staff directly, please continue to dial 020-7256-3100 followed by their extension number which can be found here.

As always, we wish you and your families safety and good health during these difficult times.