Ansvar Statement 05/11/2020

Extension to cover 
As people and employers go into lockdown once more, you may be concerned that the policy will regard your buildings as unoccupied, untenanted, empty or disused and your cover will be restricted. 
But, as before, for the period up to and including the 2nd December 2020, we will withhold the:
·         restrictive policy cover for unoccupancy, and
·         policy General Condition that requires you to inform us of the buildings being, or expected to be, unoccupied
should your employees be forced to work from home as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, if your building is no longer occupied this represents a greater risk of significant damage which could delay your organisation getting back up and running, once the current COVID-19 outbreak has passed.

With this in mind we would advise, where you are able to do so safely and within the current government guidelines, you try to ensure that:

1. the buildings are inspected internally and externally by an authorised person once a week to check the security and general condition of the premises;

2. all waste, refuse and other disused combustible materials is cleared from the buildings and any grounds adjacent to it;

3. all external doors are securely locked and all opening windows closed and locked (where fitted with locking devices);

4. all tanks and pipes are drained down where and when you are able to do this, and all taps, stopcocks and mains supply valves turned off.  If this is not possible, because you need to maintain a central heating system, a minimum temperature of 7°C should be maintained.

5. a)     gas supplies should be switched off unless to maintain a central heating system
    b)     electricity supplies should be switched off unless to maintain a central heating system or existing intruder alarm systems, fire protection systems, CCTV, security lighting or sprinkler systems.

6.  all existing physical devices for securing, or preventing access to the buildings must be kept in full and effective operation at all times and to have all keys removed from the locks and kept in a secure place away from the premises;

We recognise that you may not be able to complete all of the items listed above, either partially or in their entirety but we would encourage you to consider anything you can do, to reduce the risk of damage or loss, particularly through escaping water from heating systems and security of the premises generally. Your cooperation during this difficult time is very much appreciated.

All other policy terms, conditions and exceptions are unchanged.

We will review these changes towards the end of November.
We hope that this provides the reassurance you need.  If this is not enough to meet the current crisis, or if you are unsure in any way, then please speak to your insurance advisor.

Helpful information
Arson Prevention Forum – www.stoparsonuk.org

The selection and use of electronic security systems in empty buildings – www.riscauthority.co.uk

Risk Control. Arson Prevention. The Protection of Premises from Deliberate Fire Raising – www.riscauthority.co.uk

HM Government COVID-19 Advice – www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Risk advice line
(provided by Ecclesiastical professionals or external specialists)
Phone: 0345 600 7531
Email: risk.advice@ecclesiastical.com

Risk specialists are on hand to advise you on a range of topics, including:
·         property protection, security, business continuity planning
·         health and safety, food safety, environmental management
·         construction safety, fire safety, occupational health, water safety or asbestos.