In the light of emerging Government Regulation in connection with the ongoing Covid 19 Pandemic we have agreed further guidance in connection with your insurer, Ansvar. This Guidance is effective from the 1 September 2020.

The Guidance relates to properties which have been temporarily closed due to the Covid 19 Regulations and there is the expectation that normal activities will resume once restrictions allow. In the case of permanent or long-term closure unrelated to the pandemic please email your usual contact or enquiries@edwardsinsurance.co.uk with details of the changes.

In addition to this policy guidance we also strongly believe that it is in your long-term interest to have at least a weekly inspection of the property insured. The inspection alone however does not constitute occupancy in terms of the insurers requirements.

WHEN IS A PROPERTY CONSIDERED OCCUPIED

CHURCH

The Church should be occupied as outlined below, at least once every 30 days

A regular monthly Service being held
Where a Service is not held, if there is occupancy during the 30 days for Church activities which can include:
- Administration work
- Open for prayer
- Running on-line services from the Church
- Preparing the Church for re-opening
- Cleaning, repairs or remedial work

CHARITY

The Charity premises should be occupied as outlined below, at least once every 30 days

The property is occupied for the activities of the Charity
Where normal activities are not being undertaken, if there is occupancy for at least one full working day during the 30 days, for activities which can include:
- Administration work
- Preparing the Charity for re-opening
- Cleaning, repairs or remedial work

VILLAGE HALLS / COMMUNITY CENTRES

The premises should be occupied as outlined below, at least once every 30 days

The property is occupied for the normal activities of the Hall/Centre
Where normal activities are not being undertaken, if there is occupancy for at least one full working day during the 30 days, for activities which can include:
- Administration work
- Preparing the Hall/Centre for re-opening
- Cleaning, repairs or remedial work
- Where the property is hired or let to Third Parties and there is no more than 30 days between hiring’s

PROPERTY OWNERS POLICY

The premises should be occupied as outlined below, at least once every 30 days

The property is occupied for normal activities
Where normal activities are not being undertaken, if there is occupancy during the 30 days for activities which can include:
- Administration work
- Preparing the Property for re-opening
- Cleaning, repairs or remedial work

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PROPERTY DOES NOT MEET THE ABOVE GUIDANCE

The above Guidance applies from 1^st September 2020. Therefore, if you cannot meet the requirements after 1^st September 2020 (or one month after the property becomes unoccupied, if later) you should immediately:

Notify us by email to your usual contact or enquiries@edwardsinsurance.co.uk
Confirm the date the property became unoccupied
Actual/Anticipated occupancy date
The reason(s) for the un-occupancy

Once unoccupied it is usual that:

Where the un-occupancy is solely Covid 19 related a premium increase is unlikely to apply where there are plans to ultimately reopen
Cover is restricted
The policy excess for property damage claims increases
Additional policy conditions apply

For full details of the unoccupancy conditions use the links below:

Property Owners

Church, Charity, Village and Community Halls