When a building is left unoccupied (especially during school holidays, Christmas breaks or seasonal closures) it can sadly become a target for vandalism, theft, or accidental damage.

For charities, community groups, and non-profit organisations, the cost of such incidents can be significant. Recovery can stop your good work in its tracks and drain both time and funding from your charitable mission.

At Unity Insurance Services, we specialise in charity insurance and cover for voluntary organisations. We understand the specific risks you face. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide to help reduce risks to your unoccupied buildings and ensure your insurance stays valid and effective.

Lock Up Properly - Every Time

It may sound simple, but in our experience, many serious incidents happen because something was left unlocked. Always ensure that all doors and windows are secure, including fire exits, garages, and outbuildings.

Fire exit doors are particularly vulnerable; many break-ins occur through poorly protected exits. Invest in high-quality locks and close-shackle padlocks. While cheaper options may seem appealing, they often offer little protection. A modest investment in the right hardware can make a real difference.

Check Your Charity Insurance Policy Conditions

Most charity building insurance policies include specific conditions for when buildings are left empty. These often require regular inspections, intruder alarms, or ongoing maintenance. Ignoring these could invalidate your cover.

Take time to review your policy. If you’re insured with Unity Insurance, give us a call, your Account Handler will be happy to help you check your cover and what’s needed.

Always Set the Intruder Alarms

If you have an intruder alarm system in place, make sure it’s active and working, and remember to set it every time the building is vacated.

Alarm systems not only deter crime but may reduce your premium, depending on your insurer.

At Unity, we understand the importance of proactive security. If your charity has an approved system installed, get in touch, we’ll review your cover, up-date your records and you may qualify for a discounted rate in premium.

Turn Off Utilities Safely

If the property will be unoccupied for more than a week, consider switching off the gas, electricity, and water - as long as it’s safe to do so.

Be sure your alarms and fire detection systems remain powered with no electricity.

Store Equipment Securely and Out of Sight

All equipment (whether high-value or not) should be stored in locked cupboards or secure storage. Don’t leave anything visible through windows or doors, as this can tempt opportunist thieves.

Even if you only use the building occasionally, leaving it tidy and equipment hidden is an essential step in protecting your assets.

Connect with Local Police or Neighbourhood Watch

Your local police force or neighbourhood watch scheme may be able to include your building on their patrols. They can also offer advice specific to your location or recent incidents.

Community involvement can make a big difference, particularly for rural or small-town charities and community groups.

Arrange Regular Inspections During Closure

During school holidays or seasonal shutdowns, try to make regular inspections of the building. These visits help deter break-ins and allow you to catch any issues early.

Set up a rota with trustees or volunteers, and keep a written log of each visit. This can be vital if you need to make a claim.

Also, be sure to inform nearby neighbours that the building will be empty, and leave them a contact number for emergencies.

Prevent Underfloor Fires (and Rodent Damage) in Raised Buildings

If your building is raised on piles or has an underfloor void, it's important to secure the space beneath. Fit wire mesh or metal reinforcement to prevent unauthorised access and reduce fire risk. Sadly, there have been cases where fires were deliberately started underneath buildings with accessible crawlspaces.

Rodents can also enter these areas, and chew through electrical wiring, causing fire hazards or power failures.

A local contractor can install protective mesh quickly and cost-effectively. Mention this to your Unity Account Handler demonstrating good risk management.

Charity Insurance That Works When You Need It Most

Whether you manage a Scout hut, Girl Guide building, meeting place, community hall, youth centre or place of worship, your building needs protection, at all times but especially when it’s left unoccupied.

Unity Insurance Services offers specialist charity insurance designed with voluntary groups in mind. Our cover includes:

• Protection for unoccupied buildings (subject to conditions)
• Expert advice on risk management and security
• An in-house claims team that understands your needs
• Dedicated support from Insurance professionals who work exclusively with the non-profit sector

Ready to Review Your Cover?

If your charity or group uses a building that may be unoccupied for part of the year, contact us today to make sure you understand the policy to ensure it's protected.

📞 Call us on 0333 0917019
✉️ Email [email protected]
🌐 Visit www.unityinsuranceservices.co.uk