I noticed in my house insurance policy under ‘notification of changes’ the following statement “changes to the occupancy of the property e.g. lodgers staying at the property”. I informed them I had two holidays booked, with (THS) house sitters staying at the property whilst I was away. I was charge…

So the insurers would prefer that your house be empty instead of someone being there making sure it doesn’t flood, etc?

Well yeah, but if a sitter was there with Fido and Cuddles it wouldn’t have flooded at all and the insurance company wouldn’t be paying out a £50,000 claim. It makes no sense to me.

I thought you would only have to make changes to your insurance if you rented the house out. If you have family visiting do you make changes to the occupancy then! I didn’t realise home insurance only covered the home if the occupants permanently lived/registered at that address.

If you have a standard or premium membership then you will have insurance included

This can vary greatly depending on what country you live in, and what insurance company you use.

Tbh the sitter isnt a lodger. Its just like having a guest/friend staying. I think the insurance company is charging for any amnendment here. Interesting though.

@Wavingfish Every insurance policy (and likely country) would have different timeframes for occupancy requirements. I live in Canada and must have someone check my home every seven days (but not necessary live there) for my policy to remain valid. I’m curious to know whether, had you said they were…

[image] Snowbird: I live in Canada and must have someone check my home every seven days (but not necessary live there) for my policy to remain valid. And my insurance (Canadian) says I can leave my house empty for 30 days. More proof of the different between companies.

@Kelownagurl @Snowbird exactly the same when we had a home in Canada … that’s why we had sitters every time we left the country, sometimes for 6 months. [image] Snowbird: I live in Canada and must have someone check my home every seven days (but not necessary live there) for my policy to remain…

Check your house insurance - you may have to pay more to pay I had to pay more

Owner Questions, Advice & Chat

Wavingfish 14 April 2022 13:24 3

If it floods and you’re not left the property for more than 60 days you’re OK…

Topic		Replies	Views
HO: Recommendations and experiences re UK home insurance Owner Questions, Advice & Chat	6	179	12 August 2025
Renters Insurance for Full Time Housesitters Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat	39	304	12 July 2025
Insurance for sitter Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat	26	4047	1 July 2022
A conversation about insurance Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat	151	6069	6 May 2023
HO needs to cancel 15 day sit in July-Will insurance cover me? Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat	11	1109	22 April 2023

Check your house insurance - you may have to pay more to pay I had to pay more

Related topics