Guidance for Vacant Property Inspections (VPIs)
Vacant Property Inspections (VPIs) play a crucial role in ensuring the security of a building. In addition to keyholding and alarm response services, VPIs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your premises, helping you save on potential additional costs.
Here are compelling reasons why you should consider arranging VPIs:
Ensuring Site Safety and Security: VPIs help maintain a safe and secure environment for your property.
Meeting Insurance Obligations: By conducting regular VPIs, you fulfill your insurance obligations, reducing potential risks.
Complying with Your Duty of Care: VPIs demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling your duty of care towards your property.
Preventing Water Damage and Leaks: VPIs help minimize the risk of water damage and leaks by promptly identifying and addressing any issues.
Preventing Intrusion and Damage: VPIs act as a deterrent, preventing intrusion from squatters, vandals, traveling criminals, or bored youths.
Time and Money Savings: By proactively identifying and addressing potential issues, VPIs save you both time and money in the long run.
For commercial premises, Vacant Property Inspections may include:
- Thoroughly checking and securing all access points, including doors and windows.
- Inspecting for water leaks and damage.
- Identifying fire and electrical hazards.
- Assessing the general condition of the interior.
- Looking for evidence of graffiti and vandalism.
- Optional meter reading if required.
For domestic premises, Vacant Property Inspections can be arranged when you are away for an extended period, such as during a holiday. In addition to the checks mentioned above, we can also:
- Move mail away from the door or empty outside post boxes and safely store it inside.
- Return bins to their designated place or storage following refuse collection.
- Provide access to contractors if needed.
Furthermore, the presence of a fully marked security response vehicle and a uniformed security officer during VPIs acts as an additional deterrent.
Why is Vacant Property Insurance necessary?
When a property becomes vacant, it becomes more susceptible to the various threats that vacant properties commonly face. As a result, regular property insurance becomes void and will not adequately cover any damages that may occur. This creates an immediate need for suitable coverage.
Arranging vacant property insurance is relatively straightforward, but it requires additional and ongoing attention to maintain its validity. Insurance companies typically require routine inspections of the property to be conducted. These inspections serve as proof that your vacant property is compliant and eligible for the necessary coverage against the increased risk of damage.
What threats do vacant properties need insurance against?
Empty properties are more vulnerable to accidental issues such as fires, flooding, subsidence, and storm damage. As properties are left unattended, minor issues can easily go unnoticed and gradually escalate into major damage. The repairs for such damage can be both costly and time-consuming to resolve.
Vacant properties are also common targets for criminal activity, including vandalism, arson, and squatting. In the event of squatters occupying the property, resolution must be achieved through legally authorized enforcement services. This process can be time-consuming, only to retrieve the property in an unacceptable state for use. Alongside the added stress and loss of income, it is unfortunately common for such damage not to be covered by insurance companies due to the lack of proper maintenance being carried out.
Paramount Security Solutions ensures thorough and timely inspections, providing all clients with a comprehensive and made to tailor report and photographic evidence of each inspection conducted.