Some people are risk takers and although sometimes it can seem trivial, things like vaping, smoking or having a BBQ on a balcony of a rented apartment, villa or house, can be a problem. In fact, more than a third of Brits have broken the rules when staying in rented holiday accommodation, according to new research, potentially putting owners’ insurance policies at risk in the process. Here’s the word;
As many as 38% of UK adults admitted to breaching property rules during a stay, including smoking or vaping when not allowed, leaving doors and windows unlocked and failing to return the keys after a visit.
The survey of Brits, conducted by specialist home insurance provider, Homeprotect, found the most common misdemeanours in holiday properties to be:
- Changing the thermostat
- Smoking or vaping
- Checking out late
- Leaving doors/windows unlocked
- Lying about the number of guests
- Leaving a mess for the owner to clear up
- Causing damage without owning up
- Failing to return the keys after a stay
- Taking things from the property
- Bringing pets to the property when not allowed
Overall, 42% of men admitted to breaking the rules compared to 35% of women, whilst two thirds of 18-24 year olds (68%) admitted wrongdoing compared to 65% of 25-34 year olds, 46% of 35-44 year olds, 32% of 45-54 year olds and just 18% of over 55s.
With a fifth of adults (21%) considering staying in rented holiday accommodation in the UK this year and 5% thinking about renting out their own property, Homeprotect is encouraging property owners to check their policies and take necessary steps to keep their holiday properties safe.
A little jazz, cocktails and a relaxing ciggie. Niiice. Pic; Pexels.com
The findings form part of a wider research project, as Homeprotect seeks to understand the habits, attitudes and plans of UK households this year and explain the impact their choices may have on their home insurance.
On the results, Chief Customer Officer at Homeprotect, David Joyson, said: “While the vast majority of guests staying in holiday properties are responsible and cause no issues, accidents and honest mistakes do happen and can cause headaches for owners.
“Having a holiday home brings its own challenges when it comes to insurance. For all holiday home owners renting out their property this year, it’s important to check your policy so you know what you’re covered for and any exceptions. For example, whether your policy would cover you for loss of rent, if your guests can’t stay because of an event such as a flood, storm damage or escape of water in your property.
“Start with checking that you have the right kind of specialist insurance for a holiday home, and that your insurer is clear on the property use, as if this isn’t declared when you take out a policy it may invalidate a future claim. It’s also worth planning what you need to communicate to guests, both before their stay and with written reminders on-site at the property, so that they know how to look after your property and what to do if something goes wrong.”
Homeprotect specialises in buildings and contents insurance for a wide range of properties, including those which may struggle to secure policies with traditional providers, such as homes with a history of flooding, unoccupied and holiday homes or people with poor credit, financial problems or previous convictions.
Be the first to comment