Following the heart-breaking events happening in Ukraine, we want to help our customers show their support for those who have had to flee their homes, by sharing their own.
So, if a policyholder contacts us to discuss taking in a Ukraine refugee, we can confirm that they would be treated as member of the policyholders’ family. This means they are covered under the policy terms and conditions without needing to make any changes to the policy or declare it to us.
There will also be no changes to their Home Insurance coverage and policy document wording. So, if a claim needs to be made, it’ll be treated the same way as any other claim.
Policyholders only need to let us know that they are housing a Ukrainian refugee if the refugee stays at the home for at least 12 months. Where this is the case, the customer needs to notify us before the subsequent renewal after the 12 month term has passed.
Example
May 22 – Ukrainian refugee moves into the insured property
Jan 23 – Home Insurance policy renews, no action required
May 23 – Ukrainian refugee has lived in the property for 12 months
Jan 24 – Home Insurance policy renewal, policyholder must inform us if the refugee is still living at the property
FAQs
Which types of insurance does this directive apply to?
This applies to all residential home Insurance policies.
What can I do if the customer asks for confirmation they will still be covered in writing?
An article is being added to our customer FAQs explaining the above directive. Point the customer to www.paymentshield.co.uk. They can then search for the article called “Refugees“ under the FAQ banner.
How long can the refugee stay in the home?
It is the customer’s responsibility to inform us if they are housing a Ukrainian refugee in their home at the next renewal following the 12 month period of them moving in.
What happens if we aren’t notified?
If the customer chooses to continue to provide a home for the refugee after the next renewal, the policy would deem the refugee a “lodger” so policy restrictions would apply.