Wildfires across France and Spain prompt spike in calls
The wildfires in Europe have prompted a huge spike in overseas holiday home insurance enquiries, according to Schofields Insurance. More than 300,000 people have been evacuated across the two countries.
Schofields said it saw a 283% increase in enquiries relating to French properties between 22nd and 27th July, and a 129% increase for Spanish properties, compared with the same period last year.
However, for many the move to insure will be too late since once a fire is burning nearby, the risk is no longer a possibility but a reality, meaning insurers are unlikely to cover it.
Phil Schofield, head of marketing at Schofields Insurance, said: “We’ve had a lot of worried owners get in touch trying to arrange insurance for properties that have been uninsured for several years, which is completely understandable considering the fires. Unfortunately, in many of these cases we aren’t able to provide cover.”
Check policy cover now
He urged investors and owners of overseas properties to check whether policies are still in date or have lapsed, as well as any conditions associated with unoccupancy clauses.
He also suggested checking how fire and wildfire are treated and whether risk-management requirements apply – such as clearing vegetation within a defined distance.
“If a fire is close to your property right now, personal safety comes first: follow local evacuation orders and guidance from local authorities.
“It’s still worth contacting insurers, as options may exist depending on the specific circumstances, and documenting the property’s condition now with photos or video is useful regardless of what happens next.
“Unfortunately, extreme wildfires are no longer exceptional events. Once the immediate danger has passed, arranging cover straight away is the best way to avoid being in the same position again,” he said.
