Temporary accommodation for refugees - extending to all refugees - April 2022

If you are a homeowner who insures your home with Ecclesiastical and want to temporarily house refugees who have been displaced by conflict as non-paying guests in your home, you do not need to tell us and your cover will remain the same.

This applies for the first 12 months of any refugees living with you, including when your policy is due for renewal. After 12 months, if any refugees are still living with you, then you must tell us when you next renew your policy.

Within the policy wording you will find the cover, terms and conditions that apply to non-paying guests. If you wish to discuss this cover or other changes in circumstances please contact us.

If you are considering temporarily accommodating refugees in your home you should review safety and security arrangements to help ensure you provide a safe and secure environment for them. If guests are bringing personal contents into your home consider how these will be stored and used, including any portable electrical equipment.

Guests will need to safely enter and exit the property so you should review security arrangements accordingly to ensure their safety and privacy.;

If you are considering housing refugees in a second home, guest house or rental property you should raise this with your broker.

Further information specific to refugees displaced by the conflict in Ukraine has been prepared by the Government Homes for Ukraine scheme and can be accessed here - Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions - GOV.UK

In respect of church customers, where you are seeking to house refugees displaced by any other conflict in the world in church premises that are purposely designed for residential dwelling occupation, such as private dwelling houses and flats, you also do not need to tell us and your cover will remain the same.

This applies for the first 12 months of any refugee guests living with you, including when your policy is due for renewal. After 12 months, if any guests are still living with you, then you must tell us when you next renew your policy.

Where other business premises, which are suitable for residential use, such as residential care homes, hotels and their equivalent are intended to be used, please ensure, 

• that the premises are fully maintained and fit for occupation (including maintenance of utilities and services, fire and security protections, etc.), and
• that you are fully compliant with all of your legal obligations (such as electrical inspections, servicing of gas / boiler systems and fire risk assessments).

In addition please consider having a member of staff or a volunteer at the site to help and support your guests.

Please read our checklist of risk management considerations if this is something you are considering.

For churches considering using non-residential premises, such as churches and church halls, please contact us using the details below to discuss your proposals.