Keelan Westall launch vacant business cover

Keelan Westall has launched a product to help brokers find insurance for vacant commercial properties.

The product is called Agility Commercial and covers against damage from vandalism, flooding, fire and squatters.

The Barbon subsidiary estimates that there are around 900,000 unoccupied commercial properties in the UK.

As well as Agility Commercial, the broker also provides Agility for non-standard residential property risks.

Keelan Westall managing director Wayne Tonge said: “Insuring vacant properties can be difficult. The risk of damage due to vandalism, flooding or fire is greater and the building is more liable to squatters moving in and causing damage to an empty property.

“At Keelan Westall, we know brokers and their commercial property owner clients need buildings insurance cover for vacant industrial units, shops, offices and other business premises whilst they stand empty, especially in the current economic climate where one in seven shops remain vacant across the UK.”