Can I Take In a Ukrainian Refugee? What Insurance Providers Say

The ongoing Ukraine crisis is playing on everyone’s minds at the moment, with many of us wondering what we can do to help – contributing financially might not feel like enough.

With an escalating refugee crisis, you may be wondering if you can take in a Ukrainian refugee. If you have a home that can accommodate a refugee, this could be a wonderful option. However, how might this impact your home insurance policy? We explore this further.

Considering Your Insurance

The type of home insurance you have, and the amount you pay for it, is dependent on a number of factors. Perhaps the most vital factor that insurers look at is your amount of risk – this is usually based on the location of your home, the type of home you live in, and who lives in the home. You would be right to think that taking in a refugee might change the amount of risk associated with your home.

How Are Refugees Viewed Under Insurance Policies?

Refugees as viewed by insurers as falling under the “lodger” umbrella. This is the same as if you had taken in any other lodger, which would also change your payments. The increased risk is due to the lodger (or refugee) being classed as another adult who will be given a key to your property. While there are no assumptions made about the amount of harm a refugee may cause to your home, this cannot be discounted.

A Separate Policy

When you take in a refugee, you will need to ensure that you have the correct policy to cover both your home with another adult or family in it, and also them and their possessions. Normally a separate policy is required for your lodger’s personal possessions.

Notify Your Insurer

If you do choose to take in a Ukrainian refugee, make sure that you notify your insurer of your changed circumstances, as this may change the type of policy you require. Not all providers offer insurance that covers lodgers, so you may need to change providers if this is the case. It is best to get in touch with your policy provider as soon as possible to get the most up-to-date information.

If you are considering taking in a Ukrainian refugee and need your home insurance to fully cover your home and contents in these new circumstances, get in touch with Crowthorne Insurance. We offer policies relevant to those with lodgers of all different kinds to suit you, so you can feel secure while also helping someone else.