The company Linea Directa has introduced the first insurance product in Spain specifically designed to combat the growing issue of squatting in vacant homes, the HealthPlan reports.
Referred to as 'anti-okupación' home insurance, this coverage aims to safeguard homeowners from the increasing problem of squatters taking over unoccupied properties in Spain. It is being hailed as the country's "first complete insurance" against illegal squatting, providing comprehensive protection.
In 2022, there were around 16,700 complaints about squatters, known as 'okupas' in Spanish, averaging a concerning 45 cases reported daily. Linea Directa recognizes the urgency of tackling this issue and has developed comprehensive coverage to address the challenges faced by homeowners dealing with squatters.
Highlighting the significance of the problem, Línea Directa stated, "It is a major social issue that has become one of the greatest concerns for property owners. Recognizing this, Línea Directa Aseguradora has created the first comprehensive 'anti-squatting' insurance, offering complete protection against the serious consequences of this phenomenon."
The insurance coverage will encompass various aspects, including loss of income, alternative accommodation for the property owner, essential supplies, property damages, and legal expenses. The inclusion of legal expenses is particularly important, as the process of removing squatters from a property in Spain can be protracted and complex.
According to the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain, it typically takes up to 18 months to successfully evict squatters, even when the owner has rightful legal ownership. Official data from 2021 shows that property owners had to wait an average of 18.1 months. The Victims of Occupation Platform, a homeowners group, estimates that approximately 100,000 properties across Spain are affected by illegal occupation.
Referred to as 'anti-okupación' home insurance, this coverage aims to safeguard homeowners from the increasing problem of squatters taking over unoccupied properties in Spain. It is being hailed as the country's "first complete insurance" against illegal squatting, providing comprehensive protection.
In 2022, there were around 16,700 complaints about squatters, known as 'okupas' in Spanish, averaging a concerning 45 cases reported daily. Linea Directa recognizes the urgency of tackling this issue and has developed comprehensive coverage to address the challenges faced by homeowners dealing with squatters.
Highlighting the significance of the problem, Línea Directa stated, "It is a major social issue that has become one of the greatest concerns for property owners. Recognizing this, Línea Directa Aseguradora has created the first comprehensive 'anti-squatting' insurance, offering complete protection against the serious consequences of this phenomenon."
The insurance coverage will encompass various aspects, including loss of income, alternative accommodation for the property owner, essential supplies, property damages, and legal expenses. The inclusion of legal expenses is particularly important, as the process of removing squatters from a property in Spain can be protracted and complex.
According to the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain, it typically takes up to 18 months to successfully evict squatters, even when the owner has rightful legal ownership. Official data from 2021 shows that property owners had to wait an average of 18.1 months. The Victims of Occupation Platform, a homeowners group, estimates that approximately 100,000 properties across Spain are affected by illegal occupation.