Unoccupied Property Insurance
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Specialist cover for empty homes and buildings
If your property becomes unoccupied for more than 30 days, a standard home insurance policy may not provide the correct cover. Whether it’s during renovations, between tenants, while managing a probate property or taking an extended trip, our unoccupied property insurance offers specialist protection for empty houses, holiday homes and vacant buildings of all types.
Empty properties face an increased risk of claims for theft, vandalism, burst pipes and storm damage. However, with the right policy in place, you can protect your investment and avoid costly surprises while your property is unoccupied.
What’s included in unoccupied property insurance
Cover varies depending on the insurer, but most policies include:
- Buildings insurance – buildings cover includes the main structure of your property as well as features such as boundary walls, against fire, flood, storm damage and subsidence.
- Contents insurance – contents cover protects any furniture or belongings left inside the property from insured events, and is typically provided on a new for old basis.
- Vandalism and theft – covers malicious damage, criminal damage, or break-ins while the property is vacant.
- Property Owners Liability insurance – protects you if someone is injured on or around the property.
Additional options are available for long-term un-occupancy and renovation work . Our experienced team can help you compare policies to make sure you get the right level of protection.
Why choose Haden Welbeck
As independent insurance brokers based in Kent, established for over 40 years, we work with a trusted panel of insurers to find the most suitable cover for your needs. You’ll benefit from:
- Expert advice from experienced brokers
- Flexible short-term or annual policies
- Competitive premiums tailored to your situation
- Clear, straightforward guidance with no jargon
We take the time to understand your property, your plans and any risks involved. Our aim is to make sure you have complete peace of mind while your building is unoccupied.
Why you may need unoccupied property insurance
You may need this type of insurance if you:
- Own a property between tenants
- Are managing an estate during probate
- Have a second home or holiday property
- Are away from home for an extended period
- Are away caring for a family member
- Are on an extended holiday
If you need unoccupied home insurance, it’s important to arrange specialist cover to protect your property during these periods.
Most insurers class a property as unoccupied after 30 consecutive days without residents. Once this happens, a standard home insurance policy will usually stop providing full cover. Arranging specialist insurance for unoccupied properties ensures you remain protected during that period.
Types of Unoccupied Properties
Properties can be left empty for many reasons, and each situation carries its own risks. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right unoccupied property insurance to keep your investment protected.
Vacant Homes
Often left empty while owners travel, relocate, or wait for a sale to complete, vacant homes are more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Specialist unoccupied property cover provides the protection you need during these periods.
Holiday Homes and Second Homes
Often only used for part of the year, holiday and second homes can be unoccupied for long stretches. Unoccupied property insurance helps protect against storm damage, leaks, or break-ins when the property isn’t in regular use.
Rental Properties
Between tenancies or during renovation work, rental homes may fall outside the terms of a standard policy. Unoccupied landlord insurance keeps your property covered against accidental damage, vandalism, and liability risks.
Properties Under Renovation
Refurbishment work often means the property is unoccupied for weeks or months. Uoccupied property insurance helps cover fire, water damage, and theft of materials while building work is underway.
Probate Properties
Homes awaiting probate can remain empty for an extended period while legal matters are resolved. A dedicated unoccupied property insurance policy ensures the estate remains protected throughout.
Commercial Properties
Empty offices, shops, and warehouses face different risks to residential buildings. Our commercial unoccupied property insurance offers protection against vandalism, water leaks, weather damage and public liability.
Inherited Properties
If you’ve inherited a home that’s not yet lived in, temporary unoccupied property insurance provides cover until it’s occupied, sold, or redeveloped.
Keeping your property secure
To help reduce the risk of damage or theft, insurers often require regular checks to the property, typically every 14 or 30 days. This can be by the property owner or managing agent. Maintaining heating during winter, locking all doors and windows, and installing security systems such as alarms or CCTV can also help keep premiums down and your cover valid.
Take additional steps to keep your home secure when it is unoccupied, such as using timers for lights and notifying neighbors to watch for unusual activity. Always double check your policy requirements and security arrangements to ensure your cover remains valid.
If you can’t visit the property yourself, a trusted agent or property manager can carry out inspections on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a property be empty before I need unoccupied property insurance?
Most standard home insurance policies, often referred to as regular home insurance, stop providing full cover after 30 consecutive days of un-occupancy. Regular home insurance may not provide sufficient protection for unoccupied properties, so if your home will be empty for longer, you’ll need a specialist policy such as unoccupied property cover.
Is unoccupied property insurance more expensive than standard home insurance?
It can be, as empty properties are at higher risk of damage and theft. Unoccupied home insurance cost is determined by factors such as the length of vacancy and the level of unoccupied property cover required. However, taking sensible precautions and comparing policies can help keep costs manageable.
Do I need to check the property regularly?
Yes, most insurers require evidence of regular visits to maintain cover. Keeping a log with dates and photographs can help if you ever need to make a claim.
Can I get cover for a property under renovation?
Yes. Many renovation projects require unoccupied property insurance, especially if the building is not lived in overnight or utilities are disconnected. Unoccupied property cover is essential to safeguard your property during these periods, protecting against risks like vandalism, weather damage, and break-ins that regular home insurance may exclude.
