Residential or commercial property owners, find tailor made Empty Property Insurance quotes from the panel of specialist Vacant Buildings Insurance providers
- Buildings and contents cover available
- Cover for damage caused by water or subsidence
- Protection against vandalism damage
- Property owners liability cover
- Non Standard Construction buildings & Ongoing Building Work
- Commercial & residential properties acceptable
- Instant insurance documents
Unoccupied Property Insurance Explained
If you own property, whether it’s your own home or property that you let you, it’s vital that you have the necessary cover in place if it’s going to be unoccupied for an extended period of time. For home owners, a typical home insurance policy will cover your home if it’s unoccupied for 30 days or less. However if you’re going to leave your home unoccupied for longer than this then you’ll need to get a special unoccupied property insurance policy.
Finding unoccupied property insurance online is now very quick and easy, with many insurance providers offering this type of cover. When you’re looking for unoccupied property insurance online it’s important to know what cover options you want as well as what period of time the house needs to be covered for.
Who Can Benefit from Unoccupied Property Insurance
There are many scenarios where unoccupied property insurance is required, such as –
- The property is a holiday home that is only occupied for part of the year
- Unoccupied buy to let property
- The property is being renovated or extended
- The property is waiting for a buyer
In any of these scenarios, there’s a good chance that you’ll need unoccupied property insurance, depending on the length of time the property is left unoccupied.
Why Unoccupied Property Insurance is Important
Many people underestimate the need for unoccupied property insurance or don’t realise that they need it at all. The truth is that unoccupied property is at much greater risk than if it were occupied. One of the main reasons for this is that it becomes a target for thieves, vandals and squatters. Many people take measures against this such as installing security cameras and security lights but this is certainly not a fool proof solution. The only way to truly know that you’re covered is to get a good policy in place which will give you full peace of mind.
Get Quotes Quickly and Easily
Now that you know more about unoccupied property insurance and what it entails, you will probably want to go about getting quotes. Getting multiple quotes is one of the best ways to save money and the good news is that it’s now incredibly quick and easy to do this. By clicking the green button below and providing a bit of information about your insurance requirements, you will then have access to a range of tailored quotes from a panel of unoccupied property insurance specialists.
Unoccupied Property Insurance FAQs
Can I cover contents on an unoccupied property insurance policy?
When comparing the empty home insurance policies on offer, make sure you check that you can include contents cover on the policy. Many properties that are left vacant will contain contents, if for example it is a holiday home that is used infrequently, the property is awaiting probate or it is awaiting sale and you still have some possessions inside. It is important that you take out the correct level of contents insurance to protect all the items left in your empty property.
Many policies could also include property owner’s liability insurance, which protects the owner against any claims from a third party for damage to them as an individual or to their property.
This is one more thing that you can check when you are looking for empty home insurance by comparing what many specialist insurers can offer. By simply answering a few questions, you will receive quotes from many insurance companies tailored to your needs, so you can choose the right policy for you.
What kind of unoccupied property insurance is available?
Specialist insurers could offer empty house insurance on a temporary basis, which is usually available from between 3 and 12 months. This allows people to buy the policy that will suit their needs the best. You could even purchase empty home insurance if your property is being renovated, but exclusions may occur if significant repairs, such as an extension or extensive building work will be taking place. When you are searching for empty home insurance online, it may be called:
- Unoccupied property insurance
- Empty house insurance
- Empty property insurance
- Unoccupied home insurance
- Unoccupied house insurance
Why is unoccupied property insurance important?
There are many traditional home insurance policies on the market, which provide cover for property owners against things like fire, flood, vandalism and other damage. However, many of these house insurance policies might not provide cover for a home that is left empty for more than 30 continuous days. Conventional home insurance cover could become invalid, which means you may not be paid out if you try to make a claim.
Purchasing empty house insurance will make sure you are covered when your property is vacant for things such as:
- Renovation
- Redecoration
- Marketed for sale
Is insurance cover available for a long term unoccupied property?
As long as your insurance provider is aware of this, the house can be covered even though its empty for a long period of time. However, you must ensure the terms and conditions are met such as visiting the house at least once a week
Am I required to visit the property regularly under an the terms of an unoccupied property insurance policy?
Yes, the property should be inspected at the intervals stipulated by the insurance company which is usually at least weekly.
Do I have to turn off the gas, electricity and water as a condition of my unoccupied property insurance?
There is no reason to turn off gas or electricity for insurance purposes unless insurers have stipulated. You will need to turn your mains water off if required as part of the policy terms and conditions, however, it is usually advisable to do this anyway.
Is cover available if my empty property is for sale?
Yes however, there is often a minimum policy duration meaning if the sale completes within this period you may not be eligible for a full refund.
How much should I insure my unoccupied property for?
For your buildings you need to take into consideration not only the cost of rebuilding the main property but also any outbuildings, swimming pools, boundary walls etc. The value should include solicitor and surveyor fees and demolition costs. With your contents you need to consider all household goods and personal property within your unoccupied property and how much you would have to pay to replace them as new. We make a deduction for wear and tear for clothing and linen.
Can I get instant coverage for my unoccupied property?
Yes. The insurance providers can usually do this over the phone or online.
What is covered under an uninsured property insurance?
A typical unoccupied property insurance policy will include building insurance and cover for vandalism. You can also have cover for contents included if you wish.
What are common reasons for a property being unoccupied?
A property might be unoccupied for a few different reasons. These include –
- You are going on an extended holiday that will last more than a month
- You have bought a new property and plan to have it renovated before you move in
- Your own a holiday home that’s only used for part of the year
- You let property and don’t currently have tenants
Why doesn’t standard buildings and contents insurance cover my unoccupied home?
Most providers will not insure or may reduce cover for properties which are left unoccupied for more than 30 days at a time. Cover from insurers who specifically deal with unoccupied properties is catered towards risks associated with unoccupied property in particular.
Do I need unoccupied property insurance?
You will likely need unoccupied property insurance if you property is going to be unoccupied for a period of 30 days or more.
