Unoccupied home insurance
Everything you need to know about protecting your vacant property
Leaving your home empty for a prolonged period? You may need unoccupied home insurance, as most standard home insurance policies won't cover you if you're away for longer than 30 consecutive days. This guide looks at what exactly home insurance for unoccupied properties is, whether you need it or not, and how to get the best policy if so.
What is home insurance for unoccupied homes?
Homeowner's insurance for unoccupied homes protects those away from their property for longer than their standard policy allows. It offers financial protection should something go wrong during this time.
Most home insurance policies only cover absent homeowners for a limited period (typically up to 30 days), whereas dedicated insurance for unoccupied homes protects you for longer – with common policy durations being between six and 12 months.
So, if something happens during this period – for example, theft or a fire – and you have unoccupied home insurance, you'll usually be protected financially. Learn more about what unoccupied home insurance does and doesn't cover below.
What is an unoccupied property?
Typically, a property is considered 'unoccupied' if it is furnished but nobody is living in it regularly during a 30-day period. It's not to be confused with an 'uninhabited' home.
If you do intend to stay the odd night at the unoccupied property, it likely won't invalidate your cover, but it's best to double-check what's outlined in the policy documents – for example, some insurers may make it a condition that somebody has to regularly check up on the property.
So you may need to get a neighbour or loved one to pop in and water your plants or pick up your post.
What's the difference between home insurance and unoccupied home insurance?
Most home insurance policies – which can comprise both contents cover and buildings insurance – only protect absent homeowners for a limited period, whereas unoccupied home insurance does so for an extended duration.
Unoccupied cover isn't included in standard home insurance policies as standard because the risk of issues increases when a property is left empty. For example, the chances of theft rise when there's nobody at home. The same is true of serious structural damage if something happens – such as a burst pipe, for example – and there's nobody there to take preventative measures.
Do note that unoccupied home insurance is different from non-standard home insurance, which covers non-standard constructions, or those with characteristics that mean it's not considered 'standard'. Learn more in our Non-standard home insurance guide.
Before buying dedicated unoccupied cover, it's worth checking with your existing home insurance provider, as you may be able to extend your current policy's absence period – though the cover could be restricted. This could still save you from splashing out on separate cover, if it works for you.
When do you need unoccupied home insurance?
There are lots of reasons why you may have to leave your property for a prolonged period and need unoccupied home insurance as a result. Here are some common reasons:
Going on a sabbatical, travelling or volunteering
Not being ready to move into a new home after buying it
Moving in with your partner but still owning your old home
Being in the process of selling your home and living elsewhere
Having a second home or holiday home that you don't use all-year round – although you may want a dedicated holiday home insurance policy instead
Inheriting a property which you're unsure what to do with or you're awaiting probate
Needing long-term residential health care
Getting renovations done and having to move out as a result
Being a landlord who's in between tenants – although you may already be covered under your landlord insurance policy
All in all, if you'll be away for at least a few months, you'll probably want dedicated unoccupied home insurance cover. For shorter absences (but those longer than 30 days), see if your home insurance provider will extend your existing policy's absence period.
What is and isn't included with unoccupied home insurance?
So, now you know what unoccupied home insurance is and why you might need it, let's look at what is and isn't included in a typical policy.
What you CAN usually claim for | What you CAN'T usually claim for |
|---|---|
Storm, flood or fire damage. This is dependent on regular checks to the home. | Unforced entry. Leaving windows or doors open will void any claims for theft. |
Water or oil damage. If a pipe bursts or there's a leak. | Incidents during renovation. Damage caused by major structural work typically isn't covered. |
Theft. You will also be covered for attempted theft – for instance, if your property is damaged as a result. | Damage caused by contractors. Workers should have their own cover in place. |
Vandalism. In case somebody damages your property while you're away. | Damage caused by poor maintenance. You're unlikely to succeed with a property damage claim if you left it in a poor state. |
Legal expenses. For example, if you need to take somebody to court for squatting in your property. | Wear and tear. You can't claim for damage that happens over time, such as a carpet fading. |
Public liability insurance. For example, if a roof tile falls off your home and hits somebody or their property. | Lost items. If you've lost something and believe it to have gone missing in the unoccupied property, you won't be covered. |
What affects the cost of unoccupied home insurance?
The factors that influence the cost of home insurance for unoccupied properties are similar to those that affect a standard home insurance policy, with the key difference being that not all insurers may offer cover for unoccupied properties. The final cost is influenced by various factors, including:
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Your property's value. The more expensive the property is, the more it'll cost to repair or rebuild it, so the higher premium you'll pay.
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Your cover level. Naturally, a higher level of cover will cost more.
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Your cover period. The same is true if you need unoccupied home insurance for longer periods.
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Your home's location. Your cover will cost more if you live in a high-crime area or somewhere susceptible to flooding, for instance.
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Your security. Whether or not you have a home security system installed affects the cost of your insurance policy.
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Your claims history. If you've made home insurance claims in recent years, insurers will deem you a bigger risk and charge you more for unoccupied home cover.
Is unoccupied home insurance more expensive than standard home insurance?
Unoccupied property insurance typically costs more than standard home insurance. Insurers see empty properties as bigger risks, and therefore fewer insurers may offer quotes, leading to higher prices.
However, as mentioned earlier, for shorter absences try speaking to your existing insurer to extend your home insurance cover, as this could cost less than buying separate unoccupied home cover.
How can I get a lower unoccupied property insurance premium?
To reduce the cost of your unoccupied home insurance policy, follow this two-stage process.
As a first step:
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Improve your security measures. Installing a high-quality security system in your property can often help to reduce your premium as this reduces the likelihood of theft. It's also a good idea to keep your valuables in a safe place or take them with you. Do this before getting any quotes.
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Consider what cover YOU need. Think about your specific circumstances and tailor the policy to them. For example, you may be able to reduce cover for contents or opt for a higher excess to pay less for your unoccupied home insurance. But don't make the mistake of focusing on cost over cover, as inadequate cover could leave you out of pocket if things went wrong.
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Ensure you maintain the property well. The better maintained your property is, the less likely you are to make a claim and the less your insurer will charge you.
Then, to find the best policy for you, move on to the second stage:
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Get multiple quotes. Different insurers have different risk assessments, so it's a good idea to get as many unoccupied home insurance quotes as possible. This can help you get a lower premium. Try these comparison sites for starters.
To learn more about home insurance, check out the content below:
Unoccupied home insurance FAQs
Landlord insurance is a different type of policy aimed at occupied properties that are let out. So in essence, the home is usually occupied but if the home does become unoccupied, the insurers can usually be flexible with the duration of the period it's left unoccupied.
Check your policy to see how long your property can be left empty for as the provider may want to know why it is unoccupied for an extended period. For example, having work done to the house, or that you're between tenants.
Absolutely. If your property is on the market and you won't be living there for a longer duration than your home insurance covers, getting unoccupied home insurance can be a good idea.
Again though, check if you can extend your existing home insurance policy duration before buying new cover, and if there are any restrictions or requirements.
The concerning thing to insurers is that if the property is unoccupied, any leaks, other forms of water damage, or vandalism can go undetected for weeks or months.
So, if you fail to inform your home insurance provider that your property will be empty for a longer period than you agreed to in your policy, it's likely to invalidate your cover. This means that your provider could refuse to pay out for any claims you make.
Does landlord insurance cover an unoccupied property?
Can I insure an empty property if it's for sale?
Why do I need to tell my home insurance provider if my property is unoccupied?
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