Leaving your home empty might seem harmless if it’s only for a few weeks. Maybe you’re renovating, selling, or temporarily relocating. But many homeowners don’t realise that standard home insurance may not cover unoccupied properties beyond 30 days. A single leak, break-in, or accidental fire could result in a denied claim, leaving you with thousands in repair costs.
Why Standard Home Insurance Often Fails:
Most home insurance policies assume someone is living in the property. Extended vacancy often voids coverage for:
- Burglary or vandalism
- Water damage from leaks
- Fire or accidental damage
- Liability claims
Tailored Unoccupied Home Insurance:
Unoccupied home insurance is designed to fill this gap. Policies are flexible, typically ranging from 1 month to 12 months, covering:
- Fire, flood, and accidental damage
- Theft, vandalism, and squatter damage
- Legal liability and accidental injuries on the property
- Optional add-ons for renovations or probate situations
Real-Life Examples:
- Case 1: A homeowner left a property vacant for 6 months during renovations. A burst pipe caused £8,000 in water damage. With unoccupied insurance, the claim was covered.
- Case 2: A landlord’s property was empty during a sale process. Squatters caused £5,000 in damage. The tailored policy handled the costs quickly.
Tips for Choosing the Right Policy:
- Check the maximum duration a property can be empty.
- Confirm what’s covered (fire, flood, theft, liability).
- Look for flexible premiums—short-term cover can save money.
- Ensure any renovation or probate situations are declared.
Don’t risk being uninsured while your property sits empty. Protect your biggest asset and gain peace of mind.
📞 Speak to Alternative Insurance Brokers today to get a tailored quote for your unoccupied property.
