Published 4 March 2025
Does home insurance cover an unoccupied property?
• Does an empty home impact your home insurance?
• What should you do if your property's left unoccupied?
• Should I tell my insurer if my home is unoccupied?
• What should you do if your property's left unoccupied?
• Should I tell my insurer if my home is unoccupied?
Do I need to tell my insurer if my home is unoccupied?
Yes! Many policies will expire after 60 days of a property being empty. If you don’t tell your insurer, it can either invalidate or limit your policy on your Home or Landlords property. Most home insurance policies don’t cover beyond 60 days of unoccupancy. Some insurers might offer extra cover during this period. Remember to check your policy documents for exclusions and finer details.
What are the risks of leaving an unoccupied property?
If you’re away from home, there is an increased likelihood of the following.
- Electrical hazards
- Burglaries
- Water damage
- Vandalism
As no one is around, the chances of any of these events happening are more likely. For example, potential burglars may notice that the property is empty which makes it an easier target for a break in. Maintenance issues may go unnoticed such as water leaks and electrical problems.
How to keep an unoccupied property safe
If you’re going to be away for an extended period, there are some certain precautions you can take to help secure your property.
- Ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on the property.
- Install smart security systems or extra CCTV cameras.
- Smart exterior lighting systems, to illuminate the area surrounding the house.
- Have good quality locks on both the doors and windows.
Although these steps can’t guarantee protection for your home, they can help lower the chances of you needing to make a claim while you’re not there. If you’re going away during the winter, some insurers may suggest leaving the heating on from time to time to make sure that your pipes don’t freeze, which could lead to flooding inside the home.
What if the unoccupied property isn't my main home?
There are different rules when talking about a property that isn’t your primary residence. Most standard home insurance policies do not cover second homes or holiday homes as they tend to have extended periods of unoccupancy.
Check your policy documents for the details of your cover, and make sure to contact your insurer if you’re planning to be away from home for more than 60 days.
