Does home insurance cover an empty property?

An unoccupied property is more vulnerable to certain risks and there’s a chance something could go wrong if no one’s there to look after it. If nobody lives at your home, it’s more vulnerable to:

• Frozen Pipes
• Electrical faults
• Burglary
• Vandalism

When there’s no one around to spot problems early, the damage can be more serious and go unnoticed for weeks – especially in cold or stormy weather.

Although these measures can't guarantee complete protection, they help reduce risks. Remember, failing to meet policy conditions regarding empty property checks  and maintenance could increase your excess or invalidate your claim.

When it comes to making sure your unoccupied property is covered, it’s important to keep your insurer up to date with any changes to your situation. Here’s an example of how that could look:

Ben lives alone and works overseas from time to time. For his last job, he’d already been away for four weeks before the scope of the project changed. Ben agreed to stay on for three months without realising what that could mean for his home insurance.

Luckily, Ben mentioned to a friend back home how his time away had been extended and they suggested checking his insurance documents to see if his home would still be covered.

Like most policies, it didn’t cover a property left unoccupied for over 60 days in a row. Ben got in touch with his insurers to see what was possible and agreed to pay a small additional fee and take some extra steps to keep the cover valid.

There are different rules for properties that aren't your primary residence. Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover second homes or holiday homes as they tend to have extended periods of unoccupancy, typically beyond 60 days.

If you're dealing with a property in probate, you'll need specialist unoccupied property insurance, as standard policies may be voided after 30-60 days. Similarly, landlords between tenants should check their landlord insurance policy, as you may need additional cover during vacancy periods. Always contact your insurer if you're planning to leave any property unoccupied for more than 60 days to make sure you have appropriate protection.

How can I keep an unoccupied property safe?

If you know your home’s going to be empty for a while, even if you have insurance, it’s worth taking a few precautions. These simple steps can help reduce the risk of damage or theft:

1. Fit high-quality locks on all doors and windows. 
2. Install a burglar alarm, CCTV, or smart security system.
3. Ask a friend or neighbour to check in regularly.
4. Put lights on a timer to make the home look lived-in. 
5. In cold weather, keep the heating on low to help prevent frozen pipes and flooding in your home.  

Standard unoccupied house insurance typically protects your property against fire damage, storm and flood incidents, and escape of water or oil from fixed installations. Public liability cover is also included, which safeguards you if someone is injured on your vacant property. Your policy should cover the main structure of your home, including permanent fixtures like boundary walls, driveways, and patios, even when no one's there.

Most unoccupied property policies won't cover theft without forced entry or break-ins. Gradual deterioration due to poor maintenance is typically excluded, as are high-value items unless specifically declared. Between October and April, some insurers restrict coverage for escape of water damage unless heating is maintained. So, always check your policy for specific exclusions related to prolonged vacancy periods.

Unoccupied house insurance can vary significantly depending on your circumstances and the length of time your property will remain empty. Standard policies often only cover homes left vacant for 30-60 days, so longer periods require specialised coverage.