What is unoccupied home insurance?
As standard, most insurers will only insure your home if it is unoccupied for a certain amount of time (usually 30-60 days). Therefore, if a claim is made and your property has been empty for more than the agreed term, your claim may be denied. If you vacate your property, it’s essential. to check your policies terms around how long you can leave before it is deemed an unoccupied property.
A property may become unoccupied for various reasons, such as:
- Your property is being sold
- Your property is being renovated
- It is a holiday home
- You’re a landlord with gaps between tenants
- You are travelling
- You have had to leave the home for a medical emergency
Why use unoccupied home insurance?
Unoccupied homes are at a much higher risk of a claim. As there’s no one at the property, small issues can evolve into significant issues. Such as leaky roofs or faulty boilers. Unoccupied properties are also naturally susceptible to theft and vandalism due to being empty. Unfortunately, many insurance providers will not allow you to make a claim if your home has been unoccupied for longer than your agreed term. If you plan on your property is empty for a more extended period of time, it may be worth investigating specialist unoccupied home insurance.
What does unoccupied home insurance cover?
Common types of cover included with unoccupied home insurance include:
- Unoccupied buildings insurance: This covers damage to your timber frame home’s physical structure, its fixtures and often its fittings, commonly including roofs, chimneys, walls and windows.
- Property owners liability cover: Property owners’ liability cover is used to protect you against compensation claims raised by third parties that have been injured at your property when you’re at fault.
- Theft and malicious damage: This is used to protect your buildings and contents against theft, attempted theft and malicious damage.
Often, unoccupied home insurance can also include:
- Storm, flood or fire damage
- Escape of water or oil
- Legal expenses
Unoccupied vs. Vacant home?
Many people describe their unoccupied home as ‘vacant’, or vice versa. However, in the eyes of an insurer, these are different. An unoccupied home has no occupants living inside, but does contain contents or furniture. A vacant home has neither occupants or contents. Generally, unnocupied home insurance brokers will be able to offer quotes for both. If your home has contents, you’ll need to let your insurer know the total value of them.
How can we help?
Fortunately, QuoteRack works closely with insurance brokers who can offer you access to specialised schemes offered by niche insurance companies looking to provide unoccupied home insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally need unoccupied home insurance?
Like regular home insurance, unoccupied home insurance is not legally required. However, due to your property’s risk of damage or theft, while you’re away, repairs and claims can become costly without appropriate cover.
What doesn’t unoccupied home insurance cover?
Most unoccupied home insurance providers will not cover:
- Unforced entry
- Major works
- Contractors
Enquire through us for unoccupied home insurance
If you have explored other avenues of enquiry in your search for unoccupied home insurance, then you are welcome to submit your details through the QuoteRack website, without cost or obligation to proceed when you receive your insurance quote.