Unoccupied Property Insurance

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What is Unoccupied Property Insurance?

Unoccupied property insurance is a type of insurance policy that is designed to protect properties that are empty for an extended period of time. A property is considered unoccupied when it has been empty for more than 30 days.

Properties that are unoccupied are at higher risk of fire, water damage, vandalism or squatting due to no one being present to resolve or deter these issues quickly. As such, insurance for unoccupied properties takes into account these risks.

Standard home or landlords insurance does not cover properties left empty for an extended period of time.

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‘Insurance for an unoccupied property can have a lot of terms and conditions within it due to the nature of the risk. Take time to compare unoccupied property insurance policies to ensure you remain insured in the event of severe damage or theft!’.

- Michael Tribe

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Who Needs Insurance For An Unoccupied Property?

Unoccupied property insurance is typically required by property owners who plan to leave their property vacant or unoccupied for more than 30 days.

Some common scenarios where unoccupied property insurance may be necessary include:

Property undergoing renovations: If you are renovating your property and plan to move out during the renovations, your property may be considered unoccupied and you may need unoccupied property insurance.
Property for sale: If you are trying to sell your property and it remains empty for an extended period, you may need unoccupied property insurance.
Property awaiting probate: If a property owner has passed away and the property is awaiting probate, it may be considered unoccupied and you may need unoccupied property insurance.
Second homes or holiday homes: If you own a second home or holiday home that remains empty for an extended period, you may need unoccupied property insurance.

If your property is left unoccupied without the proper insurance, you may be at risk of being denied a claim in the event of needing to.

When Is A Property Classed As Unoccupied?

A property is generally classed as unoccupied when left empty for more than 30 days. This means the property has no furniture and is not lived in for the set time frame.

Some insurers may class a property to be unoccupied much sooner. For instance, they may consider the property vacant at 21 days so it is important to check policy wording.

When a home owner takes and extended holiday, it is unlikely that the insurer will class the property unoccupied in this instance but it is worth checking your home insurance policy for this.

What Does Unoccupied Property Insurance Cover?

Insurance for empty properties typically covers a range of risks that are associated with leaving a property empty for an extended period of time. The specific cover provided may vary depending on the policy and insurance provider but typically includes the following:

Damage To The Property

Unoccupied property insurance may provide coverage for damage to the property caused by risks such as fire, storms, flood, and vandalism.

Theft and Malicious Damage

Unoccupied properties may be more vulnerable to theft and vandalism, so unoccupied property insurance may include coverage for losses or damage caused by criminal acts.

Liability

If someone is injured on the property while it is unoccupied, the property owner may be held liable. Unoccupied property insurance may provide coverage for any legal liability claims that arise.

Emergency Repairs

If an emergency occurs at the property, such as a burst pipe resulting in an escape of water, you policy will step in to cover these costs.

What Doesn’t Unoccupied Property Insurance Cover?

While vacant property insurance is designed to cover a range of risks associated with leaving a property empty for an extended period of time, there are some limitations to what it covers. Here are some common exclusions to unoccupied property insurance coverage:

Normal Wear and Tear

Unoccupied property insurance typically covers damage caused by unexpected events, but it does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance.

Loss of Rent

If you rent out your property and your tenants move out, unoccupied property insurance typically does not cover any loss of rental income.

Pre-existing Damage

Unoccupied property insurance usually does not cover any damage that was present before the property was left unoccupied.

Damage Caused by Unapproved Renovations

If you make renovations to your property without first obtaining approval from your insurance provider, any damage caused by those renovations may not be covered.

Some Types of Damage

Some types of damage, such as damage caused by insects or rodents, may not be covered by unoccupied property insurance.

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any unoccupied property insurance policy you are considering to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. If you have any questions about what is covered, you should speak with an insurance broker who specialises in unoccupied properties.

Do I Need To Inform My Insurer If My Property Is Unoccupied?

If you are a home owner and intend to be away for longer than 30 days, it is likely that you will be required to notify your insurer. Most insurance providers will offer you a bolt on short term unoccupied home insurance policy.

If the property is to be vacant through renovation for instance, then a completely separate specialist unoccupied property policy will be required.

By informing your insurance provider that your property is going to be unoccupied, you can ensure that you have the appropriate insurance cover in place. In the event you need to make a claim and you have not notified your insurer, it is probable that your claim will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Empty Property Insurance?

If you are responsible for an unoccupied property, then yes, you do require a policy to cover it. Standard building insurance is not sufficient for vacant premises and will not cover any unoccupied premises.

When it comes to vacant premises, there are different risks involved such as theft or fire. These risks are typically less prevalent in occupied properties.

Do Landlords Need Unoccupied Property Insurance?

Landlords insurance is not too different from a home insurance policy. Given the nature of letting to tenants, it is expected at times that your property will be vacant. Because of this, landlord insurance generally allows for a property to remain empty for up to 3 months.

If you are a landlord who’s property is going to be empty for longer than 3 months, then yes, vacant property insurance should be purchased.