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"I was looking to renew my building and contents insurance. With the main home and a second home it is not that straight forward as we sometimes let out the second home. Emerald were swift and to the point when I spoke to them. I couldn't believe that they managed to save me approximately 25% on my policy! Amazing. Everything was so straight forward and I recommend them very highly." - Rex Chalmers, Property Developer
IMPORTANT NOTE: this link is for an EXAMPLE policy only. Your actual unoccupied home insurance policy may differ from this, so please look in your My Account for the details that are correct for you, or email customerservice@emeraldlife.co.uk for a copy of your documents.
If you own a property that will be left empty for an extended period, finding the best unoccupied home insurance is crucial. Unoccupied homes can attract unwanted attention from vandals or thieves, increasing the risk of damage or loss.
This guide is designed to help homeowners understand the unique risks associated with leaving a property unoccupied and how to choose the right insurance policy. Unoccupied home insurance is designed to protect a property that’s left empty for longer than your standard home insurance policy allows, typically more than 30 consecutive days. When a home is left empty, it can attract unwanted attention, making it more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities. Unoccupied properties face higher risks because issues like leaks or electrical faults can go unnoticed, and they’re more exposed to fire, vandalism, and weather damage. As a result, unoccupied home insurance can be more expensive because of the increased risks that come with empty properties.
Leaving your property unoccupied leads to additional risks, and it’s essential that you let your home insurer know if your property will be left empty for more than 30 days.
Unoccupied homes are more common than many people realize, whether due to an extended holiday, a property waiting to be sold, or a home left empty during probate. When a property is unoccupied, it can quickly become a target for theft, vandalism, and accidental damage, making it more vulnerable than a lived-in home. Standard home insurance policies often don’t provide adequate protection for these situations, which is where unoccupied home insurance comes in.
Unoccupied home insurance is a specialist type of cover designed to protect properties that are left empty for a significant period. This insurance helps homeowners safeguard their investment by covering risks that are more likely to occur when a property is unoccupied, such as break-ins, malicious damage, or even issues like burst pipes that go unnoticed. Whether you’re a homeowner taking an extended holiday, managing a property during probate, or simply waiting for a sale to go through, unoccupied home insurance ensures your property is protected until it’s occupied again.
When comparing the best unoccupied home insurance options, it’s important to understand the key policy differences, especially regarding the level of cover and unoccupied cover provided. Most standard home insurance policies have a limit on how long a property can be unoccupied, usually between 30 to 60 days. After this period, the level of cover may be reduced or certain risks may be excluded unless you have a specialist unoccupied home insurance cover in place.
Some policies may limit coverage to only certain risks after a property has been unoccupied for a specified period, such as 30 or 60 days. Many unoccupied home insurance policies also require regular inspections, often at least once every 30 days, to maintain coverage. For Emerald we prefer every 14 days.
Exclusions in unoccupied home insurance can include damage from unforced entry if doors or windows are left unlocked. Other common exclusions may apply depending on the level of cover and the specific unoccupied cover chosen.
If you need to make a claim, it’s essential to notify your insurer promptly and ensure you have met all policy requirements for unoccupied properties, such as regular inspections and securing the property, to avoid issues with claim acceptance.
Unoccupied home insurance, also known as unoccupied house insurance, is a specialized type of policy designed to insure homes that are left empty for more than 30 days. Unlike standard home insurance, which may not provide adequate coverage if your property is unoccupied for 30-60 days, unoccupied home insurance offers more protection for risks such as theft, vandalism, fire, or escape of water. Standard home insurance policies often exclude or limit cover for properties left empty for extended periods, so if your home will be unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days, you may need to insure it with a dedicated unoccupied house insurance policy to ensure proper protection during prolonged vacancy. Choose specialist cover when your property will be empty for an extended time to avoid gaps in protection.
There are several scenarios when you may need the best unoccupied home insurance. Common reasons a property may be left unoccupied include:
Extended holidays or long-term travel
Renovations or major repairs
Awaiting a sale or while the home is on the market (note: you can insure a home that is on the market, but it may require unoccupied home insurance if it will be empty for an extended period)
Awaiting probate
Being a second home or holiday home
Being between tenants in a rental property
Caring for a family member, which may require the owner to leave the property empty for some time
Unoccupied home insurance is necessary for properties that are empty due to renovations, awaiting probate, being a second home, awaiting a sale, or being between tenants. If the property is empty for an extended period, the owner may need to arrange their own insurance to ensure proper coverage. Always notify your insurer if your property will be unoccupied for longer than your policy allows, as standard home insurance may not provide adequate protection in these situations.
If your property will be unoccupied for a short period, you may not need a full annual policy. Instead, you can buy home insurance specifically designed for unoccupied properties for short-term periods such as 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your needs. This flexibility allows you to match your coverage to the exact duration your home will be empty.
Keep in mind, we require regular inspections during these periods to maintain coverage. Additionally, it’s wise to implement temporary security measures, such as installing timers on lights or upgrading locks, to reduce the risk of break-ins or damage while the property is unoccupied.
Unoccupied home insurance policies are designed to cover things in your property while it is empty, including both the main property and associated features. Comprehensive coverage typically protects against fire, theft, vandalism, flood, storm damage, escape of water or oil, and criminal damage. Policies can also include cover for outbuildings such as garages and sheds, as well as boundary walls, which are important aspects of your property’s exterior and value.
Below is a table summarizing common covered perils and insurable structures:
Covered Peril/Structure | Included in Policy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Fire | Yes | Comprehensive protection |
Theft | Yes | Includes break-ins and burglary |
Vandalism | Yes | Includes criminal damage |
Flood | Yes | Natural disaster coverage |
Storm Damage | Yes | Includes roof tile repairs and damage caused by severe weather |
Escape of Water or Oil | Yes | Covers leaks and resulting damage caused |
Outbuildings (garages, sheds) | Yes (if specified) | Check policy for specific inclusions |
Boundary Walls | Yes (if specified) | Included as part of buildings cover |
Damage Caused by Break-ins | Yes | Covers damage caused during unauthorized entry |
Contents/Belongings | Yes (if specified) | Policies can cover things left in the property |
Gradual wear and tear
Damage caused by lack of maintenance
Unforced entry (no signs of break-in)
Business or commercial use of the property
High-value items not declared in the policy
Buildings cover protects the main property structure, including permanent fixtures, boundary walls, and outbuildings. This ensures that the cost of rebuilding or repairing the main property and its associated features is covered after insured events.
Contents cover is for personal belongings and valuables left in the property. Always check your policy to see which things are covered and any limits that may apply.
Most unoccupied home insurance policies include public liability cover, which can protect you against claims for accidental death, injury, or damage to third parties occurring at your property. This is especially important if someone is injured or property is damaged while your home is unoccupied.
Typical policies set limits on the maximum payout for buildings, contents, and liability claims. Excesses (the amount you pay towards a claim) will also apply and may be higher for unoccupied properties. Always review your policy documents to understand these details.
When comparing standard home insurance with specialist unoccupied home insurance, it’s important to note that standard policies often have strict limits on how long a property can remain empty—typically 30 to 60 days. After this period, your cover may be reduced or even invalidated.
Specialist policies, on the other hand, are designed to insure properties that will be unoccupied for longer periods. These insurers provide more comprehensive cover than standard providers who simply offer extensions, making it crucial to insure with a specialist if your property will be empty for an extended time.
Benefits of specialist unoccupied home insurance include protection against risks like vandalism, theft, and water damage, which may not be covered under a standard policy. Additionally, specialist insurers often offer more flexible eligibility criteria based on how long the property will be unoccupied, ensuring you have the right level of protection for your needs.
Install robust physical security measures such as high-quality locks on all doors and windows to prevent damage and meet insurer requirements.
Secure all entry points and consider installing a monitored alarm system for added protection.
Retain smart-lock logs to provide evidence of access history if needed.
Appoint a trusted local keyholder who can respond quickly in case of emergencies.
Ensure the property is inspected internally at least once every 30 days, as many insurers require this to keep your unoccupied home insurance valid. Regular inspections are essential to limit damage, ensure security, and maintain coverage.
Maintain a well-kept appearance for the property to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Improving your property’s security can help reduce the cost of unoccupied home insurance, as insurers may offer lower premiums for homes with robust security systems, such as alarms and secure locks. Keep in mind that the cost of unoccupied home insurance is generally higher than standard home insurance due to the increased risk of damage or theft when a property is left empty for extended periods. The length of time your property will be unoccupied and the level of cover you choose are key factors that will affect how much you pay for your policy.
Make sure your property is accurately valued and that you only pay for the cover you need. Over-insuring can lead to unnecessarily high premiums, while under-insuring could leave you out of pocket if you need to make a claim. The cost of unoccupied home insurance can vary based on your circumstances and the level of cover required.
Select a cover level that matches your needs—comprehensive cover may cost more, but it could save you money in the long run if you need to claim. You can usually pay for your unoccupied home insurance policy in different ways, such as monthly or annually, depending on the insurer. Some insurers may offer discounts if you pay upfront for the full year, while others provide premium finance options for spreading the cost.
Choosing the right unoccupied home insurance policy can make all the difference in protecting your empty property. Start by assessing how long your home will be unoccupied, as this will affect the type of cover you need and the level of risk involved. Compare unoccupied home insurance policies from different insurers, paying close attention to what is included in the cover, such as protection against theft, fire, flood, and malicious damage.
Look for policies that offer flexible terms, allowing you to extend or reduce cover as your circumstances change. Check the exclusions and limits carefully—some policies may not cover certain types of damage or may require you to perform regular inspections or install specific security measures. Consider the unoccupied home insurance cost, but don’t sacrifice essential cover for a lower premium. Features like public liability, contents cover, and accidental damage protection can be crucial, especially if your property is left unoccupied for a long period.
It’s also wise to read customer reviews and seek recommendations to find insurers with a good reputation for handling claims efficiently. By taking the time to compare your options and understand the full details of each unoccupied home insurance policy, you can ensure your property is properly protected, no matter how long it remains empty.
When you need to make a claim on your unoccupied home insurance, start by gathering all relevant documents, such as proof of ownership, a detailed inventory of damaged or stolen items, and any receipts for repairs or replacements. Dated photos of the property and any damage can serve as valuable evidence.
If your home is unoccupied for more than 30 days, you must inform your insurer to avoid invalidating your policy. Most insurers also require that the property is inspected every 7-14 days. Keep a log of these inspections, including dates and details, as well as any maintenance performed.
To report a change in occupancy, contact your insurer as soon as possible and provide updated information about the property’s status. Failure to comply with your insurer’s requirements—such as maintaining heating or conducting regular inspections—can lead to claims being declined.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Unoccupied Home Insurance
What is an example of when unoccupied home insurance is needed?
An example would be if you need to leave your property vacant for an extended period due to a hospital stay, renovation, or travel. In these cases, standard home insurance may not provide adequate protection, so unoccupied home insurance is essential.
What is the difference between ‘vacant’ and ‘unoccupied’ in home insurance?
A ‘vacant’ property is completely empty, with no personal belongings or residents, while an ‘unoccupied’ property may still have furniture and possessions but is temporarily not lived in. Insurance coverage and risks can differ based on this status.
What does unoccupied home insurance typically cover?
Basic coverage for unoccupied homes often includes fire, lightning, earthquake, and explosion (FLEE cover). Many policies also protect against risks like theft, vandalism, and accidental damage, and may include outbuildings such as garages and sheds, depending on the policy.
Are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
Yes, exclusions can include damage resulting from unforced entry, such as leaving doors or windows unlocked. Insurers may deny claims if entry was gained without force, so always ensure all entry points are secure.
Why is unoccupied home insurance important?
Unoccupied properties are at a higher risk of damage from issues like burst pipes, vandalism, theft, and weather-related incidents such as storms and flooding. Empty homes face higher risks because leaks, faults, and fire hazards can go unnoticed. This coverage fills the gap because empty homes face higher risks of burglary, undetected leaks, and vandalism.
Does unoccupied home insurance provide year round protection?
Yes, unoccupied home insurance provides protection year round, ensuring continuous coverage for empty properties without gaps.
For more details, see the full policy wording.
To get a quote for extended cover, contact our team or use our online quote tool.
Leaving a property unoccupied can expose it to a range of risks that standard home insurance simply doesn’t cover. Unoccupied home insurance is a vital safeguard for homeowners, whether your property is empty due to an extended holiday, probate, or waiting for new tenants. By understanding the unique challenges of insuring an empty home and taking steps to find the right cover, you can protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind.
Remember to review your policy details, implement recommended security measures, and keep your insurer informed of any changes in occupancy. With the right unoccupied home insurance in place, you can rest assured that your property is protected against the unexpected, no matter how long it remains unoccupied.
There are periods when you may have an unoccupied property. There are many reasons for that – probate for a loved one who has died, renovations, awaiting sale. All these are important and you will need to make sure that you have the right insurance for that property, vacant house or other building.
A standard home insurance policy will not suffice if your property is unoccupied for more than 30 days, in which case you may need specialist unoccupied property insurance, or a more standard unoccupied home insurance policy, replacing your own insurance for when the house is unoccupied.
There are many reasons why you may need unoccupied property insurance or unoccupied home insurance to provide cover against certain eventualities when your home is left unoccupied, such as attempted theft, attempted break ins, fire, unforced entry, a water leak and any damage caused by those events.
Get a quote from Emerald right away to make sure that you are covered.
Your existing home insurance provider may be able to give you house insurance cover but that standard house insurance cover will likely not work so you will need an unoccupied property insurance quote. When comparing unoccupied home insurance (or sometimes probate house insurance) make sure that you look at the details as the policy terms can be very different. So when you get your unoccupied home insurance quotes, check that those unoccupied home insurance quotes are ‘apples for apples’. Many home insurance providers will not offer unoccupied home insurance on residential property, so you may need to change insurance provider to get unoccupied insurance where there is property unoccupied.
Note that unoccupied cover does not normally work in relation to a holiday home or rental properties (separate type of policy) but may apply to your main home if you are taking an extended holiday. In that case, you can always call Emerald on 0330 113 7109 and we will do our best to assist to get your cover cost as low as possible (and help you save money) on your vacant home or vacant properties.
Topics for your further research: unoccupied home insurance/short-term unoccupied home insurance/unoccupied property insurance/short-term unoccupied property insurance
There are over 200,000 unoccupied properties in the UK according to the Telegraph. Yes, unoccupied house insurance is designed to take account of the additional risk of a house that is not occupied. In fact, you need unoccupied house insurance if your home is left unoccupied and you still want to protect your home from events like burst pipes, theft and malicious damage while it is vacant.
However, your standard home insurance is unlikely to cover an unoccupied property. Some insurers may offer to extend a policy out of goodwill after a sale or death that leaves the property empty, but generally standard home insurance requires someone to be resident full time at the property.
With unoccupied house insurance an empty property can stay protected. An empty unoccupied property does still create some obligations which will be explained in your policy documentation. For instance, you are likely to have to inspect the property on a regular basis and an insurance provider may have conditions about keeping certain utilities like water and gas switched on or off with an empty property.
And while some of them may make great homes according to the BBC, and you may still need to fill in a census form, you will still need proper insurance while they are vacant.
What does unoccupied home insurance cost? Well it will be more expensive as you have a property vacant for an extended period, and left unoccupied there is a greater risk of damage. Make sure you read you policy carefully for any restrictions as well - for example the need for burglar alarms.
Topics that you might like to research or type into your search engine include Unoccupied Property Insurance, Unoccupied Home Insurance, Short-Term Unoccupied Property Insurance, Short-Term Unoccupied Home Insurance and similar terms as well.
Most definitely. You will need more than standard home insurance cover from your usual home insurance provider.
We will need to take some details from you. Given that holiday or weekend homes can cover many different situations, we prefer to have our specialist underwriting team speak with you so that we can properly assess the situation.
For example, you may have a property that you rent out part of the year to third parties, or one that you live in over the winter. Each property that we cover has its own individual requirements, and it’s important that these are reflected, and protected, under an Emerald home policy.
You can get a quote on our home landing page, or if you need further advice you can call our specialist underwriting team on 0330 113 7109 and we will be glad to help.
Many insurers only offer cover for very standard homes. At Emerald Life, we try to be more helpful than that. So for instance, many insurers will decline cover for buildings with:
We may have to offer some additional qualifications (for example, regular checks on flat rooves, or the wiring in very old houses) but these are designed to make sure your property stays in a good condition.
We want to be able to cover your home or property, whatever it is, so get an online quote from our home page or call our specialist underwriting team on 0330 113 7109 and we will be glad to help.
There are many reasons that a property might be unoccupied for any long period of time. For example:
If you have a property that is going to be empty for a period longer than an average family holiday, then you may need specialist insurance for your case.
There may be things that you don’t need to pay for (contents in empty properties), but there may be some extra obligations (checking for leaks periodically, switching off mains supplies etc). If you have just a standard home and contents insurance policy, your insurance provider may not pay out if you make any claims.
We can cover any period of time with empty properties, and roll over cover in the case that, for example, probate is delayed or a property has not sold or a landlord is between tenants.
We want to be able to cover your home or property, whatever it is, so get an online quote from our home page or call our specialist underwriting team on 0330 113 7109 and we will be glad to help.
We are talking here about your empty property and when we look at the need for insurance unoccupied home insurance cover is vital.
We appreciate that for many people taking out insurance is a time-consuming business, and the same goes if you have to change something during the term of an insurance policy.
Emerald’s personal service ensures that we can change our cover if your circumstances change. Sometimes the premium may change but in many cases it may not. As an Emerald customer, please call us on 0330 113 7109 within office hours or leave a message for a call back and we will help however we can.
There are many circumstances why a property you own might be unoccupied for a period. Where a property is unoccupied, your existing insurance - either normal home insurance, or landlord insurance – may not give you cover, so you should always look at unoccupied home insurance if your property is going to be empty for more than 30 days.
Common instances where a property or home may be empty are:
When looking at unoccupied property insurance cover, there are three levels of unoccupied house insurance insurance, and obviously the lower the premium the more basic the cover. So unoccupied home insurance covers these levels:
Make sure that your insurance policy also has public liability cover so if, for example, something falls from your roof and hits someone or something, you would be covered.
For many of the reasons that the property is unoccupied, it may not be necessary to buy an annual insurance policy. For that reason, Emerald also offers short-term home insurance cover for fixed periods of three and six months.
Note however that these are fixed terms and cannot be extended or cancelled. For example, if you bought short-term cover for three months for a house for sale and needed to extend cover, you would need to buy another short-term insurance insurance policy for a fixed period, or else buy a 12-month insurance policy.
Although you pay more up-front for a 12-month insurance policy, it does have the advantage that it can be cancelled at any time, and you will get a pro-rata refund provided you have not made a claim.
So, have a further look at unoccupied home insurance or short-term unoccupied home insurance. Further research into unoccupied home insurance will always be useful when you are sorting unoccupied house insurance cover.
Because the property is left empty, often the cover is more expensive than regular home insurance when a house is going to be unoccupied. The actual premium you get from a quote will depend on the level of unoccupied buildings insurance cover or unoccupied contents cover that you want.
Valuables and portable items (such as bicycles) are not usually covered under an unoccupied home policy, as your insurance provider will expect you to take them away when you leave the house.
The insurance provider will also look at your postcode to provide a quote, so premium will be higher if you are near water or a flood risk area, or if you are in a higher crime area.
You can often reduce the premium for your unoccupied home cover by increasing your excess (the amount that you would not get back in the event of any claim) and that can be a popular option as part of your quote.
Just because you are buying unoccupied property insurance, that doesn’t mean you can just disappear and expect full cover. An insurer will expect you to take reasonable care even while you are away from your vacant property. What does that mean in practice?
Where you have left a house because you are having renovations done, the cover levels of policies remain the same but there are other exclusions or qualifications as, rather than the property being left empty, you have a third party demolishing/rebuilding part of it.
It is vital to comply with these extra endorsements in policies as otherwise you may invalidate your unoccupied property insurance.
Some examples are:
Insurance for renovations to unoccupied properties can be tricky, so it is a good idea to speak directly to the insurer in these cases so that you can be sure of exactly what insurance you need.
Check your policy documents to see how long your property can remain unoccupied. 30 consecutive days is quite common in policies and so most annual holidays are fine.
However, if you expect to be away for a long period of time and your home is going to be empty for longer, or the resident of the property has moved or died then you need to tell your buildings insurance provider straight away that the property is long term unoccupied.
A lot of insurers won't provide empty home insurance and so you should give yourself plenty of time to protect your home and find alternative policies when you know a home is going to be left vacant.
If you fail to tell your insurer that an empty house is going to be unoccupied then you could break the terms of your existing policy and so be unable to make a claim.
We do! Empty property insurance is not the kind of standard policies you'll see advertised by big brands on television. Unoccupied properties pose a higher risk of attempted theft and malicious damage as well as bigger costs if a leak goes unnoticed from burst pipes.
These could all be expensive if you had to make a claim for them and so if a home is unoccupied it needs specialist unoccupied house insurance.
You can find these specialists by searching for empty property insurance and this is often a much more manual process than just going through a comparison site as these insurance providers tend to be quite small.
