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A guide to unoccupied home insurance

A home that is unoccupied for a long period can be a home that is at more risk. Whatever reason you need to leave a home empty for a while – whether due to travel, renovation, handling probate for a family member, or awaiting new tenants – it’s important to secure appropriate cover

As a leading home insurance broker in the UK, our team at Norton Insurance Brokers is experienced in helping clients with high-value homes to put together a personalised policy of protection for their unoccupied property.

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What is unoccupied home subsidence?

Unoccupied home insurance provides cover for buildings and contents when a property is empty. This situation usually arises during home renovations, between tenancies, or during a sale.

Unlike standard policies, which often have a 30-day unoccupancy limit, these specialised policies can offer tailored protection to landlords for periods ranging from 3-12 months, depending on the insurer and the individual circumstances involved.

What does unoccupied insurance cover?

When taking out home insurance for an unoccupied property, there are many different cover options. The most commonly insured cover types include:

Structural damage: Repairing or rebuilding a property due to fire, flood and/or storm.
Vandalism and malicious damage: Protection if the property is damaged intentionally by intruders or vandals.
Escape of water: Covers water damage from burst pipes or leaks – a common issue in unoccupied homes.
Theft or attempted theft: Protection if someone breaks into the property and steals fixtures or fittings (many policies require approved locks and security systems).
Arson or fire damage: Including accidental fires, electrical faults, or deliberate acts.
Cover for furnishings: If you’ve left items like carpets, curtains, or appliances in the home, you can insure these.

What does unoccupied insurance not cover?

While unoccupied home insurance offers fairly extensive coverage, it’s essential to be aware of common exclusions and protect yourself against such situations:

Unforced entry: If doors or windows are left unsecured, claims for theft or damage may be denied.
Major renovations: Damage resulting from significant construction work is typically not covered; separate renovation insurance may be required.
Poor maintenance: Damage due to neglect, such as burst pipes from inadequate heating, may not be covered.
Contractor damage: Any damage caused by contractors should be covered by their own insurance, not the homeowner’s policy.

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Unoccupied insurance during probate

Managing the probate process for a family member who has passed away is already difficult in a number of ways, from the emotional to the logistical, so the last thing you want is to be worrying about the security of a property that is empty for an extended period.

Whether it’s taking time to sort out the legal and financial interests of different parties listed in a will, you need to renovate a property before sale, or you’re simply having trouble selling the property, there are many reasons why unoccupied home insurance can be vital during probate.

These periods of vacancy can leave homes at higher risk of hidden structural problems, including subsidence which can worsen without regular checks or proper cover in place.

It can provide the added peace of mind of knowing the property is protected, which is especially important if the parties involved in the probate process are not local to the property and cannot check in on it on a regular basis. Our expert team can help you find exactly the right package of unoccupied home cover for as long as the probate process may take.

Water damage on a ceiling from a leaking pipe.

Case study: Unoccupied insurance during probate

When James became executor of his late uncle’s estate, he was left in charge of a semi-detached house that would remain empty for several months during probate. Aware that empty homes carry more risk, James took out unoccupied home insurance that included escape of water and vandalism cover.

The policy also required him to keep basic heating on and check the property weekly – which he did, noting each visit.

One cold morning in March, he arrived to find a damp patch on the kitchen ceiling. A pipe had started leaking slowly in the upstairs bathroom. Because he’d caught it early during his regular checks, the damage was limited to plasterwork and flooring. James’ insurer approved the full £3,500 claim without issue.

Without unoccupied home insurance, or if he hadn’t followed the policy conditions, James might have faced delays and repair costs during an already stressful time.

Unoccupied insurance for landlords

Unoccupied home insurance offers landlords essential cover for properties that are temporarily vacant, such as during tenant transitions or renovation periods. Standard landlord insurance policies often limit coverage for unoccupied properties, typically after 30 days. Specialist unoccupied home insurance extends this coverage, for risks like theft, vandalism, and water damage that can occur when a property is empty for longer periods.

Even when a property is unoccupied, landlords can still be held liable for accidents or injuries that occur on the premises. Unoccupied home insurance often includes public liability coverage, which protects landlords from legal and financial repercussions if someone is injured or property is damaged while on the unoccupied premises.

Opting for insurance for an unoccupied home is a prudent decision for any landlord who may need to leave a property empty for extended periods. By understanding unoccupied home insurance and implementing the recommended precautions, you can ensure your property remains protected from potential risks.

Speak to us about unoccupied home insurance today

We are experienced in helping clients to find insurance for unoccupied homes. These situations can be difficult, so we always recommend speaking to a specialist advisor for tailored advice on your options.

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