Unoccupied Property
Commercial Insurance

Question: What counts as unoccupied for home insurance?

As insurance companies consider a property to be unoccupied if it's empty for more than 30 days, the level of cover included in empty property insurance usually changes at this cut-off point, with further changes the longer a home is left vacant.

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Question: How long can my home stay empty?

Typically, are no specific regulations on how long you can leave your home unoccupied. However, it's important to know that most standard home policies will only provide coverage for an empty property for a duration of 30 to 60 days.

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Question: Is insuring an unoccupied property more costly?

Yes, unoccupied property insurance tends to pricier than standard home because insurers consider vacant homes to be a higher risk. The likelihood of break-ins or squatters is greater, and there are additional concerns regarding building maintenance.

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Question: What does it mean for a home to be unoccupied?

In other words, vacancy can be described as being “mostly devoid of belongings essential for regular living.” The term unoccupied indicates that the property remains in a condition where all items and possessions are still present, as if the owners might return at any moment.

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Question: Is home insurance applicable if the house is unoccupied?

Standard home insurance typically provides coverage for a home that is unoccupied for a maximum of 30 or 60 days, depending on the policy terms. If an incident occurs beyond this timeframe, coverage not apply. This limitation exists due to the increased risk of theft when a property remains empty for an extended duration.

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Question: Is it permissible to insure a house that you do not own?

You can buy home insurance for someone else, but the policy must include the legal homeowner's information, even if you are the one paying the premiums. Landlords need to protect the structure of their property with building insurance, while tenants are responsible for insuring their personal belongings.​​

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Question: Is it against the law to not insure a house?

While there is no legal obligation for to have buildings insurance, it's important to understand that if you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to obtain buildings insurance as a condition of the loan.

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Question: Is unoccupied home insurance beneficial?

Unoccupied insurance is valuable if you intend to leave your property vacant for a prolonged period. It may come at a higher cost compared to standard home insurance. It can protect your property from damage, be mindful of the exclusions that may apply.

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Question: Does home insurance cover the garden?

Most standard home insurance policies provide limited coverage for your garden and its belongings at no additional charge. However, whether you've recently purchased your first pair of gardening gloves or take pride in your outdoor space throughout the year, many of us tend to underestimate the worth of gardens.​

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Question: Is a kitchen included in buildings or contents insurance?

Building insurance protects against the costs of repairing or rebuilding your home's structure. This coverage extends to windows, walls, roofs, outbuildings, as well fitted kitchens and bathrooms. It safeguards against damages from events such as, storms, and floods.

 

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