Protecting Vacant Homes
If your home, holiday home or business premises is empty for longer than your standard policy will cover, which is typically up to 30 – 60 days, you will need Unoccupied Property Insurance cover, also known as Probate Home Insurance or Home Insurance for Executors. Coverage periods vary depending on the insurer. However, if an incident occurs outside of the specified coverage period, it may not be covered, even if it would normally be included.
The term ‘lived in’ can be defined as people regularly sleeping in the property overnight and Left Unoccupied, or Not ‘Lived-In’.
Our policies cover a wide variety of scenarios, including homes that are vacant for sale, properties under probate, rental properties, second home or holiday home, and those undergoing renovation.
Even if the property is furnished and has items within it, it is classed as unoccupied, if no one is actually living there, or it is vacant or empty for more than 30 days. Having a property unoccupied for long periods can cause potential complications and risks. For example, issues such as vandalism, theft, water damage, fire, and storm damage, may be more likely in unoccupied homes.
Insuring unoccupied properties requires expert knowledge and a specialised products. We take all factors into consideration with our policies and our expert team will discuss your needs in detail to find a policy that gives you adequate cover to ensure that your unoccupied property is protected against potential risks. For example, the chance of theft goes up.
It is designed to protect a property during the administration of an estate. When someone passes away, the executor of the estate is responsible for managing the deceased’s affairs, including ensuring the property is adequately insured.
This type of insurance is needed if the deceased’s existing home insurance policy becomes void upon their death, or if the property is vacant for a long period. It ensures the property is covered for risks like damage, theft, or liability while the estate is being settled. Executors should arrange this coverage promptly to avoid gaps in protection. The probate process can go on for a long time, so if the property is empty, for your own peace of mind, check out your Home Insurance during probate to ensure adequate cover.
We can cover any vacant home, including listed buildings. If you own several properties, we can also offer Portfolio Insurance.
When considering Unoccupied Property Insurance for residential or commercial property, it is important to include the following covers:
- Storm, flood, or fire damage
- Escape of water or oil – any burst pipes or leakages
- Theft – following a break-in at the property
- Vandalism – any criminal damage that occurs in your absence
- Legal expenses – covers legal fees for situations such personal identity theft
- Property Owners Liability – any damage to third parties or their property, caused by your property, such as having a roof tile falling and hitting a parked car.
It is important to consider aspects of insurance covers.
Implement security measures to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism, such as installing alarm systems, security cameras, and ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked.
Some insurers may require specific security measures as a condition of coverage.
Check if the policy includes liability coverage in case someone is injured on the property while it is unoccupied.
Maintenance is important
Maintain the property even while it is unoccupied. This includes keeping the outside areas such as any gardens, tidy and clearing snow, and ensuring that heating and plumbing systems are functioning to prevent issues like frozen pipes. Consider turning off non-essential utilities to reduce the risk of fire or water damage. However, maintain necessary utilities to keep the property in good condition.
Arrange for regular inspections of the property to check for issues like leaks, pest infestations, and general wear and tear. Some insurers may require periodic inspections as part of the policy conditions.
Can I get short-term
Unoccupied House Insurance?
Yes, we offer flexible coverage for 3 months, 6 months, or annual policies. Simply let us know when you’ll be vacating and when you’ll return, and we’ll arrange short-term cover for your property. Be aware that Unoccupied Property Insurance can be more expensive than standard Home Insurance due to the increased risks. That is why it is wise to use an underwriter to help you to find the best coverage at a reasonable price.
Most insurance policies will vary between providers; therefore, you need to speak to an experienced adviser to ensure that you have the level of cover that you need. We also specialise in working with families with properties in probate to ensure the executors have the right policy in place while the property is unoccupied.
How much will Unoccupied
House Insurance cost?
The cost of Unoccupied House Insurance depends on factors like location, rebuild value, property security, maintenance, and the level of coverage selected.
Talk to us about a specialised Unoccupied Property Insurance policy, which provides coverage tailored to the unique risks associated with vacant homes.
What Makes Us Different?
You’re a part of our virtuous circle of giving. This means when you take out an Unoccupied Property Insurance policy with us, it enables us to give even more to our communities.
As part of the Benefact Group, we’ve given to local charities including Libraries Unlimited, Hands Up For Down’s, Musical memories Choir, and Foothold Cymru.
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