Unoccupied Property Insurance

If you own property that is currently uninhabited or commercial buildings that are unoccupied then a standard home, contents, business or landlord policy may not provide all the cover you need.

If you are a landlord and a property that you usually rent out is minus tenants, look for a residential landlord policy and declare that your property is empty - you could be covered for loss of rent. Many specialist buy-to-let landlord insurance policies offer optional cover that will pay some or all of the monthly rental value should you find it difficult to find new residents. Most importantly, if the property remains empty for an extended period of time (usually 3 months, or 90 days) you must inform your insurer.

If you have inherited a property that is empty and currently up for sale, uninhabitable and needs work, or is vacant and up for let, you still need to make sure the building itself is insured. Think about how you’d cope if the property was damaged or destroyed by fire, or if intruders broke in and vandalised the place. What if a pipe burst and caused damage to the house next-door? Say a couple of roof tiles blew off, injuring a passer-by? Insurance is absolutely vital, not only to protect your investment but to protect you and your liabilities as the owner.

Follow our handy checklist to minimise your risk:
1.    Remove anything of value from the property. Leave some furniture to make the place look lived-in. If it looks empty it could be a target for squatters, arsonists or vandals. Check it regularly and maybe suggest a friend or neighbour park in the driveway or outside. Set timer switches on the lighting to make it appear that someone is home.

2.    Make sure it’s completely secure. Install extra door and window locks, security lighting and a burglar alarm. Trim overgrown bushes and trees and make sure the property is visible from the street. Ask neighbours to keep an eye out for you and seal the letterbox from prying eyes and dangerous missiles.

3.    Close down heating and water systems to avoid leaks, burst pipes or excessive and unnecessary bills. Consider putting the central heating system on a timer during the winter months to avoid damp. Turn off any services you don’t need such as gas, water and electricity.

Check out our home insurance guides or get a quote now.