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Unoccupied Property
Insurance

Independent service from your local insurance specialists

Need an empty property insurance quote?  Let the independent specialists at your local Coversure compare our markets to find you quality unoccupied property insurance protection.  Your local Coversure office can tailor protection to your property's needs, so start your quote today.

Unoccupied Property
Insurance

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What Is Empty Property Insurance?

Empty, or unoccupied property insurance, is a specialist policy that protects properties while they are not lived in or not used. You need this type of cover as standard home or commercial property insurance won’t cover properties if they are left vacant for prolonged periods – sometimes a little as 30 consecutive days. Beyond that period, cover can be reduced or even withdrawn.

What Types Of Empty Property Insurance Are There?

There are two main types of unoccupied cover, and Coversure can offer you both:

  • Contents and buildings
  • Buildings only

Whichever you choose, as soon as the building becomes occupied, you can cancel your policy, and you’ll only pay for the time that it was empty.

Which Empty Properties Can Be Insured?

There are many reasons for buildings to be left empty, such as homes undergoing probate, renovating commercial buildings, new builds, etc.  Whatever the reason, your local Coversure can help you find cover for your unoccupied property.  Thanks to our close relationships with a range of leading insurers and wholesalers – household names including Aviva, RSA, and Axa – we can offer you flexible, high-quality protection for:

  • Empty rental properties
  • Homes undergoing probate
  • Vacant commercial properties
  • Second homes
  • Holiday homes
  • New builds
  • Properties undergoing renovation
  • Properties that are on the market and the owners have moved out
  • Homes that are left empty while their owners go on extended holidays or travel with work

Why do you need Unoccupied Property Insurance cover?

You need specialist cover if your property is empty as the risks from flood, fire, burglary, vandalism, or storm damage rise significantly.  Some insurance brokers struggle to offer competitive, comprehensive protection for empty properties.  Empty property insurance provides a package of protection that allows you to cover multiple risks on a single policy*, so your local Coversure office can find you a policy that includes cover options for:

  • Storms – even minor storms can cause broken windows and other damage that can lead to major headaches in empty properties
  • Floods – a burst pipe in winter in an occupied property is a problem. In an empty one, it can prove to be a disaster
  • Theft – an unoccupied property is a burglar’s dream and its one of the reasons why insurers require empty property insurance
  • Fire – a fire in an empty property can easily go undetected until it’s too late, leaving property owners with little more than ashes
  • Vandalism – vandals often target empty properties, leaving them vulnerable to intruders and the elements
  • Double glazing
  • Accidental damage – accidents happen, and as you may not be around to take immediate action, you’ll be glad you have unoccupied property insurance in place to help you make good
  • Oil and water leaks – water and oil tank leaks are often slow-burn affairs, but the effects over time if left undetected, can be devastating
  • Subsidence
  • Owner’s liability – just because you’re not living in a property, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have responsibility for it. If your property damages something or injures someone, this will cover your against claims

How Much Does An Unoccupied Property Policy Cost?

How much you pay will depend on factors such as:

  • The length of time it will be unoccupied
  • Its value
  • Where it is
  • Its condition
  • The level of security – those with burglar alarms, security lights, window locks, etc. will attract lower premiums as they represent a lower risk
  • If it is at risk from flooding
  • The rebuild costs
  • Its risk of flooding

The best way to find out how much protection you need is to contact your local Coversure. They’ll be able to advise you as to what you need and create a package of Unoccupied Property cover for you.

Unoccupied Property Insurance FAQ

Empty properties can be a real headache, so to help you get the protection you need, here are a selection of frequently asked questions about unoccupied property insurance:

We can find you policies that last for weeks, months, or even longer.  Our panel of insurers allows us to be flexible, so if you’d like to discuss your specific needs, then please get in touch with our local Coversure office

Yes, as soon as the building becomes occupied, you can cancel your policy, and we’ll arrange a refund on the remaining cover.

We can insure all kinds.  Whether commercial or residential, rented or owned, we can find you a high-quality policy to suit your needs.

Invariably, there are conditions, the most common ones being:

  • Some insurers will insist on regular visits to the building.  These don’t have to be made by the owner; it just needs to be frequently inspected
  • Insurers will almost certainly want you to remove any valuables from the premises
  • What condition is the building in?  If it is not secure – e.g., with broken windows or missing doors – it’s unlikely you’ll find cover
  • If it’s vacant during winter, insurers may ask that the heating be left on to reduce the risk of burst pipes or may agree to the draining of the system

How much you pay will depend on factors such as:

  • The length of time it will be unoccupied
  • Its value
  • Where it is
  • Its condition
  • The level of security – those with burglar alarms, security lights, window locks, etc. will attract lower premiums as they represent a lower risk
  • If it is at risk from flooding
  • The rebuild costs
  • Its risk of flooding

Typically, the following won’t be covered:

  • Loss or damage as a result of unforced entry, e.g., when windows or doors are left open
  • Damage caused by major works, e.g., by the building of extensions/structural repairs
  • Damage caused by contractors

Prevention is always better than cure, and the following simple steps will help you keep your empty building safe:

  • Pay regular visits, collect mail, and open/shut the curtains
  • Ask a neighbour to park their car on the drive from time to time
  • Put the bins out periodically
  • Leave utilities on and put lights on timers
  • Invest in a burglar alarm or a Ring video doorbell
  • Have someone cut the grass

Need a Unoccupied Property Insurance quote?

If you’d like a Unoccupied Property Insurance quote from Coversure, please contact your local Coversure office or start your quote here. Our independent brokers will search their markets to find you the right policy at the right price to keep your business protected.

Commercial Property

* Policy information is correct at the time of writing. Policy details, limits, and exclusions are subject to insurer’ changes. When taking out a policy, your local Coversure office will be able to advise you of the specifics of your cover.

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