Unoccupied Property Insurance
Insurance Quotes for Unoccupied Homes
Get specialist cover to protect an unoccupied property in the UK.
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What Is Unoccupied Home Insurance?
Unoccupied home insurance is a specialist policy that protects residential properties left empty for 30 to 60 days or more, covering risks that standard home insurance excludes once a property becomes vacant.
Most standard home insurance policies stop covering claims after 30 to 60 consecutive days of vacancy. Unoccupied cover fills that gap, protecting against fire, theft, flood, and vandalism while no one is living in the property.
Whether your home is going through probate, awaiting sale, between tenants, or under renovation, this type of policy provides financial protection during the vacancy. You may also remain liable for council tax on empty properties, so keeping the building insured avoids a double financial hit.
How To Compare Unoccupied Home Insurance
Comparing quotes from specialist insurers is the fastest way to find cover that matches your property and your vacancy period.
Enter your property details
Provide the address, property type, construction materials, and whether the home is furnished, heated, or alarmed.
Explain the vacancy
Select the reason the property is empty, such as probate, renovation, sale, or a gap between tenants, and how long it will remain unoccupied.
Choose your cover level
Decide whether you need buildings only or a combined policy with contents, liability, and legal expenses.
Compare quotes and buy online
Review offers from specialist insurers side by side. The FCA regulates all UK insurance providers, so your purchase is protected.
What Does Unoccupied Home Insurance Cover?
A standard unoccupied property policy covers the building against the major risks that increase when no one is living in the home.
Fire, lightning, and explosion
This covers total or partial damage if a fire breaks out while the property is unattended. It also covers damage from lightning strikes and gas explosions.
Escape of water or oil
Burst pipes, leaking tanks, and failed heating systems cause some of the costliest claims on empty properties, and this cover pays for the resulting water or oil damage. Read more about what home insurance covers for a full breakdown.
Theft and attempted theft
Empty homes are targets for break-ins. This covers stolen items and damage caused during a burglary attempt.
Vandalism and malicious damage
If trespassers damage the property, your policy covers the repair costs. Visible security measures such as alarms and CCTV can help reduce this risk.
Storm and weather damage
Wind, rain, snow, and hail damage to roofs, windows, and external walls are covered. For the structure itself, buildings insurance forms the core of this protection.
Property owners’ liability
If someone is injured on or near your vacant property and holds you responsible, liability cover pays legal fees and compensation. Most policies provide £1m to £2m of protection.
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What Is Not Covered By Unoccupied Home Insurance?
Every policy has exclusions, and knowing what is not covered helps you avoid rejected claims.
General wear and tear
Gradual deterioration such as rust, rot, and ageing materials is a maintenance issue, not an insurable event. Insurers expect you to keep the property in reasonable condition.
Damage from undetected leaks
If a leak goes unnoticed for weeks because the property is not being checked, some policies may reduce or deny the claim. Regular inspections help avoid this.
Theft without forced entry
If there are no signs of a break-in, the insurer may reject a theft claim. Keeping all doors and windows locked and secured is a condition of most policies.
Unlawful occupancy
Claims may be rejected if squatters occupy the property and you do not take prompt legal action. Report any unlawful entry to the police immediately.
Unauthorised renovations
Structural changes that were not declared to your insurer could void your policy. Always notify your provider before starting building work.
Vacancy beyond the agreed period
If the property remains empty longer than the period stated on your policy, cover may lapse automatically. Extend your policy before the term expires.
Who Needs Unoccupied Home Insurance?
Anyone responsible for a residential property that will be empty for 30 to 60 days or more should consider specialist unoccupied cover.
Landlords between tenants
Standard landlord insurance may not apply once a rental property is vacant. Unoccupied cover protects you during tenancy gaps until a new tenant moves in.
Probate executors and administrators
If you are handling an estate after a bereavement, the property may sit empty for months while probate is processed. You are legally responsible for keeping it insured during that period.
Homeowners selling a property
If you have moved out but the house has not yet sold, your existing home insurance may no longer be valid. Unoccupied cover fills the gap until completion.
Renovators and property developers
Properties undergoing major renovation work are high-risk. No one is living in the home, building materials may be on site, and the structure could be partially exposed.
Second-home owners
Holiday homes and second properties left empty outside of visits may need specialist cover if the vacancy exceeds your policy's unoccupied limit. Check your existing policy wording carefully.
How Much Does Unoccupied Home Insurance Cost?
Unoccupied home insurance typically costs between £100 and £700 per year, depending on the vacancy period, property condition, and location.
| Vacancy Period | Typical Annual Cost |
| Up to 3 months | £100–£250 |
| 3–6 months | £250–£400 |
| 6–12 months | £400–£700 |
| 12+ months | £700–£1,200+ |
What affects your premium?
Insurers price unoccupied policies based on vacancy length, property condition, location, security features, and the reason the home is empty. The ABI notes that empty properties face a higher risk of water damage, theft, and fire, which is reflected in the pricing.
Short-term vs long-term policies
Policies are usually sold in 3, 6, or 12-month terms. Shorter terms cost less upfront but may not offer the same depth of cover.
If you are unsure how long the property will be empty, a 6-month policy with the option to extend is often the most flexible choice.
What Add-Ons Are Available For Unoccupied Home Insurance?
Most specialist insurers let you tailor your policy with optional extras that close gaps in the standard cover.
Contents insurance
If furniture, appliances, or personal items remain in the property, contents cover protects them against theft, fire, and water damage.
Accidental damage
This covers unexpected incidents such as a cracked basin, damaged flooring, or breakages that occur during property visits or maintenance work.
Legal expenses
This pays for legal representation if you face disputes with squatters, contractors, or neighbours while the property is vacant.
Emergency assistance
Some policies offer 24/7 access to emergency tradespeople for burst pipes, boiler failures, or broken locks, even when the home is empty.
Landlord liability
If the property is a rental, this extension covers legal claims from former tenants or visitors injured at the premises during the vacancy.
Alternative accommodation
If a covered event damages a property you plan to move back into, this pays for temporary housing until the repairs are finished.
How To Save Money On Unoccupied Home Insurance
A few practical steps can reduce your premium without cutting the cover you actually need.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Specialist insurers view vacant properties differently. Using a home insurance comparison tool helps you find the best rate for your specific situation.
Improve security at the property
Fitting window locks, a burglar alarm, and external lighting signals lower risk to insurers and can reduce your premium by 5–15%.
Commit to regular inspections
Some insurers offer lower rates if you check the property every 7 or 14 days. Keep a written log of each visit as evidence.
Choose the right policy term
If you only need 3 months of cover, do not pay for 12. Match the policy length to the expected vacancy period.
Remove unnecessary extras
If the property is unfurnished, skip contents cover. Only pay for add-ons that reflect the actual risk.
Pay annually instead of monthly
Monthly payments usually include interest. Paying the full premium in one go is almost always cheaper.
Drain down the water system
Turning off the water supply and draining pipes reduces the risk of burst-pipe claims, which are among the costliest for empty homes. Renters insurance does not cover this risk either, so prevention is the best approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if no one is living in the home during renovation, standard home insurance is unlikely to cover claims. Unoccupied cover protects against fire, theft, and water damage during the work.
Most standard home insurance policies stop covering vacant properties after 30 to 60 consecutive days, depending on the insurer. Check your existing policy wording for the exact threshold.
Most unoccupied policies cover damage caused by squatters, provided you report the occupation promptly and take legal action to remove them.
Yes, but fewer insurers offer cover for long-term vacancies. Premiums are higher, and the insurer may require a professional survey before providing a quote.
Some insurers require the water supply to be turned off and drained during winter months as a condition of cover. Others require heating to be maintained at a minimum temperature.
Most policies cover detached garages and outbuildings as part of the buildings insurance, but check whether the cover limit includes these structures separately.
Most insurers require inspections every 7 to 14 days. Some policies mandate weekly visits, so confirm the requirement before you buy.
Many insurers allow you to extend or shorten the policy term. Contact your provider before the current term expires to avoid a gap in cover.
No, if the property is completely empty you can save money by opting for buildings-only cover. Add contents insurance only if furniture, appliances, or valuables remain inside.
Standard home insurance assumes someone is living in the property and typically voids cover after 30 to 60 days of vacancy. Unoccupied insurance is designed specifically for empty homes and covers the higher risks they face.
No, there is no UK law that requires unoccupied home insurance. However, your mortgage lender will almost certainly require buildings insurance as a condition of the loan, even if the property is empty.
