Unoccupied property insurance FAQs
June 11, 2025Whether you are the homeowner or landlord, there are likely times when your property stands temporarily empty and unoccupied for longer than a month or so. That is when you may typically need separate, standalone unoccupied property insurance to maintain the protection that the vacant dwelling and its contents require.
Here we share some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject.
What is unoccupied property insurance?
This is one of those rare financial services products that does exactly what it says on the tin – unoccupied property insurance extends insurance cover to any commercial or residential property that is temporarily unoccupied.
When is a home or building classed as unoccupied for insurance purposes?
Different insurers adopt different definitions but as a general rule of thumb, a property is typically regarded as unoccupied after 30 to 45 consecutive days when it has stood vacant.
Do I need specialist insurance if my property is empty?
If your property is classed as unoccupied, the scope of any existing home or property insurance cover is typically restricted – and may even be regarded as having lapsed altogether.
Unoccupied property insurance is the specialist, standalone insurance cover that restores the cover the building and its contents continue to need.
What does unoccupied property insurance typically cover?
Unoccupied property insurance is designed to restore the full range of protections normally offered by your regular property insurance.
At Alan Blunden, we are pleased to offer a choice of three different levels of cover, so you can choose the protection that most suits your needs and your budget.
What are the risks of leaving a property unoccupied without the appropriate cover?
If your unoccupied property no longer enjoys appropriate cover, then any loss or damage will need to be made good from your own pocket. In the event that the building and its contents suffer a total loss, of course, that expense will be considerable indeed.
You should also note that if there is a mortgage on the property, then typically it is a condition of your mortgage agreement that you have adequate buildings insurance at all times. Failure to do so could see your lender ask that you settle the mortgage immediately. (Please see next FAQ).
Is unoccupied property insurance a condition of my mortgage?
If your property is subject to a mortgage, your lender will almost certainly insist that adequate buildings insurance is always in place. If your regular insurance cover is restricted or lapses because the property is temporarily empty, then replacement, standalone unoccupied property insurance is essential to satisfy the lender’s requirement for sufficient cover.
Are there special requirements for insuring an empty home?
As with any type of general insurance, your unoccupied property insurer has a right to require all reasonable steps to mitigate any loss. This might include:
- regular inspections of your empty property
- steps to ensure that your absence is not unduly advertised (deliveries cancelled or taken in by a neighbour, for example), and
- remembering to turn off gas and electricity supplies (unless needed to fuel an ambient central heating temperature).
Can I get short-term unoccupied home insurance in the UK?
Unlike many other types of property insurance, unoccupied property cover typically does not have to extend to a full year but can be arranged for shorter terms, as necessary. At Alan Blunden, we offer flexible, 3-, 6- and 9-month unoccupied property insurance policies.
Why can unoccupied house insurance be more expensive than standard cover?
The cost of insurance premiums is, of course, directly proportional to the level of risks covered. An unoccupied property is exposed to additional risks compared with a normally occupied building.
An empty property may attract the unwanted attention of thieves, vandals, and even arsonists, while the risk of an otherwise relatively minor maintenance issue can turn into a full-blown emergency if there is no one present to notice or report the problem.
Heightened risks tend to make unoccupied house insurance more expensive than standard cover.
Any questions?
Got more questions about unoccupied property insurance for homes or commercial properties? Then please get in touch with our team – we’re here to help!
Further reading:
What is unoccupied property insurance?
Checking your unoccupied commercial property
Having some building work done? Inform your home insurance provider