Unoccupied property insurance can be more expensive than standard building insurance. This is because vacant properties can be subject to risks such as squatters, vandalism or fires. A property is normally considered unoccupied if it has been vacated for more than 30 consecutive days.
If your home becomes unoccupied or is likely to become unoccupied, you should advise your insurer immediately as this may affect the terms of your policy or invalidate your policy completely. Specialist insurance can give you peace of mind and suitable cover that might not be available with a standard policy.
When getting an empty house insured, you should take the following steps:
- Inspect the property regularly
- Ensure repairs are done swiftly
- Remove all valuables
- Seal letter boxes to reduce vandalism
- Secure your property with high security window and door locks
- Set the burglar alarm (if there is one)
- Turn the heating on or keep it on a frost alert setting during winter
- Switch off utilities
If building work is underway on an empty property, there will be further considerations:
- Health and safety of workers on the building site
- The extent of the building works being carried out
- The duration of the works
- Professional competence of contractors carrying out the works
- If the contractors are not adequately insured for the work they are carrying out, you could be held liable for any damage or injury they may cause.
Find the right Hiscox insurance policy for you
Automatic buildings cover of £500,000 and contents cover of £63,000 as standard. We can increase these levels of cover if you need more.
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