Empty or unoccupied property insurance: an introduction

If your property is empty or unoccupied for a longer period than a standard home insurance policy allows, you’ll need a specialist kind of insurance to cover it.

Empty and unoccupied properties need a specific type of protection, because they’re seen as a bigger risk by insurers – empty properties are more alluring to burglars or vandals because there’s nobody living there.  Without adequate protection in place, you may find that you don’t have the level of cover that you thought you did should you come to make a claim.

In this article, the Greenfield Insurance Brokers team will answer some of your questions regarding property insurance, what it typically includes, and how to find the right policy for your property.

What is empty or unoccupied property insurance?

Empty or unoccupied property insurance is a specialist type of insurance that covers properties that have been left unoccupied for more than 30-60 days, though the exact duration depends on the terms of the policy. You may need empty or unoccupied property insurance if you’re travelling, own a second or holiday home that you only use for part of the year, or if you’re a landlord whose property is left vacant between tenants. You can choose how long the period of cover will last, usually for up to 12 months.

What does empty or unoccupied property insurance cover?

A comprehensive empty or unoccupied property insurance policy can cover you for:

• Damage from fire, flooding or storms,
• Vandalism,
• Water from burst pipes,
• Impacts from a vehicle collision or falling objects.

What elements can be included in empty or unoccupied property insurance?

An empty or unoccupied property insurance policy can also include:

• Legal expenses cover – you may need this if someone starts squatting in your home, and you need to have them removed.
• Public liability cover – this would cover you if, for example, a tile falls from your roof and damages your neighbour’s property.

In addition to your standard policy, you can choose to add features such as contents cover to protect your possessions.

What’s the cost of empty or unoccupied property insurance?

As every property is unique, there is no set cost for insurance. Instead, the cost will be influenced by several factors, including:

• The property’s age,
• The property’s value,
• The duration the property will be left vacant (a longer period means that your quote is likely to be higher),
• The level of security at the property,
• The level of each cover that you need,
• The flood risk based on the location,
• Your claims history.

Why choose a specialist broker like Greenfield Insurance Brokers?

At Greenfield Insurance Brokers, we specialise in insurance for empty or unoccupied properties, and we are here to help you find the right cover with confidence.

Our team will work with you to understand your legal and financial responsibilities, compare quotes from trusted insurers, and tailor your policy to suit your property’s specific needs. We’re also here to provide expert support whenever you need to make a claim, ensuring you’re protected every step of the way.

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