Unoccupied property insurance

Unoccupied property insurance covers properties that are going to be left empty for longer than regular insurance policies allow.

Landlord insurance will cover unoccupied properties for longer than standard home insurance – typically 60 days. But if your property is going to be unoccupied for longer, you may need specialist unoccupied property insurance.

It’s a good idea to have unoccupied property insurance if your buy-to-let is going to be empty for 60 days or more. This might happen if:

• Your tenants have moved out and you haven’t yet found replacements

• You’re a new landlord, or it’s a new property and you haven’t found tenants

• It’s a student rental and will be empty over the summer

• You’re redecorating or doing maintenance.

Empty properties stand a greater risk of being damaged or broken into, because there’s no one around to deter burglars or spot problems such as leaks. That’s why it’s so vital to have the right insurance in place.

Your insurance should cover your empty property in the event of:

• Fire

• Flood

• Storm damage

• Subsidence

• Burst pipes

• Theft

• Vandalism

• Squatters.

To make sure your claim is successful, you’ll need to meet the policy conditions. This may include having certain security measures in place and carrying out regular property inspections.

As with any policy, be sure to check the terms and conditions carefully.

Policy exclusions and cover levels vary between insurance providers. Here are some common exclusions to look out for:

• Unforced entry – theft or damage without sign of forced entry (in other words, you left a door or window unlocked)

• Damage caused by tradespeople – but this should be covered under their insurance

• Builders – if you’re having major renovations or building an extension, you might not be covered for any resulting damage or additional repairs.

Unoccupied property insurance is usually more expensive than standard insurance because there’s more chance of something going wrong if a property is empty.

But how much you pay will vary depending on:

• How long the property will be empty

• How secure it is

• Where it is

• The type of building (a second-floor flat or detached house, for example).

Here are a few ways to protect your empty rental property:

• Turn off the gas, water and electricity in warmer months to minimise the risk of a leak or fire

• Keep the heating on low during winter to prevent frozen pipes

• Make sure doors and windows have secure locks

• Set up a smart security system, so you’ll be notified of anything untoward

• Regularly visit the property to make checks

• Make the property look lived in – mow the lawn, keep curtains open, and don’t let post pile up.

Standard landlord insurance will typically cover empty properties for 60 days.

Specialist insurance for empty rental properties can last for as long as 12 months.

Always check your policy wording as different insurance providers offer different cover.

It’s easy to get a quote. Just answer some questions about the property and your tenants, then we’ll search the top insurance providers to help find the right deals for you.