Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance
WELCOME TO UNOCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE AT PROPERTY INSURANCE CENTRE
If you require competitive Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance, then the team at Property Insurance Centre are here to help. All homeowners and property ownsers need to make sure that they have the correct cover at the right level in case something happens to their vacant property. Insurers consider your unoccupied residential property to be at higher risk.
We are Property Specialists who have been trading since 1976. We have a highly experienced team that will work hard to find you the best deal and cover for your commercial property insurance policy.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE ENQUIRIES: 0800 085 3761
UNOCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE ESSENTIALS
Unoccupied residential property insurance common pitfalls
Common pitfalls with unoccupied residential property insurance would be normally around a customer not fulfilling the stated conditions. Learn more.
Why choose us?
When taking out Unoccupied Residential Buildings Insurance it is important to work with a Broker that understands the perils that an empty house can face. As a Property Insurance specialist, Property Insurance Centre will work closely with our insurers to get the best cover for you. With unoccupied residential insurance you can take out a 3 month, 6 month or 9 month insurance policy which are known as short term insurance policies. Although it may be more beneficial to take out a 12 month insurance policy. Why not choose Property Insurance Centre:
What does Unoccupied Residential Insurance Cover Provide?
Vacant House Insurance covers a wide range of risks that unattended homes are open to. Cover normally is for Standard Unoccupied Perils but can also be arranged to include some extras:
- Protection against vandalism including graffiti
- Cover for damage caused by fire, lightning, earthquake, explosion, aircraft, & property owner’s liability (Standard Perils)
- Flood, Subsidence or Storm.
We know that people leave their homes for various reasons in varying states of repair and understand therefore that every insurance policy should be different.
To get a range of bespoke Unoccupied Buildings Insurance Quotes call our team on 0800 085 3761 to discuss your exact requirements.
At any one time, there are an average of 700,000 homes left unoccupied in the UK. They may be empty for a variety of reasons including awaiting sale, undergoing refurbishment or their owners are under medical care for example. No matter what reason your home may be unattended, if it is left empty for more than 30 days at a time, your standard home insurance may not be adequate. If any damage occurs at your property, you may encounter issues under a standard home insurance policy.
By their nature, unoccupied properties are more likely to be at risk of damage. Empty properties can attract thieves, vandals and even squatters. Small amounts of damage may go unnoticed and become a much larger issue over a period of time. An unoccupied policy will impose certain conditions, such as turning off the electricity or even draining down the water tank – these are all practical measures which will ensure the risk is reduced and limit any possibility of you incurring a loss.
Securing your Property
Securing your property is one of these most important factors in obtaining unoccupied residential property insurance. It shows the insurance company that you are taking the issue seriously and it will also get you discounted premiums with Property Insurance Centre. An empty house can fall into disrepair quickly and that is why most insurers will insist that you check the property regularly an put right any defects that you find that are down to maintenance. Remember, an insurance company may decline cover if the property is in a bad state of repair. Checking you property regularly will show that you are taking security seriously and also let would be thieves know that you are never too far away! This all help in reducing your premium by reducing the risk
You may be asked to:
- Seal the letterbox
- Remove all contents from the building
- Install an alarm
- Check the property every 7 days
Every policy is different & every house is different also. The conditions and perils insured will vary from one policy to the next. To talk you through it speak with one of our Cert CII Qualified staff members. We have been insuring unoccupied residential properties for many years & can get the best cover at the right price.
Check out this article also about Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance.
Call 0800 085 3761.
We have over 40 years experience working with:






Who Needs Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance?
Check your Property is Secured!
Are you looking for Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance?
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Unoccupied residential policies typically include both building and property owners’ liability cover. If you only require liability—or want to increase your limit—discuss tailored options with your broker. Or reach out to our team here at Property Insurance Centre.
Potentially. Some policies may exclude or limit water escape/escape of water claims while the property is empty. Always check the policy exclusions and follow claim notification rules closely.
Yes. If a tenant leaves or you intend to leave the property vacant, contact your insurer immediately. This ensures your coverage transitions smoothly to the unoccupied status, preventing policy gaps.
Typical perils include: fire, water escape, storm damage, theft, vandalism, and liability. Coverage details can vary, so it’s important to confirm what’s included in your policy wording.
You must inform your insurer of the property’s occupancy status—even temporary shifts—so the correct premium and risk assessment can apply. Some insurers may then waive extra charges or adjust terms accordingly.
Yes—most unoccupied policies require compliance with specific conditions, such as:
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Installing adequate security (locks, alarms),
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Regular inspections or servicing,
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Restrictions on certain risks (e.g. escape of water) during vacancy.
Absolutely. The standard cover usually starts at £2 million, with options to raise it up to £5 million, should your circumstances warrant additional protection.
Yes. Even when a property is unoccupied, you’re still covered for Property Owners’ Liability insurance, as part of most unoccupied residential policies
Standard home insurance typically excludes properties left empty for over 30 days. A dedicated unoccupied policy bridges this gap, ensuring building and liability cover remains in force.
You can insure an unoccupied residential property for short-term periods of three, six, or nine months, depending on your needs.
Contents
- 1 Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance
- 2 Or call us FREE for a quote
- 3 0800 085 3761
- 4 Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance
- 5 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE ENQUIRIES: 0800 085 3761
- 6 Unoccupied residential property insurance common pitfalls
- 7 Why choose us?
- 8 What does Unoccupied Residential Insurance Cover Provide?
- 9 Securing your Property
- 10 We have over 40 years experience working with:
- 11 Who Needs Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance?
- 12 Check your Property is Secured!
- 13 Are you looking for Unoccupied Residential Property Insurance?
- 14 Freephone
- 15 Request a callback
- 16 Related Insurance Policies
- 17 Can I get liability-only cover?
- 18 Are claims affected if the property is unoccupied?
- 19 Does the insurer require me to notify when the property becomes unoccupied?
- 20 What risks are usually covered?
- 21 What if I plan to re-occupy the property shortly?
- 22 Are there special terms or conditions I need to meet?
- 23 Can I increase my liability limit?
- 24 Is property owners’ liability included?
- 25 Why do I need unoccupied property insurance?
- 26 What durations are available for unoccupied residential property insurance?