Take a Load off your Mind with Empty Property Insurance

There are a number of reasons why your property might be empty for long periods throughout the year. Perhaps you travel a lot with work or for pleasure, or are heading off abroad to teach. Perhaps you've invested in a property for your summer holidays, or rent it out as a holiday let for only part of the year. Whatever your reasons, your normal home insurance provider probably won't cover you if your property is empty for more than a certain number of days every year. Take a few minutes to read our handy guide to empty property insurance to see if it's the right choice for you.

But I Have Building and Contents Insurance

You might be thinking that you've already insured your home, so why should you take out empty property insurance? When it comes to standard home insurance policies, if your property stands empty for more than around 30 days at a time, you won't be covered. This is because most insurers consider an empty home to be more at risk from burglary or vandalism – if nobody is living there and a pipe springs a leak, thousands of pounds worth of damage could easily be caused before it's noticed! Empty property or unoccupied home insurance is specifically designed to protect your property whilst it stands vacant.

What is Provided?

Empty property insurance typically covers against risks from lightning, explosion, earthquakes, aircraft or fire. Extras such as contents cover or insurance against theft and malicious damage could also be added if the home is furnished or your belongings are there.

Finding the Best Deal

The cost of unoccupied property insurance varies depending upon the provider you choose, but there are also a number of factors which can influence your premiums:

• How long the property will be empty for

• Why it's empty

• Whether you plan to reoccupy the property yourself, or sell or rent it

All of these factors will influence your policy's cost, which is why it's a good idea to get a comprehensive quote from 2 or 3 insurers before purchasing. Remember that empty property insurance won't necessarily be an annual policy – it could just be for a few months whilst you're away. An easy way to lower your empty property insurance premiums is by fitting extra security such as window locks, multi-point door locks and an alarm which connects directly to the police. A more secure home poses less of a risk to the insurance companies!

Whether your home will be vacant for one month or a year, you can't afford to be without empty property insurance to protect your building (and contents) should the worst happen.

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