Vacant Property Insurance

Why Your Standard Policy May Not Be Enough

Many property owners assume their homeowners policy stays fully in effect while a home is empty. In reality, many policies include a vacancy clause that can reduce or void certain coverages if a home is unoccupied beyond a set period (often 30–60 days).

Without specialized vacant coverage, a major loss like a fire, weather event, or liability claim can become far more difficult to recover from.

The Unique Risks of Vacancy

When a property is uninhabited, small issues can quickly escalate into expensive disasters:

• Undetected Maintenance Failures:
  A burst pipe in an occupied home is usually caught quickly. In a vacant home, it can run for days or weeks—leading to major water damage, mold, and structural repairs.
• Target for Criminal Activity:
  Empty homes can attract vandals, squatters, and thieves—especially those looking to strip copper wiring, HVAC components, or appliances.
• Liability Exposures:
  You can still be held responsible for injuries that occur on the property—even involving trespassers or uninvited guests.

Common Reasons for Needing This Coverage

• Real Estate Sales: You’ve moved out, but the house is still on the market.
• Major Renovations: Extensive construction requires you to live elsewhere temporarily.
• Inheritance: Managing a property after a loved one has passed away.
• Rental Gaps: Investors use these policies between tenants to keep coverage in place.

Security Tips to Safeguard Your Vacant Property

Beyond insurance, modern technology can deter trouble—and sometimes even help with eligibility or pricing:

• Smart Sensor Integration:
  Water and freeze sensors can alert your phone the moment a leak is detected or temperatures drop dangerously low.
• Smart Cameras & Motion Alerts:
  Modern systems can trigger lights, alarms, and notifications when movement is detected—helping deter intruders quickly.
• Smart Lighting & Wi-Fi:
  Simple randomized lighting schedules can help create an occupied appearance from the street.
• The “Lived-In” Look:
  Keep landscaping maintained and have mail/flyers removed so the home doesn’t broadcast vacancy.

Expert Guidance for Your Peace of Mind

Vacant property coverage is a niche market and not every insurer offers it. As an independent agency, we help you find carriers that understand the risk—whether you need a short-term 3-month policy or a longer-term solution—so your asset stays protected through the transition.