Unoccupied Home Insurance for High-Value Properties
Quick answer
Most home insurance policies restrict cover once a property has been unoccupied for a set number of consecutive days, often removing cover for risks such as escape of water, theft or malicious damage. Owners of empty homes — during probate, a sale or a renovation — usually need to tell their insurer or arrange specialist unoccupied cover.
General information only. High Value Home Quote is an FCA-registered insurance introducer (lead generation), not a broker or insurer. We do not give advice or prices. An FCA-regulated specialist broker can advise on your own circumstances.
Common Reasons Homes Stand Empty
- Probate after a bereavement
- Waiting for a sale to complete
- Major renovation work
- Extended time abroad
- Moving to care
How Cover Can Change
After the unoccupancy period in your policy, cover may reduce to a limited set of risks or require specific conditions. Failing to tell your insurer may affect a claim.
What To Do
Check your policy wording, tell your insurer or broker about the change, and keep records of inspections. A specialist broker can explain unoccupied cover options. See also our renovation guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is a home classed as unoccupied?
Each policy defines it differently, usually by a number of consecutive days without anyone living there. Check your policy wording or ask a broker.
What are typical unoccupancy conditions?
Common conditions include regular inspections, draining water systems or keeping heating on, and keeping the property secure.
Can you insure a probate property?
We do not insure anything ourselves, but we can introduce executors to FCA-regulated brokers who handle unoccupied and probate properties.
Related guides
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