Standard home insurances are generally designed to insure the main occupied residence of the policyholder. Any variation, such as regular unoccupancy due to work commitments or an extended holiday would have to be specially agreed.

When a home becomes unoccupied, the definition would be detailed in the policy wording which could be 30 or 60 continuous days, then certain cover would be automatically excluded. Typically escape of water or oil, freezing and bursting of pipes, theft or attempted theft, malicious damage, accidental damage and additional cover extensions is excluded.

When you know the home will be unoccupied you should advise your insurer of the reason and length of unoccupancy if known or you can seek an insurance designed for unoccupied homes. We recommend the Ocaso Unoccupied Home Insurance, with a choice of 3, 6 or 9 month short-term policies.

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Ocaso’s unoccupied home insurance is specifically designed for vacant homes and comes with a useful choice of policy periods of 3, 6 or 9 months. If required a further short term insurance could be taken out, if for example the home is unsold.

The policy comes with a wide range of perils insured, similar to that offer for a occupied home, with theft, attempted theft and malicious damage restricted violent and forcible entry into the home. Buildings insurance is compulsory, with property owners liability cover and personal legal expenses coming as standard. Contents cover for carpets, curtains and furniture can also be included, provided the sum insured does not exceed £20,000.

As you would expect with unoccupied insurances there is a strict acceptance criteria. All homes must be in sound condition and well maintained. A minimum level of security applies with 5-lever mortice deadlocks conforming to BS3621 or new UPVC doors with multi point locking system. All accessible windows must be fitted with purpose designed key operated locks or screwed down shut. The home must be inspected, both inside and out on a regular basis. During the colder months, October and March inclusive, the heating must be left on or the water system drained to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. Any refurbishment or maintenance works planned during the period of insurance would have to be disclosed during the quote stage, as could have a bearing on acceptance or the cover offered.

We have been recommending the Ocaso unoccupied home insurance policy for many years, as a purpose designed insurance to cater for empty homes with the flexibility of short-term cover periods, which have always been very popular as people do not want to be tied down to annual policies.

For a 3, 6 or 9 month short term Unoccupied House Insurance quote with Ocaso please click Request a Quote below.

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