ALDIUM Insurance
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Property Owners Insurance
Unoccupied Property Insurance
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Get an Unoccupied Property QuoteComplete the form — a specialist will be in touch promptly. |
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What Is It?
What Is Unoccupied Property Insurance?Unoccupied property insurance is specialist cover for properties that are not being actively occupied. Standard home insurance and standard landlord policies restrict or suspend cover once a property has been empty for 30 to 45 consecutive days — leaving owners exposed to significant uninsured risk during vacancy periods. Empty properties face elevated risks that occupied properties do not — arson, vandalism, squatters, undetected water damage and theft of metal are all more common in vacant buildings. Unoccupied property insurance is designed specifically for these risks, providing cover while the property is not in use. Aldium Insurance arranges unoccupied property cover for landlords, homeowners, developers, executors, solicitors and property investors across the UK — for both residential and commercial properties, on short-term and extended basis. |
Definition
“Unoccupied property insurance is specialist cover for vacant or empty buildings — filling the gap left when standard policies suspend cover during vacancy, protecting against the elevated risks of an empty property.” |
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Independent Broker
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Whole of Market Access
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Dedicated Account Handler
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Claims Support
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Renovation & RefurbishmentProperties being extensively refurbished are frequently vacant throughout the works. Standard policies do not cover properties mid-renovation — specialist unoccupied cover is required from the day works begin. |
Probate & Estate PropertiesWhen a property owner dies, the property may stand empty for months while probate is granted and the estate administered. Executors have a legal duty to insure estate assets — personal liability can arise if cover lapses. |
Between TenanciesA landlord's property may stand empty for several weeks between tenancies. Once the vacancy exceeds the standard policy limit — usually 30 or 45 days — unoccupied cover must be arranged to maintain protection. |
Awaiting Sale or PurchaseA property that has been sold but not yet completed, or is on the market awaiting a buyer, may be vacant for a significant period. Standard house insurance may not cover an empty property pending sale. |
Commercial VacancyCommercial properties frequently stand empty between lettings — sometimes for months or years in challenging markets. Specialist commercial unoccupied cover addresses the specific risks of vacant commercial buildings. |
Long-Term Vacant PropertiesProperties subject to planning disputes, legal proceedings or structural issues that prevent occupation may need long-term unoccupied cover. We arrange extended policies for complex situations and challenging properties. |
Second Homes & Holiday PropertiesSecond homes and holiday properties left empty for extended periods often fall outside the scope of standard home insurance. Specialist cover is available for properties unoccupied for significant portions of the year. |
New Build Awaiting OccupationNewly built residential or commercial properties are unoccupied until the first owner or tenant takes possession. Developers require specialist cover during this period, particularly if the sale or letting takes longer than anticipated. |
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What's Covered
What Does Unoccupied Insurance Cover?Unoccupied property policies are more restricted in scope than standard occupied property insurance — insurers reduce their exposure during vacancy periods. The table below shows what a typical unoccupied policy covers and any key conditions that apply. *Please always refer to your policy documentation for your full covers and conditions.
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Why Aldium
Why Choose Aldium?Independent. Specialist. On Your Side.Immediate cover available — if your property is already vacant, we can arrange cover quickly without delay.
Residential & commercial — we cover all property types including houses, flats, shops, offices, warehouses and industrial units.
Probate & executor specialists — we regularly arrange cover for solicitors and executors administering estates with vacant property assets.
Renovation cover available — where a property is vacant due to building works, we advise on the right cover for the scope of works.
FCA regulated independent broker — not tied to any insurer. We find the right policy at the right price for your specific situation.
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How long can my standard policy cover an empty property?Most standard home insurance and landlord policies suspend or significantly restrict cover after 30 to 45 consecutive days of vacancy. You must check your policy wording. If your property has been empty or is about to exceed this limit, contact us immediately to ensure you have no gap in cover. |
I am the executor of an estate — do I need to arrange insurance?Yes. As executor you have a legal duty to maintain and protect estate assets, including any property. If an uninsured estate property suffers loss or damage you may face personal liability. We regularly arrange unoccupied cover for executors and solicitors administering estates — often at short notice. |
What security conditions do I need to meet?Most unoccupied policies require all external doors secured with approved deadlocks, windows locked, and the property inspected internally at defined intervals — typically every 7, 14 or 30 days. Inspection records must be kept. Services may need to be isolated. We confirm the exact requirements of your policy when cover is placed. |
Does unoccupied insurance cover renovation works?It can, but not always fully. Standard unoccupied policies cover the structure against defined perils but may not cover the risks created by active building works — hot works, structural alterations or major plumbing. For significant renovation projects, a combined unoccupied and contract works policy may be more appropriate. We advise on the right solution. |
Can I get unoccupied insurance for a commercial property?Yes. We arrange unoccupied cover for shops, offices, warehouses and industrial units. Commercial unoccupied properties have specific risk considerations — particularly theft of metal and unauthorised occupation. We access specialist commercial markets to ensure the right cover is in place. |
How long can I insure a property on an unoccupied basis?Policies are typically available for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months and can often be extended beyond the initial term. For properties with long-term vacancy due to legal disputes, structural issues or planning matters, we can access markets offering extended cover beyond the standard 12-month period. |
If your property is vacant or about to become vacant, don't wait — gaps in cover can be costly. Contact us today for independent advice and a prompt quotation.
| Get an Unoccupied Quote | Call 0151 336 5881 |
| Independent Broker | FCA Regulated | Vacant Property Specialists | UK Based Team | Claims Support |
