Unoccupied undergoing works or renovation insurance

What is unoccupied property insurance?

If no one is living in a property for a period of time, this is know as an unoccupancy, or vacant property.

It’s important to ensure your property is protected during periods of unoccupancy as this is when insurers deem properties at their most vulnerable and highest risk in terms of protection required.

We specialise in providing cover for many of the situations property owners need insurance cover for, including protection for when your property is empty.

We offer short term and annual policies on all unoccupied and empty property insurance, offer as much flexibility as possible, and we can also change the cover you require during the term of your policy, should the property become occupied by tenants for landlords, to avoid setting up a whole new policy.

Cover for unoccupied properties undergoing works or renovation

If your property is undergoing work, renovations, or structural changes, insurers will require you to keep them updated on what work is being done at the property. If this isn’t done, it could result in a claim being declined.

Our unoccupied property insurance covers:

• Small maintenance jobs
• painting and decorating
• New kitchens
• Bathroom replacements
• larger renovations
• extensions
• constructure changes
• loft renovations
• roof replacements

We also offer cover in the event that a property owner needs to stay at the property overnight for short periods of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is an unoccupied property considered higher risk during renovation?

Vacant homes under renovation or construction are considered a higher risk as they are more exposed to risks such as theft of tools or materials, vandalism, water damage from unfinished plumbing and accidental damage caused by contractors.

As no one is living in the property, problems are more likely to go unnoticed for a longer period of time, which could cause them to worsen and become more expensive.

Do I need unoccupied property undergoing work cover if my builders already have their own insurance?

Your builders’ insurance will likely only protect their liability, as opposed to your entire property. If there is an issue at the property which isn’t their fault or isn’t because of the work they’ve done, they wouldn’t be liable, and their insurance wouldn’t cover this.