If you own a property that is sitting empty, you may need unoccupied house insurance to ensure it remains protected. Many homeowners are unaware that standard home insurance can restrict cover once a house has been vacant for an extended period. In many cases, leaving a property unoccupied without informing your insurer could leave you exposed to risks that may not be covered under a standard policy.
At LHK Group, we help homeowners across Ireland arrange unoccupied house insurance for a range of situations, from homes undergoing renovation works to properties that are awaiting sale.
If you’re dealing with a vacant property, it’s important to understand the practical considerations as well as your insurance requirements. Citizens Information provides useful guidance on vacant homes in Ireland, including information on property ownership, grants, and supports that may be available to homeowners. Visit the Citizens Information vacant homes guide for more information.
What Is Considered an Unoccupied House?
An unoccupied house is a property that has been left empty for an extended period of time. While the exact definition can vary between insurers, many standard home insurance policies begin to restrict cover after a property has been vacant for around 30 consecutive days.
Common reasons a home may become unoccupied include:
• The property is undergoing renovation or building works
• The house is up for sale
• A tenant has moved out
• The owner has passed away
• The owner has moved into a nursing home
• The owner is working abroad for a prolonged period
• A newly built home is completed but not yet occupied
Why Do Insurers View Empty Properties Differently?
An unoccupied property can present a higher risk than an occupied home.
If a pipe bursts, a fire starts, or storm damage occurs, there may be nobody present to spot the issue immediately. Empty properties can also be more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or malicious damage. This increased risk is why insurers often have different underwriting requirements for vacant homes.
What Can Unoccupied House Insurance Cover?
Cover will vary depending on the insurer and the circumstances of the property, but policies can include protection for:
• Fire damage
• Lightning and explosion
• Storm and flood damage
• Property owner’s liability
• Certain theft and escape of water risks
• Fire brigade charges (subject to policy terms)
Some insurers may also offer additional options depending on the condition of the property and the reason it is vacant.
Unoccupied During Renovations or Building Works
One of the most common enquiries we receive at LHK Group is from homeowners carrying out renovations, extensions, or refurbishment projects.
Standard home insurance may not provide adequate cover while building work is taking place, particularly where structural alterations are involved. In these situations, it is important to notify your broker before work begins.
We can help arrange specialist cover designed for properties undergoing renovation, helping to protect both the existing structure and the works in progress, subject to insurer acceptance.
Unoccupied House Insurance for Homes That Are For Sale
Many homeowners assume that because a property is on the market, their insurance remains unchanged.
However, if you’ve already moved into another home and the property is sitting empty awaiting sale, your existing policy may no longer be suitable. An unoccupied house policy can help ensure the property remains protected while you wait for the sale to complete.
Insurer Requirements
Insurers may have specific conditions for unoccupied properties, including:
• Keeping the property secure
• Ensuring it remains in a good state of repair
• Regular inspections of the property
• Draining water systems in certain circumstances
• Taking precautions against frozen pipes during winter months
Failing to comply with policy conditions could affect a future claim, which is why expert advice is essential.
How LHK Group Can Help With Unoccupied House Insurance
Every unoccupied property is different. The reason the house is empty, how long it will remain vacant, its condition, and whether building works are taking place will all influence the cover available.
At LHK Group, we work with a range of insurers to help find appropriate solutions for non-standard risks, including unoccupied homes, renovation projects, and vacant properties awaiting sale.
If your house is currently unoccupied, or will be in the near future, it’s worth seeking advice before assuming your existing policy will continue to provide full cover.
Get in touch with LHK Group today to discuss your circumstances and see what options may be available.
