Unoccupied Property Insurance

Why choose Howden for unoccupied property insurance?

As a home insurance broker, we pride ourselves on doing the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. Thanks to the great relationships we have with our selected panel of standard and specialist insurers, we make the process of comparing multiple unoccupied property insurance policies, on your behalf, simple and easy. What’s not to like?

Here at Howden, our team also recognises that each policy needs to be as individual as its owner and their property, and that’s why we provide a tailored, personalised service, focused on getting to know you and finding out exactly what you want from your insurance cover.

Ultimately, whether you need to make a claim, purchase a new specialist home policy, or renew an existing one, just know that we’re here to help.

Benefits of working with Howden:

• We’re committed to helping you find suitable insurance solutions efficiently and with expert support

• Personalised guidance backed by local expertise

• Chat to your local broker, within your community

• Insurance cover tailored to your needs

• We're there for you when something goes wrong

What is unoccupied property insurance?

Most standard home insurance policies are designed for homes that are lived in on a regular basis. If a property becomes vacant for an extended period, your existing insurer may reduce cover, apply restrictions or require you to arrange alternative insurance.

Unoccupied property insurance is specifically designed for properties that are left empty for longer periods than a standard home insurance policy normally allows. This type of cover can be suitable for:

• Properties awaiting sale

• Homes undergoing probate

• Properties being renovated

• Empty properties between tenants

• Holiday homes left vacant for part of the year

• Second homes that are rarely occupied

• Vacant property investments

If your home will be empty for an extended period, it's important to check your insurance arrangements to ensure appropriate protection remains in place.

Why do unoccupied properties need specialist insurance?

An occupied property is usually checked daily, meaning problems are often detected quickly. In contrast, unoccupied properties can remain unattended for weeks or months at a time. This can increase the risk of:

• Burst pipes going unnoticed

• Theft and attempted theft

• Malicious damage

• Vandalism

• Fire damage

• Water damage

• Storm damage

• Squatter activity

Because these risks can be higher, standard insurance arrangements for occupied properties may not provide the same level of protection once a property is left vacant. Specialist insurers can often provide cover specifically designed to address these additional risks.

Who needs unoccupied property insurance?

There are many situations where unoccupied property insurance is worth considering. You may benefit from cover if:

1. You're selling a vacant property

2. A family member's property is going through probate

3. You're renovating a home before moving in

4. Your buy-to-let property is empty between tenants

5. You own holiday homes that remain vacant for part of the year

6. Your property is awaiting planning approval or redevelopment

7. You're temporarily working abroad

Every situation is different, so it's important to understand how long your property will be vacant and whether existing insurance arrangements remain suitable.

What does unoccupied property insurance cover?

The exact level of insurance cover will vary between providers, but many policies are designed to protect vacant properties against a range of risks. Cover may include:

• Fire damage

• Storm damage

• Flood damage

• Escape of water

• Theft following forcible entry

• Malicious damage

• Property owner's liability

• Accidental damage options, where available

The level of protection will depend on the insurer, policy terms and the condition of the property. Because every vacant property is different, cover requirements are considered on an individual basis.

Contents cover for vacant properties

Not every vacant property is completely empty. Some vacant homes continue to contain furniture, appliances, electrical items, antiques, high value items or personal possessions.

Where contents remain within the property, contents cover may be available depending on the insurer and policy selected. Owners should carefully assess the value of any items remaining in the property to ensure adequate protection is arranged.

Get unoccupied property insurance in Ireland

Whether you're dealing with probate, selling an empty property, renovating a home or managing a vacant investment, having the right protection in place is important. At Howden Insurance Ireland, we can help you explore unoccupied property insurance Ireland solutions tailored to your circumstances and the specific risks associated with your property.

Speak to our team today to discuss your requirements and find insurance solutions that may be suitable for vacant properties and long periods of unoccupancy, subject to eligibility and insurer acceptance.

Note: This is a marketing article from Howden. The information in this guide is accurate at time of publication. This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. If you have any questions or want to understand how unoccupied property insurance could work better for you, call us on 0818 024 106 and we'll be happy to help.