Vacant home insurance: A complete guide

What is vacant or empty home insurance?

Vacant home insurance is designed for a home that is empty and no longer occupied by residents. You need this coverage when you move out of a home but continue to own it. It’s common for standard home insurance to limit coverage on vacant homes.

"Many insurance policies have language that may limit coverage if a home is vacant," says Cate Paolino, director of public policy at the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

Paolino notes that not all home policies are the same. They are worded differently and differ in terms of coverage, terms, conditions and limits. "These differences have meaning," she says.

Vacant property insurance is typically needed if a home will be empty for a certain period of time, usually 60 days, but in some cases, 30 days.

“While 30 days is often mentioned, it will be important to refer to your insurance policy and to speak with your agent or insurer to determine the exact length of time,” Paolino says.

An empty home can be harder to insure because no one is there to notice issues like a burst pipe, and the home is at a higher risk of a break-in.

It’s important to note that the words “vacant” and “unoccupied” aren’t synonymous.

“Insurers may sometimes define or describe in their policies the difference between a vacant home and an unoccupied home,” Paolino says.

She says that if no one is in the home, but the contents or personal property remain inside -- such as when you are traveling -- the home might be considered “unoccupied.”

However, if no one is living in the home -- and it lacks a typical amount of personal property inside -- the home might be considered “vacant.”

Vacant vs. unoccupied home insurance
Unoccupied home	Vacant home
Appears to be lived in.	No signs that someone lives in the home; little to no personal property.
Owner's personal property remains inside, the utilities are on, and appliances are functioning.	Utilities may be shut off, and appliances are not functioning or may be absent.
Home renovations may be in progress, but furniture and other personal property are still there.	Renovations may be in progress, and there is no personal property on the premises
The resident is away temporarily and plans to return.	The house is between occupants; it may be for sale or in probate.

Why is vacant home coverage different from standard home insurance?

Vacant home insurance differs because the risks are different. Without an occupant to keep an eye on things, damage that could have been caught immediately, like a leaky pipe, has time to become much more severe.

The lack of any signs of occupancy makes a vacant home an easy target for vandals and thieves; they know they’re unlikely to be caught.

Finally, a vacant home with little personal property doesn’t need the same level of personal property coverage as a lived-in home.

What does vacant home insurance cover?

Vacant home insurance covers common property risks such as fire, wind, explosions, lightning, and hail, depending on the policy.

Covered perils include:

Fire
Wind
Explosions
Lightning
Hail

However, some other perils may be excluded, most commonly theft and vandalism. Liability coverage is not included in every vacant home policy.

You might be able to add these coverages, but it depends on the insurance company and the type of policy.

How much is vacant home insurance?

Vacant home insurance costs more than standard homeowners insurance because an empty property presents additional risks. The price depends on factors such as the home's location, size, condition, length of vacancy and coverage. Because insurers price vacant properties differently, you’ll need to get a quote to know your cost.

Vacant home insurance typically costs 50% to 60% more than a standard homeowners policy, though the only way to get a precise number is to get a quote.

How to buy vacant home insurance

Buying vacant home insurance starts with your current insurer, which may be able to extend your existing homeowners policy while the property is vacant. If that isn’t an option, compare vacant home insurance quotes from other insurers. Check the coverage, price, and insurer’s reputation before choosing a policy.

Steps to buy vacant home insurance

Ask your current insurer: Find out if your insurer offers vacant home coverage or can add an endorsement to your existing policy.
Get quotes from other insurers: If your current insurer doesn’t offer suitable coverage, request quotes from companies that insure vacant homes.
Compare coverage and costs: Look at the coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles and premium. Make sure the policy covers the risks you need to protect against.
Check the insurer: Review the company’s reputation and financial strength before buying a policy.
Apply for coverage: Once you choose a policy, complete the application and provide the information the insurer requests about the property.
Pay the premium: Pay the required premium to put the policy in force and keep the property insured while it remains vacant.

Best vacant home insurance companies

Several insurers offer coverage for vacant properties, including American Modern, Foremost and Farmers. Coverage options, eligibility and availability vary by state and property.

Here are a few companies that offer homeowners insurance for vacant homes. Some are specialty insurers, and others are big names.

American Modern
Farmers
Foremost
American Family
State Farm

When do you need vacant home insurance?

You need vacant home insurance when no one lives in the property and it has little or no personal property inside for an extended period. Moving out, putting a home up for sale, extensive renovations or settling an estate can all change how an insurer classifies the property.

Insurance options for vacant or unoccupied property
Scenario	Insurance Options	Vacant or Occupied?
Dividing time between a primary and vacation home	Many insurers offer special seasonal and vacation home coverage for your vacation property, but you may also need additional coverage for the unoccupied primary residence. You may be able to insure both homes on one policy.	Unoccupied
Medical treatment	As long as someone checks on the home, you may not need to do anything. Check with your insurer.	Unoccupied
Renovating	You may need a vacant or unoccupied endorsement, as well as construction coverage, for the additional risk.	Unoccupied, may be vacant if renovations are extensive.
Home is for sale and owner has moved out	A home that you have moved out of and is on the market while sitting vacant will likely need either an endorsement or a separate policy.	Vacant
Traveling	Homeowners who take extended trips may need to purchase an endorsement that provides additional coverage for their unoccupied residence.	Unoccupied
Insured is deceased and lived alone	It’s possible to transfer the policy in some cases to a family member, but vacant home insurance is likely needed.	Vacant

Make sure you speak with your insurance company in any of these scenarios. Whether you are insuring an unoccupied home or a vacant one, it’s best to find out how your current insurer views each situation.

What to do when leaving a house unoccupied or vacant

Before you leave a home vacant or unoccupied, tell your insurer, maintain the property, and check it regularly. Keep the exterior maintained, secure doors and windows, consider cameras or an alarm, remove valuables, and arrange for someone to inspect the property.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind.

Maintain the exterior of your home. Make sure the lawn and garden are cared for, as an overgrown yard is a sign of vacancy.
Install security equipment. Cameras, motion-sensing lights and an alarm can all make your home a less tempting target.
Take the valuables with you. Don’t leave anything of value in the home if you’re going to be away for a long time.
Ask someone to check on things. Have a friend or neighbor stop by regularly to bring in mail and check for signs of problems.

FAQ: Insuring a vacant home

How long can a house be vacant for insurance?

A home can be vacant for 30 to 60 days with most insurers, after which coverage can be limited or excluded. The amount of time vacancy is allowed depends on your policy. Contact your insurer before the home becomes vacant.

Can you get insurance for an unoccupied house?

Yes, an unoccupied home can remain insured under a homeowners policy, but your insurer might require an endorsement or other conditions. Tell your insurer about an extended absence before you leave.

Is vacant home insurance more expensive?

Vacant home insurance is more expensive than what you would pay for a regular homeowners policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you might pay 50% to 60% more for insurance if your home is vacant.

Do you need insurance for vacant land?

Homeowners insurance isn’t required for vacant land since it doesn’t cover the land but rather structures and property. However, you should have liability insurance for vacant land.