When a property sits empty for over 30 days, the risks can quickly add up. Break-ins, vandalism, leaks, or fires may go unnoticed for longer, which can lead to more damage. Standard landlord or home insurance usually won't cover you in these situations, which is where unoccupied property insurance can help.

If your property is between tenants, undergoing renovation, or on the market for sale, unoccupied home insurance can help keep it protected while it's vacant. At Gallagher, we can arrange flexible cover for both commercial and residential properties, to help give you extra peace of mind until it's reoccupied.

Protection designed for the unique challenges of unoccupied properties

Empty properties can face very different risks compared to one that's lived in day-to-day. Without someone there, issues like burst pipes, vandalism, fire, or theft can cause more serious damage before they're discovered. At Gallagher, we can arrange cover that's designed around your needs as a landlord or property owner.

What's typically covered

Cover for repairing or replacing the structure of the property and contents inside, including fixtures and fittings.

Theft or attempted theft insurance: Cover for forced entry or damage resulting from break-ins.

Vandalism and malicious damage insurance: Cover for damage caused deliberately by others.

Optional accidental damage protection: Cover for sudden and unforeseen damage to the building or contents.

Loss of rent and alternative accommodation cover for up to 25% of the building’s sum insured if tenants need to move out following an insured event.

Property owners' liability insurance: Cover for up to £5 million for injury to third parties or damage to their property.

Employers' liability insurance : Cover for up to £10 million for injury to domestic or maintenance staff employed in relation to the property.

Assistance with tenant disputes, evictions, and property damage claims.

These are brief product descriptions only. Please refer to the policy documentation paying particular attention to the terms and conditions, exclusions, warranties, subjectivities, excesses and any endorsements.

Coverage scenarios for unoccupied property insurance

Any property can become unoccupied for different reasons, sometimes unexpectedly. Gallagher can arrange cover for a wide range of unoccupied property types, including residential homes, rental properties, commercial premises, second homes and holiday homes.

Examples of unoccupancy can include:

  • Gaps between tenants renting the property
  • Renovation, redecoration or an extension
  • Recently purchased property being prepared for letting or sale
  • Used as a second home or holiday home
  • On the market to be sold
  • Student lets
  • Illness or hospital stay
  • Extended holidays or care outside of the property
  • An empty home awaiting probate

Why choose Gallagher

At Gallagher, we can help you find suitable insurance to keep your property protected. As one of the UK's largest insurance brokers, we work with a panel of insurers to offer flexible options for landlords and property owners. We take time to understand your circumstances and property, so we can help arrange cover that reflects how it's being used while it's unoccupied.

Unoccupied Property Insurance

  • Cover for property that is left unoccupied for 30 days or more
  • Quotations available online and over the phone
  • Cover for buildings, contents and property owners’ liability

Unoccupied property insurance: Frequently asked questions

Please note that these frequently asked questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation

  • Gallagher SME Team

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