What happens to homeowners insurance when a house becomes vacant?
Many homeowners policies limit or exclude coverage once a home sits vacant or unoccupied for a period of time. If your home will be empty while you prepare or sell it, talk with your insurance carrier early and ask what your policy requires.
Vacancy provisions in homeowners policies
Standard homeowners policies often include a vacancy clause that reduces or removes coverage for certain losses after the home has been vacant for a defined number of days. The exact threshold and the coverage that is affected vary by insurer and policy, so the details matter.
Ask your carrier directly
The best step is to call your insurance agent and ask how vacancy affects your specific policy. They can tell you whether you need to switch to a vacant-home or unoccupied-home policy, and what conditions apply, such as regular inspections or maintained utilities.
- Ask about the vacancy day threshold
- Ask what losses are limited or excluded
- Ask whether you need a vacant-property policy
- Follow any conditions, such as check-ins
Plan before the home sits empty
Sort out insurance before the home has been vacant for the policy's limit, not after a loss occurs. If the property is going to be vacant for a while, work with your agent to keep coverage in place while you prepare the home for sale.
When to consult a professional
Insurance coverage is specific to your policy and insurer. Contact your insurance carrier or agent for guidance on your exact situation.
A real conversation can answer more.
When you talk with Lisa about a vacant property, she can help you think through the practical steps, including coordinating check-ins while you sort out coverage.