Vacant Home Insurance

A vacant property is different from an occupied home in several ways. However, it is still a place that needs to be protected- if not for its own potential, then for the potential hit to your finances should any damage happen to the property.

In many ways, a vacant homes present a greater insurance risk than occupied homes. This may include slower emergency response times and the increased probability of a break-in occurring. The increased insurance risk associated with unoccupied and vacant homes has resulted in insurance companies excluding these properties in standard property insurance policies. As a result, homeowners who want coverage for an empty or uninhabited home need to purchase unoccupied or vacant home insurance.

Therefore, if you own a vacant home now or plan to leave a home vacant in the future, consider vacant home insurance to help protect your property and provide you peace of mind.

What Is Vacant Home Insurance?

A vacant home is a property that is empty and not in use for a significant amount of time. It doesn’t always mean it’s abandoned or boarded up. It simply means it is unoccupied and clear of personal property. The home could be vacant because it’s up for sale and the sellers have already moved. It could be a home that’s only used for a few months out of the year or a home that is currently undergoing renovations.

The amount of time required for a home to be considered vacant can depend on the insurance company. For instance, some insurance companies may deem a home to be vacant if no one lives in it for at least 30 days. Other insurers may extend this to 60 days or more before a home is considered vacant.

Vacant home insurance can be purchased as its own policy or as an add-on endorsement to an existing homeowners insurance policy. It is designed to protect homes that are vacant for an extended period of time. This is different from traditional homeowners insurance, which covers you for as long as you own and live in the home.

What Does Vacant Home Insurance Cover?

Vacant home insurance covers many of the same things a standard homeowners insurance policy does – just under different circumstances. Your plan may cover you from loss or damage caused by:

• Lightning
• Hail
• Wind
• Fire
• Smoke
• Explosion
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Leaking pipes

What’s actually covered and for how long will depend on the insurance company and the policy you choose. When getting vacant home insurance, make sure you review your insurance company’s specific protections for this type of insurance.

How Do I Purchase Vacant House Insurance?

The first thing you’ll want to do is find out how long your home can sit unoccupied before it is considered vacant, then determine if you need vacant house insurance. Remember, you’ll always want to be honest with your insurance company about the status of your property.

If you need vacant home insurance, start by asking your insurance provider how they handle this type of coverage. While some allow you to add coverage to an existing policy, others require a completely separate policy. Once you talk to your current provider, don’t be afraid to shop around for the best coverage and price. When comparing companies, don’t just think about monthly costs. Consider other factors, like deductibles and coverage limits.

Once you know which provider you’re using, gather up the documents you’ll likely need to apply for coverage. These may include a government-issued ID and proof that you own the property. You may also need to provide the estimated value of the home and estimated amount of time it may sit vacant.

You may also consider talk to ONYX Insurance Brokers, they offer the best coverage and price that you need. Contact or email ONYX Insurance Brokers now!