Vacant home insurance

Is your home unoccupied?

We have the solution to insure your vacant home! Our specialist vacant home brokers have a quick and easy solution for you.

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What's the difference between vacant and unoccupied homes?

A house is vacant when you don't necessarily intend to return to it, as in the case of buying a new home without having sold your main residence. An unoccupied house is considered more of a temporary situation.

Vacant home insurance and unoccupied home insurance

Don't forget to inform your broker or agent if your home becomes vacant - it's an important situation to declare. You could lose a lot if your insurer wasn't informed. A regular insurer will give you a sort of short-term vacancy permit. After that, we'll be there to help you - we have solutions.

Example of different situations that lead to a vacant house:

• Estate
• Buying a new home
• Works abroad
• A legacy

Is the house vacant due to an inheritance?

Has your insurer let you down because your estate is taking longer than expected? We have solutions for you: we have an estate home insurance policy. Our home insurer will cover your home for the period from the liquidation of the estate to the sale of the house. Ask our insurance brokers who specialize in home insurance.

How do you insure a vacant or unoccupied home?

Home insurance covers residential premises, but not vacant homes. It is very common for insurance policies to ignore the exclusion clause concerning this element. This exclusion stipulates that any home that remains vacant for more than 30 days is excluded from home insurance coverage. In other words, in the event of a claim, the insurer pays no compensation. It would therefore be wise to inform the insurance company if you change your place of residence, in order to benefit from adequate coverage.

It is therefore advisable to inform the insurer about the vacant home and it is he who can accept or refuse to insure the premises. Acceptance is usually accompanied by a vacancy permit endorsement, which is added to the home insurance policy initially taken out, along with an additional premium to compensate for the endorsement. Exclusions are also to be expected, notably for vandalism, water damage or glass breakage.

The extra premium may be justified by the endorsement, but even more so by the risk involved, which becomes higher in the case of vacant homes. This also explains the reduction in coverage for items that are usually covered, as mentioned above. Insurers often refuse to insure empty homes, as there is a greater risk of fire, vandalism, theft and other risks, as well as third-party liability. To prevent such inconvenience, it is advisable to contact an independent insurance agent who can compare offers from several insurers before advising the customer on the best option for unoccupied home protection.

Owners of vacant houses may consider selling an empty house, so as not to have to pay the habitat protection for two houses. But for a successful sale, it's in their best interest to enhance the value of the house to get the best possible price. Here are a few tips on how to keep your property in good condition so that you can resell it in ideal conditions and as quickly as possible.

• You need to plan regular visits to the vacant house, or have it visited by someone you trust;
• It's imperative to take every precaution to limit water damage by shutting off water inlets and draining pipes. After all, covering a vacant house excludes water damage;
• It's imperative to keep the house heated during the winter season;
• The entrance also needs to be kept clear of snow during the winter;
• It's also important to keep the lawn in mind, especially in summer, to prevent it from drying out and deteriorating;

• An automated system to market the lighting would be a good idea;
• It's best not to remove curtains; on the contrary, we recommend keeping them closed to preserve privacy inside.

Here are a few cases that are insured:

For any owner of an unoccupied house that does not contain furniture or furnishings, it can benefit from suitable insurance. Whether you intend to sell or rent it, or whether the property in question is part of an estate, you can always take out suitable cover.

Such insurance can be an appropriate solution for an investor who buys homes for resale, simply by contacting a vacant home insurance expert. Such protection covers legal and personal liabilities as well as the market value of the property.

It's a good idea to take a close look at all the details of your home insurance and make any changes required to cover unoccupied property. A well-maintained home makes it easier to obtain adequate coverage. Remember to visit it regularly, and to keep it in good repair. winter heating. Snow removal is necessary to avoid blocking access to the house during the winter season, as are the necessary checks to avoid water damage. Finally, don't forget to maintain the lawn. These simple steps will help keep your property in good condition and encourage insurers to cover it adequately.