Vacant homeowners insurance is a specialized policy designed to protect homes that are unoccupied for extended periods. Compared to standard homeowners insurance, which is typically regularly occupied, vacant homeowners insurance addresses the unique risks associated with vacant properties, such as vandalism, theft and undetected damage.
Vacant Homeowners Insurance: What It Is And When You Need It
Vacant homeowners insurance protects your property when it's unoccupied for an extended period, covering risks such as weather-related damage or vandalism.
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Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Jonathan Ramos
Content Editor
Jonathan Ramos is an editor committed to producing user-friendly and accessible financial content, particularly for those in younger generations. Previously, he worked as a fact-checker at The Daily Emerald, the University of Oregon newspaper. Jonathan's interest in the personal finance space stems from his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others — he helps people make informed financial decisions by using his editing skills to make complex information more digestible.
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Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Jonathan Ramos
Content Editor
Jonathan Ramos is an editor committed to producing user-friendly and accessible financial content, particularly for those in younger generations. Previously, he worked as a fact-checker at The Daily Emerald, the University of Oregon newspaper. Jonathan's interest in the personal finance space stems from his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others — he helps people make informed financial decisions by using his editing skills to make complex information more digestible.
Updated: June 3, 2024
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Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Vacant homeowners insurance provides protection for unoccupied homes against risks like vandalism and theft.
A home is considered vacant if it is unoccupied for 30 to 60 days, lacks personal belongings or has disconnected utilities, making it more vulnerable to certain risks.
Vacant homeowners insurance does not cover routine maintenance issues, intentional damage by the homeowner, wear and tear or flood or earthquake damage without specific additional policies.
What Is Vacant Homeowners Insurance and What Does It Cover?
Vacant homeowners insurance is a policy that covers properties left unoccupied for extended periods, typically 30 to 60 days. This type of insurance addresses the unique risks associated with vacant properties, which are more susceptible to certain types of damage and theft due to the lack of regular monitoring and maintenance.
Here’s what vacant homeowners insurance typically covers:
Vandalism and Theft
Vacant properties are often targets for vandalism and theft because they are less likely to be monitored. This coverage protects against damage or loss resulting from these events.
Fire and Smoke Damage
Fires can cause significant damage to a home, and vacant homes are particularly vulnerable because there may be no one to quickly report or respond to a fire.
Water Damage from Burst Pipes or Leaks
Unoccupied homes may suffer from undetected water damage. Vacant home insurance covers repairs from incidents like burst pipes or leaks.
Weather-Related Damage
Damage from windstorms, hail and other weather events is typically covered, providing peace of mind that your property is protected against natural disasters.
Liability Issues
If someone is injured on your property while it is vacant, this insurance can cover legal and medical expenses.
What Doesn’t Vacant Homeowners Insurance Cover?
While vacant homeowners insurance provides extensive coverage for unoccupied properties, it excludes routine maintenance issues and intentional damage. Knowing these limitations is crucial to avoid surprises when filing a claim. Generally, vacant homeowners insurance does not cover:
Routine Maintenance Issues
Damage resulting from neglect or failure to perform regular maintenance is not covered. For instance, if a roof deteriorates due to lack of upkeep, the damage would not be eligible for a claim.
Intentional Damage by the Homeowner
Any damage intentionally caused by the homeowner is excluded from coverage.
Flood Damage
Damage from flooding is not covered under vacant homeowners insurance unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.
Earthquake Damage
Like flood damage, earthquake damage requires a separate policy and is not covered under typical vacant homeowners insurance.
Wear and Tear
Normal wear and tear or gradual deterioration over time is not covered.
What Counts as a Vacant Home?
A home is considered vacant when it's unoccupied for an extended period, typically defined as 30 to 60 days, depending on the insurer. Here are the main criteria that determine if a home is considered vacant:
- No Residents Living in the Home: The primary indicator of vacancy is the absence of residents. A home is considered vacant if no one lives in it for a specified period.
- Absence of Personal Belongings: A home with no furniture or personal items is more likely to be classified as vacant. The lack of these items suggests the property is not being used regularly.
- Utilities Disconnected or Turned Off: If utilities such as electricity, water and gas are disconnected or turned off, the home may be deemed vacant.
- No Regular Maintenance: Signs of neglect, such as overgrown lawns, accumulated mail or lack of general upkeep, can contribute to the classification of a home as vacant.
Understanding these indicators is crucial for determining when a home is classified as vacant and ensuring it has the appropriate insurance coverage.
Do You Need Homeowners Insurance on Vacant Land?
Having liability insurance for vacant land is crucial to protect against potential accidents or injuries occurring on the property. While you do not legally require homeowners insurance for a vacant home, it still needs adequate protection.
Having vacant home insurance can ensure your property is protected against:
- Accidents and Injuries: If someone is injured on your vacant land, you could be liable for medical expenses and legal fees. Liability insurance protects you from these financial risks.
- Trespassing Incidents: Even if someone is trespassing, you might still be liable for injuries they sustain on your property.
- Natural Hazards: Vacant land can pose risks due to natural hazards like uneven terrain, which can lead to accidents.
Ensuring your property has the necessary insurance coverage, such as liability insurance for vacant land or vacant home insurance, is essential for protecting against various risks and liabilities.
Vacant Home Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance
Vacant home insurance and standard homeowners insurance differ primarily in the scope of coverage and the risks they address. These differences are essential to understand to ensure your property is adequately protected based on its occupancy status. Take a look at the table below to understand the key differences:
Feature | Vacant Home Insurance | Homeowners Insurance |
---|---|---|
Coverage Period | Long-term unoccupied homes | Regularly occupied homes |
Risks Covered | Vandalism, theft and undetected damage | Fire, theft and weather-related damage |
Liability | Higher risk due to lack of occupancy | Standard liability for occupied properties |
How to Purchase Vacant Homeowners Insurance
Purchasing vacant homeowners insurance involves a few key steps to ensure you get the right coverage. With careful planning and consideration, you can secure the right policy to safeguard your investment. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Assess Your Needs
Determine how long the property will be vacant and what specific risks you need coverage for. Consider the property's location, condition and any previous damage.
Research Providers
Look for insurance companies that specialize in vacant home insurance. Some insurers may offer policies specifically tailored to vacant properties, providing more comprehensive coverage options.
Compare Policies
Evaluate the coverage options, exclusions and costs of different policies. Pay attention to what is included and what is not covered.
Get Quotes
Request home insurance quotes from multiple insurers to compare prices. Be sure to provide accurate information about the property to get an accurate quote.
Review Terms
Carefully read the policy terms to understand coverage limits, deductibles and any conditions. Ensure you are clear on what is required to maintain the coverage.
Purchase Policy
Choose the best policy for your needs and purchase it, ensuring you maintain documentation for future reference. Keep a copy of the policy documents and contact information for your insurer handy.
Maintain Property
Even with vacant home insurance, it's important to perform regular inspections and maintenance to minimize risks and ensure compliance with the policy terms.
FAQ About Vacant Homeowners Insurance
Understanding vacant homeowners insurance can be complex, especially with the various coverage options and limitations. To help clarify common concerns, we've compiled answers to frequently asked questions about vacant homeowners insurance.
Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover unoccupied homes. This is where vacant home insurance comes in.
Depending on the insurance policy, a house can usually be unoccupied for 30 to 60 days before it is considered vacant.
In an insurance policy, "vacant" refers to a property that has been unoccupied and lacks personal belongings or utilities for an extended period, typically 30 to 60 days.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
![Mark Fitzpatrick headshot](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/f_auto,c_limit,w_256,q_auto/v1613177245/Image_from_i_OS_825d26269a.jpg)
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.