Is Your Void Property Insured?
Answer 5 quick questions to find out if your vacant property insurance is still valid.
Answer 5 quick questions to find out if your vacant property insurance is still valid.
Most standard insurance policies define a property as "unoccupied" after 30-60 days.
Failing to notify your insurer can void your policy entirely, even within the first 30 days.
Insurers typically require specific security measures as a condition of vacant property cover.
Water damage from burst pipes is one of the most common and expensive claims on vacant properties.
Most insurers require documented inspections at least weekly to maintain valid cover.
Most standard home insurance policies contain void property clauses that restrict or remove cover after 30–60 days of the property being unoccupied. After this period, you typically need specialist vacant property insurance to maintain cover against fire, theft, vandalism, and water damage. Always check your policy wording — some insurers use 30 days (residential) and others use 45 days (commercial).
Most residential insurance policies define a property as unoccupied after 30 consecutive days without residents. Commercial policies typically use 45 days. After this threshold, cover may be restricted, excess increased, or the policy voided entirely if the insurer was not notified. The key action is to contact your insurer before the property becomes vacant.
Common insurer requirements include: regular inspections (weekly or fortnightly), water mains turned off and system drained, gas supply disconnected, all entry points secured with appropriate locks, alarm systems operational and connected to a monitoring centre, no accumulation of combustible materials, and notifying the insurer of the vacancy in writing.
Yes. Because property guardians maintain a continuous human presence, the property may no longer be classified as void for insurance purposes. This can allow standard policy cover to continue rather than requiring more expensive specialist vacant property insurance. The saving on insurance alone can offset the cost of a guardian arrangement. Always get written confirmation from your insurer.
Read our detailed guide on vacant property insurance requirements, including what insurers look for and how to reduce premiums.