Unoccupied Property Insurance

in Norwich, Norfolk and Ipswich, Suffolk

Unoccupied Property or Home Insurance

What is unoccupied home insurance?

Unoccupied home insurance is a separate policy that covers you when you leave your home for longer than 30 days. Your normal cover will usually only ensure you are covered for between 30-60 days, so it is vital to ensure that you are fully protected.

Leaving your home unoccupied for a longer period is seen as a greater risk for reasons such as burglary, leaks, and damage. If there is no one there to notice these issues, the damage can become bigger and worse by the time you have gotten back.

Unoccupied home or property insurance can be a minefield, but we are confident that by working with a select number of insurers - we can help.

Why and when would you require unoccupied home or property insurance?

Here are some examples of times that you may require this insurance policy, but not strictly limited to:

  • Extended holidays or business trips away
  • Renovation, extension, or building work
  • Probate or Inheritance
  • Hospital or care
  • Awaiting completion of a property sale
  • Investment / Rental
  • Empty Property awaiting Funding for Development


There are many a reason why you should need unoccupied property insurance, even when you least expect it. We may ask a lot of questions, but we believe that by doing so and asking the right questions you will be given the very best quotation for your circumstances - and more importantly, you will be insured! Get in contact with our team today for further information regarding your new policy.

Why Drayton?

When our company was established in 1997 by Susan Howard and Darren Walsgrove, the goal was always to provide our customers with the best experience that is both easy to access and never comprise on the cover. 25 years later and this is still what we stand by.

Our team is both friendly and professional, and their job is to ensure that the best policy is found for you and your requirements.

We work with all the main UK insurers, so we can offer expert advice to ensure your business is well protected. For the peace of mind that you have the right business insurance cover, please give us a call on 01603 954 054, send us an email, or pop in and see us. We are based within Norfolk, Suffolk, and across East Anglia with four offices and mobile representatives. or pop in and see us.

What is unoccupied property insurance?

Unoccupied property insurance is a type of insurance that covers properties that are not being lived in or used for business purposes. It can help to protect you from financial losses if your property is damaged or suffers a loss while it is unoccupied.

What do you need for unoccupied property insurance?

To get unoccupied property insurance, you will need to provide us with information about your property, such as its location, value, construction, age and any security measures you have in place. It is also likely that insurers will want to know why the property is unoccupied and what your immediate and future plans are for it.

What types of properties are typically covered under unoccupied property insurance?

We can provide unoccupied property solutions for any kind of vacant premises, including: Residential Private Dwellings Residential Let Premises Holiday and Second Homes Commercial Premises Industrial Premises.

What does unoccupied property insurance typically cover?

We can provide policies that provide basic cover (for Fire, Lightning, Explosion and Aircraft Damage) to policies that cover full perils, including accidental damage and subsidence (and anything in between). It is always best to speak with us about your specific requirements so that we can offer a policy that best suits your needs.

Can I get unoccupied property insurance for both residential and commercial properties?

Yes, you can typically get unoccupied property insurance for both residential and commercial properties. However, the specific coverages and exclusions may vary depending on the type of property.

How long can a property be vacant before it is considered unoccupied for insurance purposes?

The length of time that a property can be vacant before it is considered unoccupied for insurance purposes varies depending on the insurance company. Some companies may consider a property to be unoccupied after it has been vacant for 30 days, while others may not consider it to be unoccupied until it has been vacant for 90 days or more. If you know that your property is likely to be empty for a long period of time, we would advise obtaining a quotation early so that you are able to get this in place as soon as necessary.

Are there any exclusions or limitations to coverage under unoccupied property insurance?

Yes, there are often exclusions or limitations to cover. Insurers may also require you to carry out certain actions, such as: Inspecting the property periodically Turning off the mains services Draining the hot water system Blocking the letterbox We will always discuss and such requirements or limitations with you prior to inception of the policy.

What steps should I take to secure my unoccupied property and reduce the risk of damage or theft?

There are a number of things you can do to secure your unoccupied property and reduce the risk of damage or theft, such as: Install a security system to keep the property clean and free of debris Turn off the utilities, such as water, electricity, and gas Close and lock all windows and doors Remove valuables from the property Check in on the property regularly.

How does the cost of unoccupied property insurance compare to regular property insurance?

The cost of unoccupied property insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of property, its location, whether any works will be undertaken and the level of coverage you choose. However, it is generally more expensive than regular property insurance.

Can I get coverage for natural disasters or weather-related damage under unoccupied property insurance?

Whether or not you can get coverage for natural disasters or weather-related damage under unoccupied property insurance will depend on the specific policy. Some policies may offer this type of coverage, while others may not. If there is a specific type of loss that you are worried about, discuss this with us before hand and we will do our best to find a policy that meets your needs.

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