Can you insure empty houses?
Asked by: Maria Blick | Last update: January 8, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (27 votes)
Is it hard to insure a vacant house?
Unfortunately, typical homeowners insurance policies don't cover most claims on a vacant property because they often have vacancy clauses, which restrict or exclude coverage on properties that have been vacant for a certain time – usually 30 or 60 days.
Can you insure a house if no one lives there?
Most regular home insurers will not insure an unoccupied home. It's part of the terms and conditions of the policy. I wouldn't test what would happen if you failed to notify them that the home was unoccupied and then something claim-worthy happened.
How much more does it cost to insure an unoccupied house?
This is because vacant homes are at a higher risk for issues like theft, vandalism, and undetected damage. Statistic: According to research, vacant home insurance can cost about 50% to 60% more than a standard policy for an occupied home.
Does State Farm insure unoccupied homes?
Some large national insurance companies, like State Farm and Farmers, offer coverage for these types of homes through endorsements or separate policies. You should be prepared to pay around 50% more for unoccupied or vacant home insurance than you would for a regular homeowners policy.
What is a Vacant Dwelling and how to Insure It?
What makes a property unoccupied?
An unoccupied home is a home that is ready to be lived in at any time, and the owner's personal property is left within the home (including furniture and appliances), and the utilities remain connected. A vacant home has no furniture, appliances and may have utilities disconnected.
Is it illegal to live in a house without insurance?
Is every homeowner required to have it? Theresa Simes, a Farmers Insurance® agent in Fountain Valley, California, discusses the need for home insurance. A: Home insurance isn't required by law, but there are other reasons to insure your home.
What is the 80% rule when it comes to insuring a home?
The 80% rule means that an insurer will only fully cover the cost of damage to a house if the owner has purchased insurance coverage equal to at least 80% of the house's total replacement value.
What happens to a house when no one lives in it?
As many Southerners know, an unmaintained house will quickly dilapidate, so it's crucial to stay up to date on home repairs and replacements. If vandals and squatters don't get there first, moisture will eventually commandeer an abandoned home.
Can you have two primary residences for insurance?
Yes, you can have two home insurance policies if you own multiple properties. Each home should have its own policy to ensure adequate coverage for its specific risks and needs. It's important to work with your insurance provider to manage and understand the terms of each policy effectively.
What is the difference between vacant and unoccupied?
“Vacant” and “Unoccupied” Mean Different Things
An unoccupied property is one that does not currently hold people but does still have furniture and other business or personal belongings. A vacant property is one that does not currently hold people or belongings.
Why would a house not be insured?
Most often, this is due to the home being in unlivable condition and/or needing extensive repairs. While the FHA will not insure such homes, private insurance companies may, but will typically come with higher premiums due to the property's added risk.
What happens when a house sits vacant?
The most common structural damages to occur in a vacant home include: Leaky, broken, or frozen pipes. Mold. Termites and other insects or animals.
What is considered a vacant house?
Generally, your home is considered vacant if it's left empty for 30 to 60 days or more. Most typical homeowner policies won't provide full coverage for the property once it's been vacated. Vacant home insurance can be purchased to help.
How do I insure a vacant lot?
If you don't have a homeowners policy, you can purchase a separate vacant land insurance policy through an independent insurer. These policies typically have no deductible, and the premiums are affordable. Plus, you'll have the peace of mind that your assets are covered no matter what happens on your land.
Are some houses uninsurable?
It may be less so if you're a billionaire who wants a stunning view and has cash to burn. But for typical Americans living in California, Florida, Texas, or other states vulnerable to severe weather, not so much. More often than not, these are low-valued homes and low-income households that go uninsured.
How long can a house be left unoccupied?
Generally, there are no specific rules that dictate the maximum period you can leave a property unoccupied. However, the length of time a property can remain vacant without supervision or upkeep can lead to various issues, from maintenance problems to security concerns.
What do you call a house that no one lives in?
The property is deemed to be vacant and abandoned if, after three consecutive inspections, the mortgagee finds that: No occupant was present and there was no evidence of occupancy at the property.
What if I live in a house made by idiots?
So What If I live in a House made by Idiots by Alamgir HashmiAlamgir Hashmi's 'So What if I Live in a House made by Idiots? ' is a representation of the choked cry of marginalized citizens who are destined to live under unsafe roofs where horror dangles like the sword of Damocles. The title of the poem is a question.
What makes a house uninsurable?
Living in a high-risk location, having hazardous home features, home maintenance issues, your home's history of insurance claims, and more can be reasons an insurance company may determine a house to be uninsurable.
What not to say to home insurance?
Avoid Misleading Phrases: Be cautious with your words. Phrases like “I think” or “It might have been” can introduce doubt and ambiguity into your claim. Instead, stick to clear, confident statements that are supported by your evidence and records.
What would happen if a homeowner had no homeowners insurance?
Without homeowners insurance, you would be responsible for all the legal fees, medical bills, and potential settlements. Liability coverage, which is typically included in homeowners insurance, protects you from these unexpected costs.
Do you need homeowners insurance if your home is paid off?
But now that your loan is paid off, you are responsible for making your homeowners insurance payments. Although you are not legally required to have homeowners insurance, you should think twice before you cancel your insurance.
Can you insure a house that nobody lives in?
Empty house insurance is a crucial safety net for property owners who find themselves with an unoccupied dwelling. If you're looking for a quick answer: empty house insurance provides coverage for property damage risks like fire, theft, vandalism, and weather-related events that can occur when a home is unoccupied.