When a home is left unoccupied, insurers are concerned about how quickly problems are identified. Issues such as water leaks, storm damage, or forced entry can escalate rapidly if no one is visiting the property.
For this reason, most unoccupied home insurance policies include a condition requiring regular inspections. These rules are often misunderstood, and homeowners are not always sure how frequently checks must happen or what an insurer expects.
This guide explains how often unoccupied properties typically need to be inspected for insurance purposes, who can carry out inspections, and what a standard inspection usually involves.
If you are looking for an overview of cover designed for empty homes, including buildings insurance for an empty house, you can read our guide to unoccupied home insurance.
Unoccupied properties carry a higher level of risk because there is no daily oversight. A small leak, broken window, or electrical issue that might be spotted quickly in an occupied home could remain unnoticed for weeks in an empty property.
From an insurer’s perspective, regular inspections help detect issues early, reduce the likelihood of severe damage, and can limit the size and complexity of claims. This is why inspection conditions are a common feature of unoccupied home insurance.
There is no single inspection rule that applies to all policies. Inspection frequency is set by individual insurers and can depend on factors such as how long the property is unoccupied and what level of cover is in place.
Common inspection requirements typically fall into one of the following ranges:
Inspection frequency is not always set out in the core policy wording, as standard wordings are usually designed for occupied homes. Instead, the required inspection interval is commonly stated in an endorsement attached to the policy schedule.
That endorsement typically confirms:
If inspections are not carried out at the required intervals, this can affect how a claim is assessed if something goes wrong while the property is empty.
An inspection does not usually need to be a detailed survey, but insurers generally expect a reasonable visual check of the property.
This typically includes confirming that:
Inspections are intended to identify clear, visible issues rather than hidden defects. If problems are found, they should be dealt with promptly, and any urgent risks should be reduced as soon as possible.
In most cases, insurers do not require inspections to be carried out by a professional. Inspections can often be completed by the homeowner or by a trusted person acting on their behalf, such as:
Whoever carries out the inspection should know what to look for and be able to access the property safely.
Some insurers expect homeowners to keep a simple record of inspections. Even where this is not mandatory, keeping evidence can be helpful if a claim is queried.
Records might include:
These records are not usually submitted unless a claim arises, but they can help demonstrate that policy conditions were followed.
If an inspection is missed and damage occurs during that period, an insurer may consider whether the lack of inspections contributed to the loss. This can affect how a claim is handled.
Depending on the circumstances and the policy wording, the insurer may:
This is why it is important to understand and comply with inspection requirements throughout the period the property is unoccupied.
Inspection requirements are just one part of how insurers manage risk for unoccupied properties. They often sit alongside conditions relating to security, heating, and water systems.
Understanding these requirements in advance can help you avoid problems and ensure your cover remains valid while the property is empty.
Inspection rules are commonly shown in an endorsement attached to your policy schedule. This is often where insurers set the inspection interval and any restrictions that apply while the property is unoccupied.
Usually not. Inspections can often be carried out by the homeowner or a trusted person such as a family member, neighbour, friend, or managing agent, as long as they can access the property safely and carry out a reasonable visual check.
Often no. Many insurers expect the inspection to involve access to the property so obvious issues inside can be spotted. If you are unsure what is expected, check your endorsement wording.
If you cannot meet the required inspection interval, it is usually best to speak to your insurer or broker as soon as possible. They may be able to adjust terms, suggest an alternative arrangement, or confirm what is acceptable under your cover.
Some insurers expect inspections to be recorded, and it can be helpful to keep dated notes or photographs. If a claim is ever questioned, simple records can help demonstrate that inspections were completed as required.
Not always, but it can create complications. If a claim arises, the insurer may consider whether the missed inspection contributed to the loss and this can affect the outcome.
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