When someone moves into a care home, their house may remain empty while the family decides what happens next. It might eventually be sold, let out or kept available in case the owner returns.
Whatever the plan, check the home insurance promptly. A policy arranged for an occupied home may restrict cover when nobody is living there, even if furniture remains and relatives visit regularly.
Possibly. Moving into a care home does not automatically mean the current policy must be cancelled. The insurer may continue cover, change its terms or explain that another policy is needed.
Many standard policies limit how long a home can remain unoccupied, often to 30 or 60 consecutive days. The precise definition, notification requirements and restrictions depend on the policy.
Contact the insurer before the move where possible, or promptly afterwards if arrangements were made unexpectedly. Explain when the owner left, whether the stay is temporary or permanent, and whether anyone else still lives there.
If the length of absence is uncertain, say so. Ask for written confirmation of the cover, conditions and relevant dates. Do not assume the usual empty-home allowance provides unrestricted cover from the outset.
If replacement insurance is required, confirm its start date before cancelling existing cover.
Regular visits can help identify leaks, damage or security problems, but they do not necessarily make the property occupied for insurance purposes.
Collecting post, watering plants or spending an afternoon at the house is different from living there. Furniture remaining inside also does not establish that the home is occupied.
Occasional overnight stays may not meet the insurer’s definition either. Describe the actual arrangements and ask how the insurer treats them. Avoid assuming that a short stay resets an unoccupancy period.
Our guide to what counts as unoccupied for insurance purposes explains this in more detail.
If you are helping a parent or relative, ask the insurer what permission or evidence of authority it needs before you manage or change their policy.
Where you act under a power of attorney, explain this and check what documentation is required. The legal arrangements differ across the UK. GOV.UK provides guidance on managing property and financial affairs under a lasting power of attorney in England and Wales.
Be clear about who owns the house and who is arranging the insurance. Helping with paperwork does not make you the property owner, and the policy needs to reflect the correct interests.
It helps to have the existing policy documents, the date the house became empty, details of remaining belongings and arrangements for property checks available.
Buildings insurance protects the structure against the risks included in the policy. Contents insurance covers insured belongings left inside, where selected. Removing some possessions does not necessarily mean contents cover is no longer needed.
Unoccupied policies offer different levels of protection. Check whether the proposed cover includes escape of water, theft, malicious damage and storm damage, alongside fire and other insured events. Compare excesses and conditions as well as price.
Belongings taken into the care home need a separate check. Ask the care home what its insurance covers and whether additional personal contents cover is required. Do not assume the policy for the former home extends to the new address.
Before choosing a policy, check that the family can meet its requirements throughout the time the house is empty. These may include:
Agree who will carry out the checks and arrange cover for their absences. If the requirements are impractical, raise this before buying the policy.
Read more about unoccupied home insurance rules.
Tell the insurer or broker if the owner returns, someone moves in, tenants are introduced or renovation work is planned. Each change can affect the insurance needed.
If the house is awaiting sale, keep suitable cover in place and review arrangements with the insurer and conveyancer as the transaction progresses. A delayed sale may also mean extending the expected period of unoccupancy.
Not always. Start by checking the existing policy and telling the insurer about the move. The answer depends on whether the house becomes unoccupied, how long for and what the insurer can offer.
The property may remain occupied. Explain the change in household circumstances and check whether the policy details need updating.
It can. A temporary stay may still exceed the policy’s unoccupancy allowance. Explain the expected duration and update the insurer if it changes.
Review what remains first. Furniture, appliances and other possessions may still need protection. Ask about cover for belongings moved elsewhere before changing the policy.
Intelligent Insurance is a specialist home insurance broker. We may be able to arrange cover for a property left unoccupied while its owner is in a care home, depending on the circumstances and insurer requirements.
Explore our unoccupied home insurance or speak to our team about the property and the arrangements for looking after it.
We may not be able to quote in all circumstances. Cover limits, restrictions and conditions may apply and will be detailed before purchase and in the policy documentation.
This guide explains why unoccupied home insurance claims are sometimes declined, the most common underlying reasons, and you can reduce the risk of issues if you need to claim.
When a home is unoccupied, insurers often require regular inspections. This guide explains how often checks are needed and what insurers expect.
A clear guide to the common conditions insurers apply to empty properties and how to stay compliant.