What Counts as ‘Unoccupied’ for Insurance Purposes?

How Insurers Usually Define an Unoccupied Home

Most insurers consider a property to be unoccupied when no one is living in it for a set number of consecutive days, often 30, 45 or 60 days depending on the policy.

However, if a homeowner knows in advance that the property will be empty for longer than this limit during the policy term, unoccupancy conditions usually apply from the first day the home becomes empty, not only from the point at which the limit is exceeded.

For example, if a customer expects the home to be empty for 75 days, the insurer will typically apply unoccupancy terms for all 75 days, rather than applying standard terms for the first 60 and unoccupied terms only afterwards.

This approach helps ensure the correct level of protection is in place from day one.

Unoccupied vs Vacant: What’s the Difference?

In everyday language these terms are often used interchangeably, but some insurers make a distinction.

Unoccupied

A property is considered unoccupied if:

• It is furnished, and
• No one is living there as their main residence

The home may still be visited for short periods and may contain furniture, appliances and personal belongings. However, if nobody is sleeping there regularly or carrying out normal day-to-day activities, the property will usually be treated as unoccupied once the threshold is reached.

Vacant

A vacant home normally means:

• The property is empty of furniture, and
• No one is living there

Vacant properties often carry higher risks, such as malicious damage or unauthorised access, and some insurers treat them differently for this reason.

Not all insurers separate the two terms, but where they do, vacant status can lead to stricter requirements or the need for a different type of policy. Always refer to your policy wording for the exact definitions used.

Common Situations Where a Property Becomes Unoccupied

Many everyday scenarios can cause a property to meet the definition of unoccupied. These include:

• Extended holidays or travel
• Working or staying abroad
• Long-term hospital stays or medical treatment
• A property going through probate (see probate home insurance)
• Homes awaiting sale or completion
• Renovation work that prevents normal living
• Second homes left empty out of season
• A rental property between tenants

Even though the reason for the home being empty varies, the same rules usually apply once the insurer’s time limit is reached. Informing the insurer early ensures the correct cover is in place.

Why the Definition Matters

Insurance policies are based on risk, and empty properties face different risks from occupied ones. Burst pipes, break-ins and undetected damage are more likely when nobody is living in the home. For this reason, insurers place conditions on unoccupied properties.

1. Cover may be reduced or restricted

Once a home is unoccupied, an insurer may limit or remove cover for:

• Escape of water
• Theft
• Malicious damage
• Vandalism
• Storm or frost damage if heating is not maintained

These restrictions vary by insurer, but they are common across the industry.

2. Claims may be affected if the insurer was not told

If a claim happens during a period when the property was unoccupied and the insurer was not informed, the claim may be affected because different cover and precautions apply.

When a property is expected to be empty for longer than the permitted occupancy period during the policy term, many insurers apply unoccupancy conditions immediately, even if the time limit has not yet been reached.

3. You may need a specialist unoccupied home insurance policy

If a property will be empty for a longer period, such as during probate or renovation, a standard policy may no longer be suitable. A specialist policy, such as unoccupied home insurance, helps ensure the risks associated with an empty home are properly covered.

How Long Can a Home Be Left Empty Before You Must Tell Your Insurer?

Most policies require the homeowner to tell the insurer if they expect the property to be unoccupied for longer than the limit set out in the policy wording (commonly 30, 45 or 60 days).

If the homeowner confirms in advance that the property will exceed this limit, unoccupancy conditions typically apply from the day the property becomes empty, not only from the point at which the time limit is passed.

If the homeowner initially believes the property will be empty for a shorter period but circumstances change, they should let the insurer know as soon as possible so that the correct terms can be applied.

What Counts as “Living” in a Property for Insurance Purposes?

There is often confusion about what does and does not count as living in a home. For insurance purposes, a property is typically considered lived in when someone:

• Sleeps there regularly
• Uses it as their main residence
• Cooks, washes and carries out normal daily activities
• Has personal belongings and everyday items in use

Activities that usually do not count as living in the home include:

• Occasional short visits
• Staying one night every few weeks
• Having lights on timers
• Leaving furniture inside the property
• Having someone clean, garden or check the home

These activities may help protect the property, but they do not usually qualify as normal occupancy in the eyes of an insurer.

Practical Steps If Your Home Will Be Unoccupied

If you expect your home to be empty for longer than your policy allows, it helps to plan ahead. Common steps include:

• Review your policy wording in advance
• Notify your insurer of the planned dates
• Turn off the water, or drain the system if required
• Set the heating to a low, constant temperature if advised
• Ensure all windows, doors and outbuildings are secure
• Arrange regular property inspections
• Keep a record of checks, photographs and meter readings
• Redirect post to reduce the risk of mail piling up
• Remove perishable items and secure valuables

For more ideas, you might find it helpful to read 5 tips to protect your empty house, which looks at practical ways to keep an empty home safe and secure.

There are also financial and legal points to consider. Our article do you pay council tax on an empty property explains how local councils treat empty homes, and why you need insurance for empty properties looks at the risks of leaving a home without suitable cover.

Summary

A home is considered unoccupied when no one is living there for longer than the time limit set by the insurer, usually 30 to 60 days. Even if a property is furnished or visited occasionally, it may still count as unoccupied once this threshold is reached.

If the homeowner knows in advance that the property will be empty beyond this limit, unoccupancy terms usually apply from the very first day the property becomes empty. Understanding this definition is important because it affects cover, conditions and claims.

By reviewing your policy wording, notifying your insurer early and taking sensible precautions, you can help ensure your property remains protected while it is empty.