Empty Property Insurance - Empty property insurance is the one of the most difficult types of insurance to obtain. If you contact the majority of property insurance companies and mention that your building is unoccupied, then they will probably, not wish to offer you a quotation. Why do insurance companies not like empty property?. The reasons are fairly straight forward, for one, statistics show that unoccupied property, is more likely to produce a claim than unoccupied and if it does, the cost of the claim is likely to be higher. Unoccupied buildings are more at risk from burst pipes ( because they are not heated) and they can also be targets for Break-ins and vandalism. On some cases, property becomes empty becomes it has come to the end of its current life and it needs to be renovated or repaired or simply it is on the market to be sold, all of the these situations present the insurance company with scenarios that fall outside of their " normal" underwriting criteria.

The definition of empty property, does vary between insurance providers, usually it is 30 days, any property that is unoccupied for a period in excess of this will probably become subject to restrictions in cover unless , you approach an insurer that is willing to insure property that is unoccupied for longer than the usual limits. However, properties can be unoccupied from the time that insurance cover is taken out, this is particularly true of property that is not furnished for habitation.

When endeavouring to obtain an insurance quote for an empty property, it is vital to present the insurance company with all the facts, they must be made fully aware of the reasons why the property is unoccupied and what your intentions are with it. Alas, many people still provide insurance companies with inaccurate information and end up not having claims paid. If you do not buy your insurance policy on the correct basis, the contract may prove worthless. The important information to include will cover such things as.

1. Why the property is currently unoccupied
2. How long it has been unoccupied
3. How much longer is it going to be unoccupied.
4. Are you intending to have any work carried out at the property such as renovation or rebuilding work
5. What condition is the property in
6. What security do you have at the premises
7. How often is in inspected
8. What steps have you taken to minimise a loss.

Demonstrating to an insurance company that you are attempting to help prevent a loss, can help you obtain a  quotation and possibly wider cover. Whilst standard home insurance usually offers fairly similar perils, for an empty property, the perils will be restricted and you may have to persuade the insurance company to give you wider cover than they wish.  Make a list of things you will do to help prevent a loss, some will be compulsory but it helps to show willing. Risk prevention measures include; visiting the property of a regular basis, to make sure it is secure. When visiting the property, a record should be kept of anything things that needed to be fixed and all post and circulars removed from the letter box area. This doesn't have to be yourself, it could be a neighbour or agent. the gardens should be kept neat and tidy and free from rubbish, this will help conceal the fact that the property is unoccupied. The water should be switched off and the mains and the systems drained down. The electricity should also be switched off. 

Some people prefer to leave the services switched on, especially if people are working at the premises and they want to leave the heating on. Some insurance companies may consider giving burst pipe cover if the hearting is left on but you will have to negotiate this. If you do leave the heating on. opening up the loft hatch can help to prevent pipes bursting in the lost.

Once you have sourced your insurance quotation, it is important to study the documents carefully, there will be restrictions in cover and there will be warranties. It is vitally important that you carry out the insurance company requirements as failure to do so may result in a claim being turned down