Standard homeowners policies are written for homes that are lived in. When a house sits empty — through probate, between tenants, during an out-of-state move — coverage gaps appear in places most owners never think to check until a claim is denied.
Vacant home insurance is coverage for houses where no one is living for an extended period of time. This includes an inherited home during probate, a rental property between tenants, or any home that’s sitting empty while a sale or renovation is being prepared.
Standard homeowners policies are designed for homes that are occupied on a regular basis. Houses with no residents are more tempting to thieves and vandals and may be at greater risk for pipe bursts, slow water damage, and weather-related issues that a present occupant would notice within hours.
Depending on whether the home will be unoccupied (still furnished, occasional visits) or fully vacant — and for how long — you may be able to add an endorsement to your existing policy instead of buying a separate one. If your current insurer can’t accommodate it, shop around.
Below are a few large insurers that offer vacant-home options. This isn’t an endorsement — just a starting list:
Vacant home policies are often sold in three-, six-, or twelve-month increments. If you’re not sure how long the home will sit empty, you may be able to buy a longer-term policy and cancel it with a prorated refund.
Vacant insurance is one item on a longer probate list.
We’re not insurance brokers. But we work with families insuring vacant homes nearly every week, and we’re happy to introduce you to a local agent who has the right rolodex for this specific kind of policy.