Unoccupied Home Insurance: Protecting Your Vacant Property in the U.S. (2025 Guide)

 Leaving a home empty for weeks or months is more common than ever—whether you’re traveling, renovating, moving, or waiting for a sale. But did you know that standard homeowners insurance usually won’t cover damage or theft if your property is unoccupied for more than 30 days? In 2025, unoccupied home insurance is essential for anyone with a vacant or temporarily empty property. Here’s everything you need to know, including the latest costs, real claim stories, and expert tips to keep your investment safe.

What Is Unoccupied Home Insurance?

Unoccupied (or vacant) home insurance is a special policy that protects your property when no one is living there for an extended period—typically 30 days or more. Standard home insurance often excludes coverage for vandalism, theft, burst pipes, and other risks if the home is left empty too long.

Key definitions:

• Unoccupied: Home still has furniture and belongings, but no one is living there.

• Vacant: Home is empty of people and personal property.

What Does Unoccupied Home Insurance Cover?

Covered Risks	What’s Included?	What’s Not Covered?
Fire & Smoke	Yes	Damage from poor maintenance
Vandalism & Malicious Mischief	Yes	Theft if doors/windows left unlocked
Theft	Yes (if security measures in place)	After policy’s time limit (e.g., 60 days)
Burst Pipes/Water Damage	Yes	Gradual leaks, neglect
Storm & Hail	Yes	Some policies exclude flooding
Liability (optional)	Sometimes	Business use, intentional acts
Squatters	Sometimes (check policy)

• Note: Most unoccupied home insurance does NOT cover your personal property unless added as an endorsement.

How Much Does Unoccupied Home Insurance Cost in 2025?

• Average annual premium: $2,100–$2,300 (50–60% higher than standard home insurance)

• Typical coverage terms: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months

• Factors affecting cost: Location, property value, length of vacancy, security features, claims history, and local crime rates

Policy Type	Avg. Annual Cost (2025)
Standard Homeowners	$1,411
Unoccupied/Vacant Home	$2,117–$2,258

Real-World Claim Example

Case:
Robert left his rental property unoccupied for several months while searching for a new tenant. A burst pipe caused major water damage. His claim was denied because he hadn’t notified his insurer or added vacancy coverage.
Lesson: Always inform your insurer if your home will be empty for more than 30 days, and get the right policy to avoid costly claim denials.

When Do You Need Unoccupied Home Insurance?

• Traveling abroad for several weeks or months

• Moving but haven’t sold your old home yet

• Renovating a property and no one is living there

• Inheriting or owning a second/vacation home left empty

• Extended hospital stays or long-term care

• Waiting for new tenants in a rental property

Tips to Lower Your Unoccupied Home Insurance Costs

• Shop around: Rates vary widely—get quotes from at least three insurers

• Install security systems: Alarms, cameras, and smart locks can reduce risk and premiums

• Arrange regular check-ins: Have someone visit the property weekly

• Maintain the property: Keep up with yard work, repairs, and utilities

• Notify your insurer: Always inform them about vacancy to avoid denied claims

Conclusion

Unoccupied home insurance is a must-have for anyone leaving a property empty in 2025. Without it, you could face denied claims and major out-of-pocket losses if disaster strikes. Review your plans, notify your insurer, and invest in the right coverage to protect your property—no matter how long it’s unoccupied.