Frequently Asked Questions for Unoccupied Property Insurance
If your property has become unoccupied, it’s natural to have questions about how your insurance is affected. Below we’ve answered some of the most common queries we receive from landlords, property owners, executors and commercial clients. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our team will be happy to help.
What is FLEA cover?
FLEA stands for Fire, Lightning, Explosion and Aircraft. It is a restricted level of insurance often offered for long-term unoccupied properties. As the name suggests, it provides very limited protection, so it’s important to check whether broader cover is available.
Can you insure an unoccupied commercial building?
Yes. We can often arrange insurance for vacant offices, warehouses, retail units, industrial premises and other commercial buildings. Insurers will usually want to know why the property is empty, how long it has been vacant and what your future plans are.
Can I insure a property undergoing refurbishment?
Yes, although you must tell your insurer before works begin. Minor refurbishment may be acceptable under a standard policy, but larger renovation projects often require specialist renovation or contract works insurance.
Is theft covered on an unoccupied property?
Sometimes. Many insurers restrict or remove theft cover once a property becomes vacant, while others will provide cover subject to suitable security measures and regular inspections.
Can I insure a probate property?
Yes. We regularly arrange insurance for properties going through probate. The policy may need to be issued in the name of the executors or personal representatives, and the insurer should be informed if the property is unoccupied.
What conditions do insurers usually apply?
Most insurers require the property to be kept secure and inspected regularly. Other common conditions include draining water systems, isolating utilities, removing waste and keeping written inspection records.
How long can a property remain empty before cover changes?
Every insurer is different, but many policies apply restrictions after 30, 45 or 60 days of unoccupancy. You should always tell your insurer or broker as soon as a property becomes vacant.
Do I need to tell my insurer when a tenant moves out?
Yes. A change in occupancy is a material fact and should be disclosed immediately. Failing to notify your insurer could affect cover if a claim arises.
Will escape of water be covered?
Not always. Escape of water is one of the first covers many insurers restrict on empty properties. Some insurers will continue to provide cover if the water supply is isolated and the system drained down, while others may require heating to remain on during colder months.
How often should I inspect an empty property?
Most insurers require inspections every 7, 14 or 30 days, depending on the policy. Written records should be kept, and photographs are often recommended.
What should I record during inspections?
Record the date, time and name of the person inspecting, together with the condition of the property, security, signs of damage or trespass, utilities and any action taken. Photographs provide an excellent audit trail.
Can I leave contents inside?
Often yes, but insurers may restrict or exclude cover for valuables and portable items. Always tell your insurer what contents remain within the property.
Can I insure a property that is for sale?
Yes. Empty properties awaiting sale can usually be insured, although unoccupancy conditions may apply. Your insurer should also be informed if estate agents, contractors or prospective purchasers have access.
Can I insure a property between tenants?
Yes. This is a common requirement for landlords. During the vacant period, insurers may apply additional conditions until the new tenancy begins.
Can I insure a partially occupied building?
Yes. Buildings that are only partly occupied can usually be insured, although insurers will want details of which areas are occupied and how the remainder is secured.
Does unoccupied property insurance include liability cover?
It can. Property Owners’ Liability Insurance protects you if someone suffers injury or property damage arising from your ownership of the building. The level of cover will depend on the insurer.
Is malicious damage or vandalism covered?
Not always. Some insurers exclude malicious damage for vacant properties, while others may offer cover subject to security requirements and regular inspections.
Do building works affect my insurance?
Yes. Even relatively minor works can change the insurer’s view of the risk. Always speak to your broker before refurbishment, structural alterations or maintenance work begins.
Do contractors need their own insurance?
Absolutely. Contractors should carry appropriate Public Liability, Employers’ Liability and, where applicable, Contract Works Insurance. Always ask for evidence of their insurance before work starts.
Is FLEA cover enough?
It depends on your circumstances. FLEA provides only very limited protection and may not be suitable for every property. We will always look to arrange the broadest cover available where possible.
What information do you need to provide a quotation?
Typically we will ask for:
- Property address.
- Rebuild value.
- Occupancy status.
- Reason for vacancy.
- Security arrangements.
- Inspection routine.
- Contents remaining.
- Claims history.
- Planned future use.
- Details of any refurbishment or building works.
What if the circumstances change?
Tell your broker immediately. Changes such as a new tenant, refurbishment, sale, probate, altered security or a change in occupancy can all affect your insurance. Keeping your insurer informed helps ensure your cover remains valid and avoids problems should you need to make a claim.
Need Advice on Unoccupied Property Insurance?
Whether your property is empty due to probate, a change of tenant, refurbishment, sale, or awaiting development, finding the right insurance can be challenging. Many insurers automatically restrict cover once a property has been unoccupied for 30 days, leaving owners with only limited protection.
At Clarke Williams, we specialise in arranging insurance for both residential and commercial unoccupied properties. We work with a panel of specialist insurers who can often provide broader cover than standard FLEA-only policies, helping to protect your investment until the property is occupied again.
If you’d like a review of your current insurance or need advice on the options available, our experienced team would be happy to help.
Call us on 01732 252898
Email: info@clarkewilliams.co.uk
Or request a quotation online today.
Further Reading
If you’re responsible for an unoccupied property, you may also find these guides useful:
- Commercial Unoccupied Property Insurance
https://clarkewilliamsinsurancebrokers.co.uk/unoccupied-property-insurance/ - Commercial Property Owners Insurance
https://clarkewilliamsinsurancebrokers.co.uk/commercial-property-owners-insurance/ - Property Owners Liability Insurance
https://clarkewilliamsinsurancebrokers.co.uk/blog/property-owners-liability-insurance/ - Understanding the Importance of Accurate Rebuild Values in Property Insurance
https://clarkewilliamsinsurancebrokers.co.uk/blog/understanding-the-importance-of-accurate-rebuild-values-in-property-insurance/ - Business and Residential Property Insurance
https://clarkewilliamsinsurancebrokers.co.uk/compare-business-and-residential-property-insurance/
