Specialist Cover for Empty Residential and Commercial Buildings
Whether a property is awaiting probate, between tenants, undergoing refurbishment or awaiting redevelopment, standard property insurance often becomes restricted once a building is left unoccupied.
At Clarke Williams, we arrange specialist Unoccupied Property Insurance for residential and commercial property owners, providing protection for everything from vacant houses and flats to warehouses, offices, industrial units and development sites.
Need a Review of Your Existing Cover?
Email your current policy or property details to info@clarkewilliams.co.uk or call 01732 252 898. We can review your current arrangements and help identify any gaps in cover.
Why Choose Clarke Williams?
We understand that no two vacant properties are the same. Our team works with specialist insurers who understand the unique risks associated with unoccupied buildings and can provide tailored solutions for both residential and commercial properties. We offer:
- Access to specialist unoccupied property insurers
- Cover for residential and commercial risks
- Property portfolio solutions
- Competitive premiums
- Experienced claims support
- UK-based service with no call centres
Why is Unoccupied Property Insurance Different?
Many property owners are unaware that most insurers apply restrictions once a property becomes unoccupied. Whilst definitions vary between insurers, a building is typically considered unoccupied after:
- 30 consecutive days without occupation
- 45 consecutive days with some insurers
- Following the departure of tenants or owners
- During probate or estate administration
- Whilst awaiting sale or redevelopment
At this point, insurers often impose additional conditions, restrictions or higher excesses.
What Happens After 30 Days?
Many standard property insurers automatically reduce cover once a property becomes vacant. In some cases, policies may be restricted to:
- Fire
- Lightning
- Explosion
- Aircraft
This is commonly known as FLEA Cover.
Whilst this provides a basic level of protection, it often excludes many of the risks most likely to affect an empty building.
We Can Often Arrange Wider Protection
Depending on the property and circumstances, we can often negotiate broader cover including:
- Escape of Water
- Storm Damage
- Flood
- Impact
- Malicious Damage and Theft
- Accidental Damage
- Property Owners Liability
In some cases insurers will offer a full cover but every risk is assessed individually and cover can often be tailored to the property’s circumstances.
Types of Property We Can Insure
- Residential Properties
- Probate properties
- Empty houses
- Vacant flats forming part of a block
- Holiday homes
- Investment properties between tenants
- Refurbishment projects
- Commercial Properties
- Empty office buildings
- Vacant warehouses
- Industrial units
- Retail premises
- Trade counters
- Mixed-use developments
- Manufacturing premises
- Commercial land awaiting development
- Property Portfolios
We can also arrange portfolio solutions for landlords and investors with multiple vacant properties.
Speak to Our Property Insurance Specialists
For a quote tailored to your venue, contact our knowledgeable team today on
01732 252 898
Or submit your details below and a member of the team will be in touch.
Submit your details for a quote
Cover for Higher Risk Properties
We regularly assist clients with:
- Long-term vacant buildings
- High sums insured
- Listed buildings
- Non-standard construction
- Cladding exposure
- Development sites
- Manufacturing and industrial premises
- Multi-property portfolios
Through our specialist insurer relationships we can often provide solutions where standard markets struggle.
Whether your property is empty for 30 days or several years, we can review your existing arrangements and provide tailored recommendations.
Email info@clarkewilliams.co.uk or call 01732 252 898 to discuss your requirements.
Be safe in the knowledge that your business is protected for all eventualities
Email us
Common Reasons Properties Become Unoccupied
- Probate and Estate Administration
- Properties can remain empty for many months whilst estates are administered.
- Between Tenancies
- A property may be vacant whilst new tenants are found or improvements are carried out.
- Sale or Purchase Delays – Transactions often take longer than expected, leaving buildings empty.
- Refurbishment or Redevelopment
- Buildings awaiting planning permission, redevelopment or major works often require specialist cover.
- Economic and Business Changes – Commercial buildings may become vacant following tenant insolvency, relocation or changes in business operations.
Further Reading
If you own commercial property, the following guides may also be useful: