You may already be aware that once you’ve left your home empty and unoccupied for longer than a month or two, you typically need a special type of standalone insurance – unoccupied property insurance – in order to maintain an adequate level of cover.
Though you might have that unoccupied property insurance at the back of your mind, however, spare a thought for the different seasonal conditions that suggest no one size fits all when it comes to empty property insurance and, also, your obligations under the cover.
Let’s see how each season may bring unique perils to the building and contents of your home …
What are some of the principal risks for an unoccupied home in the spring?
We all look forward to the general reawakening of springtime – though it follows in the wake of winter’s storms and gales. In the aftermath, an unoccupied home might have slipped roof tiles or slates, broken gutters, or other damage caused during the bad weather.
That is the reason why most unoccupied home insurance policies typically make it a condition that your vacant home is regularly inspected for potential damage (and those inspections are logged) throughout the year.
Surely the summer is a safer season for an unoccupied home?
Far from it! Summer is, in fact, a peak time of the year for burglaries as thieves take full advantage of the fact that many homeowners are away on holiday – some of them for the extended holiday that calls for unoccupied property insurance.
The hot weather – more than ever before a feature of our British summers – significantly raises the risk of fire. Fires might be sparked by an out-of-control BBQ in a neighbouring garden, fuelled by tinder dry vegetation, or it could come from an electrical fault, for example.
Further reading: Protecting your property in the heat.
Autumn’s the time to batten down the hatches of an unoccupied home
That’s right, autumn is a time of year to prepare for worsening weather and the damage that the coming winter might bring. So that you are properly prepared, pay full attention to all-round property maintenance to ensure that your home remains in a good state of repair.
Autumn may bring especially heavy rainfall, raising groundwater levels and potentially blocking drains. If rainwater goods are faulty or leaves and debris are blocking your gutters, the walls of your home could become damp, and water may find its way in.
Could winter be the cruellest month for your unoccupied home?
This is a time of year when the weather can really let rip and do its worst. It’s the season of highest risk for an unoccupied home – when the elements cause roof damage, snow piles high, and pipes threaten to burst.
The darker evenings and longer nights give all too much cover for would-be burglars and other intruders.
You might have noticed that some property insurance providers insist that you keep a low level of ambient heat in your unoccupied home – as a precaution against burst pipes – or even that you drain down the water system itself. Make sure you understand what your obligations are under your unoccupied property insurance.
Further reading: Protecting your empty property over winter and Getting your property winter-ready.
The need for unoccupied property insurance
Remember that if your home remains unoccupied for longer than 30 to 45 consecutive days it typically may not continue to be fully protected by your regular home or landlord insurance policy. You may instead need standalone unoccupied property insurance.
Considering the different challenges that each season may bring, that specialist insurance cover may also reflect the changing risks – with you needing to take special precautions depending on the season.
If you are leaving your home unoccupied, therefore, you might want to review your empty property insurance before each season’s change. And if you are unsure of your responsibilities under your policy throughout the year, then speak to your insurance provider for clarification. They will be very happy to help.
Summary: Responsibilities for an unoccupied property
- Arrange specialist cover – You typically may need to arrange unoccupied property insurance if your home will be empty for more than 30–45 consecutive days.
- Regular inspections – Visit and check the property at intervals required by your insurer and keep written logs of inspections.
- Spring checks – Look for damage left by winter storms (loose tiles, broken gutters, water ingress) and repair promptly.
- Summer precautions –
- Secure the property against burglary (locks, alarms, visible deterrents).
- Reduce fire risk by managing vegetation, checking electrics, and being mindful of neighbour activity like BBQs.
- Autumn maintenance –
- Clear gutters and drains of leaves and debris.
- Maintain the property structure to prevent damp and water damage from heavy rainfall.
- Winter safeguards –
- Maintain heating at a low ambient level or drain down the water system (check your policy wording).
- Inspect for storm damage, snow build-up, or risk of frozen pipes.
- Ensure security measures are in place as longer nights increase burglary risk.
- Seasonal reviews – Reassess your cover and maintenance needs at each change of season.
- Follow policy conditions – Always comply with specific obligations in your unoccupied property insurance policy to avoid invalidating cover.
- Communicate with your insurer – Contact your property insurance provider if unsure about responsibilities; they can clarify seasonal requirements.
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