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PROTECT VACANT & UNOCCUPIED COMMERCIAL PREMISES
Vacant properties face different risks – and standard policies often restrict cover
When a commercial building becomes empty – between tenants, undergoing refurbishment or awaiting sale – insurers usually reduce cover or add strict conditions. Unoccupied Premises Insurance is designed specifically for vacant business properties, helping protect your asset against fire, escape of water, vandalism, squatters and liability risks.
What Unoccupied Premises Cover Can Include
Flexible insurance for empty commercial buildings, tailored to your risk and occupancy plans.
- Buildings insurance for the structure, fixtures & fittings
- Fire, lightning, explosion and aircraft damage
- Storm, flood and escape of water (subject to terms)
- Malicious damage, vandalism and attempted theft
- Theft (with security conditions where required)
- Property Owners’ liability for injury or damage to third parties
- Glass, signage and landlord’s fixtures cover
- Cover during refurbishment or light works (by agreement)
- Options for contents / residual items left in the building
Who Is Unoccupied Premises Cover For?
Typical Properties & Owners
- Landlords with vacant shops, offices or industrial units
- Property investors and portfolio landlords
- Businesses relocating or consolidating sites
- Properties awaiting sale or redevelopment
- Short-term voids between tenants
- Buildings undergoing refurbishment or change of use
Common Unoccupied Property Risks
- Arson, vandalism and anti-social behaviour
- Squatters or unauthorised occupation
- Escape of water from burst pipes in cold weather
- Theft of metals, cabling and plant
- Deterioration or unnoticed damage due to infrequent visits
- Injury to trespassers or visitors entering the site
Why Arrange Unoccupied Premises Cover Through Insure24?
- Access to insurers who specialise in vacant and non-standard risks
- Tailored cover options for short-term and long-term unoccupancy
- Guidance on policy conditions (inspections, security, utilities etc.)
- Ability to align with your wider property and portfolio strategy
- Claims support if an incident occurs while the building is empty
“Our previous insurer restricted cover as soon as the tenant moved out. Insure24 arranged a dedicated unoccupied property policy quickly so the building stayed properly protected.”
Commercial LandlordPROTECT YOUR EMPTY BUILDINGS
- Cover during void periods between tenants
- Protection while renovating or changing use
- Asset protection while marketing properties for sale
- Support in meeting lender and mortgage conditions
- Options to adjust cover as occupancy status changes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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When is a property classed as unoccupied by insurers?
Each insurer has its own definition, but many treat a property as unoccupied if it is empty,
not in regular use or not visited frequently for a set number of days (for example 30 days).
It’s important to notify your broker as soon as occupancy changes.
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Does my standard property insurance still cover the building when it’s empty?
Many standard policies reduce cover or add restrictions once a property becomes unoccupied.
Certain perils, such as escape of water, theft and vandalism may be excluded unless a specific unoccupied premises policy is in place.
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What conditions will insurers place on an unoccupied building?
Typical conditions include regular documented inspections, turning off water supplies, maintaining security,
removing waste and combustible materials and securing letterboxes. We can explain these in plain language and help you comply.
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Can I insure a property that is being refurbished?
Yes – cover can often be arranged for unoccupied properties undergoing light refurbishment or alteration,
subject to details of the works and contractors. More extensive structural works may require a specialist contract works policy.
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Can you cover a portfolio with multiple vacant properties?
Yes – we can look at single-building solutions or portfolio arrangements, depending on the number, type and locations of your properties.
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When is a property classed as unoccupied by insurers?
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Does my standard property insurance still cover the building when it’s empty?
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What conditions will insurers place on an unoccupied building?
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Can I insure a property that is being refurbished?
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Can you cover a portfolio with multiple vacant properties?
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