Unoccupied Property Insurance

Unoccupied property insurance is considered high-risk insurance.  Needless to say, a home unoccupied for any reason whatsoever offers an opportunity for thieves and trespassers.  Persons are well-advised, particularly if their home is on the market, to determine how long their regular homeowners property insurance will cover them once the house becomes unoccupied.

Generally-speaking, the normal or standard homeowners property insurance policy will cover your home for a period of thirty days after the home is vacated.  Many insurers, after this point and time, will cancel your insurance if you do not have someone occupying the premises.

Needless to say, unoccupied property insurance is a specialized brand of insurance and can be pricey.  However, this may be minimal when you consider the risks of not having anyone properly looking after the property.  If you have the home on the market, following are some ways you can forgo unoccupied property insurance for the time-being, until which time you can no longer occupy the property.

Also, provided are pointers on how to keep the property safer when you are away; such as:  a) you have relocated or b) more temporarily-speaking are on a regular holiday excursion.  If you find it necessary to formally vacate the property, you will probably need to review options, with your agent, as to the purchase of unoccupied property insurance.

1. If the house is on the market, try to stay residing in it as long as is possible.  This will keep your standard and less costly homeowners policy active.
2. Secondly, make certain, if you are away from the property, whether on holiday or if you have the house on the market, that you install timers on the lights.  Have them set to come on at a certain time each day, preferably at dusk.  This will give the appearance your home is still being occupied.
3. If you are planning a holiday, for a certain extended period of time, it is wise not to divulge such information to just anyone; or on the social networking sites.  Keep this information as privileged and confidential as possible. You may wish to have a friend who is good about keeping a secret collect your mail or pick up your newspapers.  Have them open your shades during the day—that is, if you are on holiday and draw them during the evening hours. 
4. House maintenance is important for properties that are unoccupied; whether you have purchased an unoccupied property insurance policy; or are using your homeowners insurance policy for financial protection as long as is possible.  Make certain you have the grass cut regularly, the gutters cleaned out; and walkways swept.  If you are selling your house, you may wish to have the real estate agent, involved in the sale, handle the details.
5. If selling your property, make sure to attain the services of a real estate agent who is known to sell properties quickly.  This may spare you the expense of purchasing unoccupied property insurance.

If your home is on the market; and not moving as quickly as anticipated then you will want to go on-line and perform a search of unoccupied property insurance.  Attain a reasonable number of quotes and you may also wish to discuss details with your regular agent.  With respect to the latter, he and she may be able to provide you with a specialized policy, as it pertains to unoccupied property insurance, at a better rate.

Keep in mind, even though you may get your agent to provide as much discounting as is possible; and, respective of this type of insurance, it is still categorized as high-risk meaning higher cost(s) and you will need to budget, accordingly.  However, again, it is still well-worth the cost when you consider what type(s) of financial devastation you may incur relevant to events such as fire; or burglary should you not have such a policy.