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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years of experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Updated
Vacant home insurance is a specialized insurance policy designed to protect properties that sit empty for an extended period. Unlike standard homeowners insurance, which typically limits or excludes coverage after an extended period of vacancy, vacant home insurance addresses the higher risks associated with unoccupied properties.[1]
Whether you’re renovating, relocating, struggling to sell, or managing an inherited property, this coverage protects against theft, vandalism, and property damage. Read on to learn what vacant home insurance covers, how much it costs, and when you need it.
Vacant home insurance provides coverage for properties left empty for extended periods, filling gaps that standard homeowners insurance won’t cover.
Policies typically cost 50%–60% more than standard home insurance due to increased risks like break-ins, burst pipes, and vandalism.
Coverage options include protection against property damage, liability claims, and specific perils, but policies exclude damage from neglect or lack of maintenance.
Vacant home insurance is a specialized insurance policy that protects empty properties when standard homeowners insurance policy coverage ends.
Most homeowners insurance companies limit coverage on properties that stay vacant for 30–60 consecutive days because empty homes face higher risks. A vacant property has no occupants and minimal personal property inside, making it vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and undetected damage.
This coverage differs from unoccupied home insurance, which covers properties with furniture and belongings, but no current residents. Vacant home insurance policies address the unique risks of truly empty properties.
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You might need vacant home insurance if your property will be empty for more than 30–60 days. Common situations include:
Renovations that require you to move out temporarily.
Preparing an inherited home for sale.
Relocating for work while your home is on the market.
Managing a rental property between tenants.
Extended travel or temporary relocation.
That said, you won’t need vacant home insurance if you’re away for short vacations or own a second home or vacation home that you regularly visit and maintain. If you have a mortgage loan, consider checking with your lender to better understand its insurance requirements.
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Standard homeowners insurance policies typically void or significantly limit coverage once a home sits empty for 30–60 consecutive days. Insurers view vacant properties as high risk because they’re more susceptible to theft, vandalism, burst pipes, and undetected damage.
Without someone living there, problems like leaks or break-ins go unnoticed and can lead to more damage over time, leading to costlier claims that standard policies won’t cover.
The average cost of vacant home insurance is typically 50%–60% more than standard homeowners insurance, though the range can be anywhere from 25% to 150%. Some of the factors that affect your premium include your property’s location, value, and condition.[2]
The amount of time you need vacant home insurance for influences pricing, with longer vacancies generally costing more. Insurance companies also consider your property’s security features.
Finally, the reason for the vacancy matters. For example, renovations might cost more to insure than a home that’s been abandoned. Below are average monthly costs by state for vacant property insurance, according to Compare.com data:
State | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $163 |
| Alabama | $418 |
| Arkansas | $458 |
| Arizona | $261 |
| California | $240 |
| Colorado | $389 |
| Connecticut | $226 |
| Washington D.C. | $148 |
| Delaware | $163 |
| Florida | $756 |
| Georgia | $312 |
| Hawaii | $183 |
| Iowa | $336 |
| Idaho | $212 |
| Illinois | $312 |
| Indiana | $272 |
| Kansas | $482 |
| Kentucky | $406 |
| Louisiana | $616 |
| Massachusetts | $223 |
| Maryland | $239 |
| Maine | $150 |
| Michigan | $289 |
| Minnesota | $327 |
| Missouri | $354 |
| Mississippi | $387 |
| Montana | $289 |
| North Carolina | $422 |
| North Dakota | $304 |
| Nebraska | $490 |
| New Hampshire | $145 |
| New Jersey | $156 |
| New Mexico | $402 |
| Nevada | $153 |
| New York | $164 |
| Ohio | $213 |
| Oklahoma | $688 |
| Oregon | $160 |
| Pennsylvania | $154 |
| Rhode Island | $292 |
| South Carolina | $334 |
| South Dakota | $320 |
| Tennessee | $399 |
| Texas | $560 |
| Utah | $177 |
| Virginia | $215 |
| Vermont | $121 |
| Washington | $171 |
| Wisconsin | $184 |
| West Virginia | $193 |
| Wyoming | $199 |
Vacant home insurance policies generally provide broader protection than standard policies, addressing the unique vulnerabilities of empty homes. Coverage varies by insurance company and policy, but most plans protect against common risks associated with vacant houses.
Vacant home insurance typically covers damage from fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, and explosions. Many policies also include protection against vandalism and malicious mischief, which are common threats to empty properties.
If someone gets injured on your vacant property, liability coverage pays for medical expenses and legal costs if they sue you. This protection applies even when you’re not living there. This coverage is essential because vacant properties can attract trespassers or curious neighbors.
Most vacant homeowners insurance policies cover theft. They also usually cover water damage from burst pipes or roof leaks, but you must show that you’ve properly maintained the property.
As with standard home insurance, though, vacant home policies generally exclude flood and earthquake damage unless you purchase separate endorsement coverage for these perils.
Vacant home insurance policies have several important exclusions. Common situations they don’t cover include:
Damage from neglect or lack of maintenance.
Water damage, if you’ve failed to properly maintain or winterize the property.[3]
Earthquake and flood damage.
For example, if you leave your vacant home unheated during winter and pipes burst, your insurance company may deny the claim. Similarly, if you knew about a leaking roof but didn’t repair it, your insurer wouldn’t cover resulting water and mold damage.
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Getting vacant home insurance follows a similar process to buying standard coverage, but it requires additional documentation about your property’s vacancy. Here’s how to get started:
Contact your current insurance company to ask if they offer vacant home coverage or if they can add an endorsement to your existing policy.
Gather documentation about your property, including its address, value, condition, reason for vacancy, and expected duration of emptiness.
Request quotes from multiple insurers that specialize in vacant property coverage to compare coverage options and costs.
Review each policy’s coverage limits, exclusions, and requirements for property maintenance and inspections.
Apply for coverage by submitting your application and any required property photos or inspection reports.
Pay your premium and maintain regular property inspections as required by your policy terms.
Compare personalized quotes from dozens of top insurers.
While vacant home insurance costs more than standard policies, you can take steps to reduce your premiums:
Install security systems: Cameras, motion-sensor lights, and alarm systems deter burglary and vandalism, often earning you premium discounts.[4]
Inspect regularly: Document frequent property visits, as some insurers reward consistent maintenance with lower rates.
Compare quotes: Pricing varies significantly between insurance companies, so shop around for the best rates.
Bundle policies: Combine your vacant home coverage with auto or other insurance for multi-policy discounts.
Maintain your property: Fix known issues and keep systems updated to demonstrate lower risk.
Increase your deductible: A higher out-of-pocket cost reduces your monthly premium.
Here are answers to common questions about insuring vacant properties.
Yes, vacant home insurance typically costs 50%–60% more than standard homeowners insurance. That’s because empty properties face a higher risk of theft, vandalism, and undetected damage.
A vacant home has no occupants and contains minimal or no furniture and personal belongings. This includes homes undergoing renovations, waiting to be sold, or sitting empty between tenants.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies limit or exclude coverage after 30–60 days of vacancy. Check your policy’s specific terms and contact your insurance agent.
Contact your insurance company immediately to report the damage, document everything with photos, and provide the requested documentation to your claims adjuster.[5]
Some major insurers offer vacant home coverage, including Farmers and American Family Insurance. Specialty insurers like Foremost and American Modern also provide vacant property policies. Before buying a policy, it’s crucial to contact multiple companies for quotes.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years of experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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