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Find the right vacant home insurance

Not sure if you need vacant home insurance? Do you own a vacant dwelling or have an unoccupied property? Planning to leave your home or condo empty? If you plan to be away or leave your house or a property uninhabited for an extened period, you will need to notify your insurer and make sure your insurance covers vacant dwellings.

Thieves often target vacant properties. In 2019 alone, there were well over 1 million property crimes reported in Canada. Without taking the necessary precautions or having the right insurance in place, you're vacant home could at risk.

Many property owners assume they are covered if they leave their primary residence empty. Your home insurance could be affected if you leave your home vacant, unoccupied, or uninhabited.

Insurance for vacant homes will provide you with the protection you require while you’re away. Whether you’re travelling, in between tenants in your rental unit, you’re renovating, or your property is vacant for other reasons, our insurance experts can help. Compare quotes from Canada's top provider for vacant home insurance and get covered for a great rate. Keep reading to learn how vacant property insurance works and how to get coverage.

How to get vacant home insurance quotes

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1) Start your quote

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2) Enter your home details

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Margaret Lubaszks

2023-09-21

Exceptional service by Neil Sullivan, setting up my new auto policy. Fast and smooth, very professional. Many thanks 😊 Margaret Lubaszka

Michael Francis

2023-09-18

Didn’t end up using them however found their sales team very knowledgeable and helpful.

coral moxam

2023-09-16

Called and spoke with Todd who got me the best rate ever. Thank you !

O Z

2023-09-15

Excellent service from Ryan, it is very much appreciated.

Paul N

2023-09-14

Contacted Cecilia Li , very professional and patient conversation, great customer service!

A Day With Alishia

2023-09-07

Somya and Shahid Nizam provide excellent customer service. All of my questions was answered . I would definitely recommend this company.

Tanner Duong

2023-09-02

Everthing @ Young Drivers Insurance was great .got great deals and excellent customer service from Shawn and Brian ...

Nancy McCurdy

2023-08-31

Dealing with Todd Allen was awesome would recommend him as someone who is patient and thorough applied on line and have my new policy without leaving my home. Policy is with Wawanesa a very trusted name in the insurance world would recommend this broker to anyone seeking insurance

What is vacant home insurance?

Vacant home insurance a specialized type of coverage specifically designed for unoccupied, uninhabited, or empty homes, properties, and buildings. Without an occupant, there are higher odds of damage, vandalism, or break-ins. You will need a specific plan to cover your dwelling in this instance.

Who needs insurance for a vacant property?

When most think about a vacant or unoccupied house, they envision an abandoned property. This is not what it means from an insurance perspective. For insurance a home can considered vacant for many reasons:

It's unoccupied because you are travelling.
It's for sale, or you recently purchased the dwelling.
It's for rent – you are in between tenants.
The property is undergoing a renovation.
You inherited the home.
You spend the summer or winter in another location.

Do you need vacant home or property insurance?

If you are planning to leave your home empty or unoccupied for an extended period, notify your provider. Your policy may not include coverage while your property is inhabited, even if you are simply on vacation, have recently purchased a new home, or are doing a renovation. The type of policy you should have will depend on whether your dwelling is considered vacant or unoccupied.

How vacant home insurance works

Most insurance policies have exclusions related to vacant and unoccupied homes. How they are treated varies by the insurance company. Specific clauses are often included in your policy.

It’s common for insurers to include a clause that requires you to notify them about any vacancy for longer than 4 days. Empty properties are considered a greater threat for claims. Failure to let insurers know could result in a coverage lapse.

When is my home or propery considered vacant for insurance?

Insurance rules and regulations in Canada state that if your dwelling is uninhabited or unoccupied for more than 30 days it will be classified as vacant. When this happens, your insurance will no longer be in effect.

What happens with insurance if the home or property is vacant?

It means if your place is damaged from water, vandalism, glass breakage or another claimable event, you may not be covered if you don't have proper insurance. If it is vacant for more than 30 consecutive days, your insurance could be void. If you plan to leave your home vacant for an extended period of time, contact your provider to make sure you're policy will cover you.

What is the difference in insurance for a vacant and unoccupied home?

Unoccupied and vacant are terms that are commonly used interchangeably to mean the same thing. But there is a big difference between the two – and this difference can have insurance implications. They refer to different types of insurance for specific situations.

Vacant homes and insurance

Vacant home insurance is required for properties where someone is no longer consistently living. A vacant dwelling is a property in which the residents have left and do not plan to return. They have left the dwelling permanently. Furniture and personal belongings are commonly removed.

This can happen when you buy a new house and move out of your current location. Your old home will remain empty until it’s sold, and you transfer ownership to the new owners.

Unoccupied homes and insurance

Insurance for an unoccupied dwelling is required when you temporarily leave. An uninhabited home does not have people staying there. However, you plan to return at a future date.

This commonly occurs when you go on vacation or leave the residence while a renovation is being completed. It’s also common with snowbirds who head south for the winter.

How much is vacant home insurance?

beautiful living room in new traditional style luxury home

Vacant home insurance costs more than standard house insurance due to the greater dangers associated with unoccupied dwellings. Costs will vary based on your current premium and your unique situation.

The average cost for vacant home insurance policies can be 50% more than a traditional policy. Some are even more. For example, if your insurance costs $1,200 annually, then you can expect to pay $1,800 or more annually for vacant house insurance. Rates would be prorated for the length of the vacancy.

Many insurance companies offer a policy endorsement that activates additional protection for when your property is empty or uninhabited. Some insurers could require a monthly fee payment for a vacancy permit.

Some of the factors that affect your premiums include:

The reason it's vacant
The total time it will be unoccupied
How the dwelling will be cared for
If you are planning to rent or sell
Security measures
Renovation plans

Tips to protect a vacant dwelling

If you plan to be away, or your home will sit vacant for any period, it’s important to take these steps to protect your place:

Notify your insurance and get the right plan in place.
Make your location appear occupied.
Put your exterior and interior lights on a timer.
Ensure all doors and windows are locked.
Close all window coverings.
Install water leak sensors.
Turn off the main water source.
Keep the exterior clean (cut the lawn, shovel the snow).
Have someone periodically check on the property.
Don’t allow the mail to pile up.
Take other steps to discourage trespassers.

Comparing vacant home insurance quotes is easy

Shopping around and comparing your options is the most effective way to find more affordable vacant home insurance. Shopping for the best rates from the top Canadian insurers only takes a couple of minutes. Get expert advice to protect your vacant or unoccupied property.

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2023-07-28

Vacant Home Insurance

Compare vacant home insurance quotes from the top providers and protect your vacant property.

Find the right vacant home insurance