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Vacant or unoccupied home insurance: A complete guide
Date updated: 2026-10-29
TL;DR – Everything you need to know about vacant home insurance
- You may need vacant home insurance if you have a home that becomes vacant after all occupants have moved out with no intention of returning, or a new home that is unoccupied after it is completed and before the occupants move in. Available coverage and applicable terms and conditions may vary depending on your situation.
- If your home becomes or is expected to become vacant, you may want to contact your insurer, as you may need to meet certain requirements or conditions to keep your coverage.
- Vacant homes, unoccupied units and plots of vacant land are treated differently for insurance purposes. It is important that you understand what coverage is available for your type of property.
Bottom line: Leaving a property vacant can come with a unique set of risks. Checking your coverage before moving out of your home can help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim.
Will your home be unoccupied for an extended period? Or perhaps you've purchased an investment property that will remain empty for some time?
Well, depending on your situation, you may need to consider vacant home insurance in order to have coverage in the event of certain types of losses. Let's see what vacant home insurance is and when you might need it.
What is vacant home insurance?
Vacant home insurance is coverage that may apply to homes considered vacant based on the definitions and terms and conditions set out in your insurance contract.
Because vacant homes can create additional risks—as they may not be actively visited or maintained—vacant home insurance may come at an additional cost and include specific terms and conditions along with limitations to your coverage. When a property is deemed vacant, coverage may be limited or amended or may no longer apply.
What's considered a vacant home?
Depending on the definitions and terms and conditions set out in your insurance contract, your insurer may consider a "vacant home" as either:
- a property whose occupants have all moved out with no intention of returning;
- a newly built home that remains unoccupied after it is completed until the occupants move in;
- a property that fits the definition of "vacant" set out in your insurance contract.
Why does a vacant home come with additional risks?
In homes that are considered vacant, i.e., all occupants have moved out with no intention of returning, some issues may go unnoticed or unreported for longer.
This includes:
- vandalism;
- water damage;
- damage that requires immediate attention;
- weather-related damage.
That's why vacant homes are typically insured differently from principal residences that are lived in full-time.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I expect my home to remain unoccupied for a long period of time?
There are more common situations where your home may be considered unoccupied as opposed to vacant, such as when you go on vacation or an extended business trip. In these situations, check your insurance policy documents or call your insurer for advice on precautions you are required to take before you leave for your trip.
What precautions should I take if I plan to be away for a long time?
Depending on your situation and your insurer's requirements, you may want to:
- ask a competent person to check on your home at least once every 7 days while you're away to ensure that heating is maintained;
- arrange for routine maintenance;
- have snow removed from driveways and walkways in the winter;
- maintain adequate heating within the home to prevent frozen or burst pipes.
Do I have to tell my insurer if I'm going away for a long time?
Requirements may vary depending on your insurance provider and the length of time you're away.
Although you may not be required to notify your insurer that you'll be away, it may still be a good idea to do so for added peace of mind to ensure your coverage remains active in the event of an unexpected incident.
Example: Travelling out of province or abroad for the winter
For example, if you expect to be gone for weeks or months, your insurer could offer monitoring and maintenance tips to limit the risks that come with leaving your home temporarily unoccupied.
If I have a smart home monitoring system, does that count as someone checking on my home?
The answer likely depends on your insurer's guidelines. Although a smart home monitoring system provides peace of mind and allows you to watch your home from afar, nothing beats an actual person doing periodic checks on your property. As mentioned above, check in with your insurance provider if you plan to be away for a long time. They'll be able to guide you through the steps you need to take to ensure your coverage will still kick in in the event of a covered loss.
Why should I have an actual person check on my home?
When your home is unoccupied for an extended length of time, in-person checks may help quickly detect issues such as:
- water damage;
- damage requiring repairs;
- weather-related damage;
- other issues requiring prompt attention.
Do I need to have vacant land insured?
If you own vacant land that doesn't have a home built on it yet, you typically don't need separate insurance coverage for the plot itself. Still, you may want to check out your options with your insurer first for added peace of mind.
Why should I get coverage for a plot of vacant land?
Although there are no buildings on the property, some risks remain.
For example, if someone were to injure themselves on your vacant property and bring legal action against you, you'd want to ensure your policy provides liability coverage so that you're properly protected.
How do I know what type of coverage is right for me?
At TD Insurance, we're here to help you figure out the best solution for your home insurance needs. If you're already a TD Insurance customer, you can chat with us or review and update your policy by logging in to MyInsurance. If you're new to TD Insurance and you're looking for a home insurance policy that fits your needs, simply start with a quote to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Depending on your situation, certain factors may affect the type of insurance you need for a property that's up for sale. If you have questions about your coverage, it's a good idea to contact your insurer directly so you can get answers tailored to your circumstances.
Not always. Secondary residences and cottages may be eligible for a different type of coverage compared to vacant homes. The available coverage and requirements vary based on how the building is used and your policy's terms and conditions.
Available options may vary depending on the insurance provider, the type of property, and how long the home is expected to remain unoccupied. If you plan to leave your home empty for weeks or months, contact your insurer to explore coverage options that may suit your situation.
The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Coverages described herein may be subject to additional eligibility criteria, limitations and exclusions. In the event you make a claim, potential indemnification is also subject to the receivability of the claim and the type of coverage you bought.
In the case of conflict between the content on this page and your policy wordings, your policy wordings shall take precedence.