Most homeowners policies were written with an occupied house in mind. When a home sits empty for part of the year, some policies set conditions — and the time to learn them is before you leave, not after something goes wrong. We are not insurance agents, and we cannot tell you what your policy says. What we can do is help you ask the right questions.
Vacant and unoccupied are not the same thing
Many policies distinguish between a home that is unoccupied (furnished, but nobody living in it for a while) and one that is vacant (empty of furnishings). Some limit cover for certain losses after a set number of days. The definitions and the number of days vary from policy to policy, so ask your agent to show you the wording on yours.
Questions to ask your agent
- Does my policy have a vacancy or unoccupancy condition, and after how many days does it apply?
- Does my insurer expect the home to be checked on a schedule while I am away, and how often?
- What records would help if I needed to make a claim — visit reports, photographs, service receipts?
- What is my hurricane deductible, and how is it calculated?
- Am I covered for flood? Flood is usually a separate policy, through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
- Would an automatic water shut-off device or leak sensors make a difference to my cover or my premium?
Water is the quiet risk
A slow leak in an empty house can run for weeks. Some private-client insurers now recommend automatic water shut-off devices for seasonal homes and may offer a credit for them — PURE Insurance is one example. If you add one, have it installed by a licensed plumber, and make sure whoever cares for your home knows how it works.
Keep a record
Dated photographs of the house before and after the season, receipts for service on the air conditioning, roof and plumbing, and visit reports all help you show the condition of the home. Haven Free members receive a report with timestamped photographs after every visit, and the full record is theirs to keep.
Haven Free does not sell insurance, advise on coverage, or handle claims. Your agent and your insurer are the authority on your policy.
Haven Free keeps homes in Sarasota and Manatee Counties by membership — watched while you are away, cared for while you are here. See the memberships ›