Why Portable Survailance devices and or Security Vehicle Hire Works !
Insurance Requirements for Vacant or Unoccupied Residential Properties
Property owners should be aware that most home and building insurance policies contain conditions and exclusions relating to vacant or unoccupied residential properties.
Generally, a residential property may be considered unoccupied when nobody resides in the dwelling for an extended period, commonly 30 to 60 consecutive days, although this period varies between insurers and policies. Once a property becomes vacant or unoccupied, insurers may reduce cover, apply additional excesses, impose special conditions, or decline certain claims altogether.
Vacant properties present a higher insurance risk due to increased exposure to:
- Vandalism and malicious damage
- Theft and unlawful entry
- Fire and arson
- Water damage from undetected leaks or burst pipes
- Storm damage that may go unnoticed
- Property deterioration and maintenance issues
Many insurers require owners to take reasonable steps to protect and maintain the property while vacant. This may include:
- Regular inspections of the property
- Maintaining lawns and gardens
- Collecting mail and newspapers
- Ensuring doors, windows and security systems remain operational
- Promptly addressing maintenance and repair issues
- Keeping utilities connected where required by the insurer
Failure to comply with these requirements may affect the validity of an insurance claim. Some policies specifically exclude or limit cover where a property has remained unoccupied for 60 consecutive days or more.
For residential properties listed for sale, undergoing probate, awaiting settlement, between tenants, under renovation, or otherwise vacant for extended periods, property owners should notify their insurer immediately and obtain written confirmation that appropriate cover remains in place. In some circumstances, a specialist vacant property insurance policy or policy endorsement may be required.
Security Recommendation
To minimise risk and assist with insurance compliance, owners of vacant residential properties should consider engaging professional security services, mobile patrols, alarm monitoring, CCTV surveillance, or periodic property inspections. These measures can help deter criminal activity, identify maintenance issues early, and provide documented evidence that the property is being actively managed.
Important: Property owners should always refer to their individual Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and policy schedule, as coverage conditions, vacancy periods, exclusions and excesses vary between insurers.
