Sometimes after I explain to people what Central Home Watch does, I can tell they’re still a bit confused as to why a homeowner would need a professional service to check on their property. I’ve listed countless of reasons all over our website and on our FAQ’s, but one major reason is the risk home owners take when they leave their home unoccupied.
Leaving a home unoccupied for an extended period might seem harmless, but it can actually expose your property to a range of serious risks. Many homeowners insurance policies, especially those covering vacant or seasonal homes, frequently require or highly recommend periodic visits to maintain coverage. Failing to meet these requirements could result in denied claims or even policy cancellation.
Why Are Periodic Visits Required?
- Risk Mitigation: Unoccupied homes are more susceptible to issues going unnoticed, like burst pipes, undetected water leaks, theft, vandalism, or even fire.
- Proof of Diligence: Insurance companies may require proof of regular property visits, especially when filing a winter-related claim, to show the homeowner has been diligent in maintaining the property.
- Policy Compliance: Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies contain a vacancy clause that limits or excludes coverage if the property is vacant for a specific timeframe, typically 30 to 60 consecutive days. Regular visits can help avoid triggering this clause.
Common Requirements for Periodic Visits
- Frequency: The frequency of visits can depend on your insurance provider and policy, but a common rule of thumb is to have your home checked at least once every seven days. Some insurers might even require visits every 48 to 72 hours.
- Documentation: Some insurers may require or suggest documenting these visits with photos or reports. This helps to prove compliance with the policy terms in case of a claim.
- Consider a Specialty Policy: If you anticipate your winter home being vacant for a significant period, you may need to consider a separate vacant home insurance policy or adding an endorsement to your existing homeowners policy.
Tips for Managing an Unoccupied Home
The goal is to prevent small issues before they become big insurance claims. Routine visual inspections help catch minor problems before they become costly repairs. Addressing issues early not only protects your investment but also reduces the chance of a claim being denied due to neglect.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Hire a professional Home Watch service to visually inspect your property periodically.
- Insurance & Bonding: Who you hire is important, ensure they have an active insurance & bonding policy specifically written for the Home Watch industry.
- Document each Inspections: The Home Watch service should document each and every visit and provide you with a copy for your records, which may become valuable if you need to submit a claim at a future date (before & after).
- Install Smart Home Devices: Use smart thermostats, leak detectors, and security cameras to monitor your home remotely.
- Maintain the Exterior: Keep the lawn trimmed, mail collected, and lights on timers to give the appearance of occupancy.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: Let them know if your home will be vacant for an extended period and ask about any special requirements.
Protect Your Property—Stay Covered
If your home will be unoccupied for any length of time, don’t leave it to chance. Review your insurance policy, schedule regular inspections, and take proactive steps to safeguard your property.
Need help managing an unoccupied home or understanding your policy requirements? Contact Central Home Watch today, we would be honored to look after your property while you’re away.
