CIA Landlords

Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance

Insure your empty commercial property throughout the year at affordable rates.
Call 01788 818 733
  • Cover for properties that are vacant for up to 12 months
  • Compared against 4 leading insurers
  • UK based help centre

Compare quotes from reliable insurers

AXA
Covea
GEO Underwriting
Pen Underwriting

Human score Trustpilot Stars number of reviews Trustpilot Logo

What is unoccupied commercial property insurance?

Unoccupied commercial property insurance, also known as vacant commercial property insurance, provides cover for commercial properties that are unoccupied for an extended period of time. Commercial properties can include office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and other non-residential structures.

Call us today on 01788818670
Jump to

Who needs insurance for unoccupied commercial properties?

If your commercial rental property will be vacant for 60 days or more, you should take out unoccupied commercial property insurance. Properties are usually empty for longer periods of time if you’re

  • A landlord between tenants
  • Taking time to carry out renovations or repairs to the property
  • A landlord waiting on a property sale to be completed

What does unoccupied commercial property insurance cover?

We offer three levels of cover ranging from limited perils to full cover

Level 1

  • Perils covered - Fire, Lightening, Explosion, Impact, Earthquake

Level 2

  • Standard perils (no accidental damage)
  • Escape of water limited to a maximum claim amount of ÂŁ2,500 with a ÂŁ500 excess
  • Theft and Malicious damage maximum claim amount ÂŁ2,500

Level 3

  • Standard perils (no accidental damage)
  • Escape of water limited to a maximum claim amount of ÂŁ2,500 for the first 30 days
  • ÂŁ500.00 excess throughout the policy

What isn't covered?

Accidental damage and general wear and tear are excluded from all of our unoccupied commercial property policies. Accidental damage is defined as damage that is caused by an unforeseen and unintended event. General wear and tear is the gradual deterioration of your property over time. This could include things like fading paint, chipped tiles, or a leaky roof.

How much does unoccupied commercial property insurance cost?

The cost of unoccupied commercial property insurance is determined by the size and value of the building, the unoccupied period and the level of protection you need.

More risk is related to unoccupied properties, so expect your insurance premium to be higher than regular landlord insurance. When a property is empty, it takes longer to detect problems and you are more susceptible to vandals and thieves.

How to keep your unoccupied commercial property safe

As a landlord, you can take steps to reduce the risk of damage to your property and lower the likelihood of making a claim.

  • Inform your insurance company - Tell your insurance company that your commercial property will be unoccupied for a notable amount of time. They may ask you to take certain steps to secure your property.
  • Switch off utilities - Turn off the water, gas, and electricity to your property to prevent damage in the event of a power outage or burst pipe.
  • Invest in a security system - Deter burglars with CCTV. The footage can also help you catch them if they do break in.
  • Get to know your neighbours - Notify your neighbours that your property will be unoccupied for a long period of time. Ask them to keep an eye on it for you and report any suspicious activity.
  • Make regular property visits - Even if you have taken all of the necessary precautions, you should still visit your property regularly. This will give you a chance to check on it and make sure that it is still secure.
What our customers are saying about our unoccupied commercial property insurance

Human score Trustpilot Stars number of reviews Trustpilot Logo

Trustpilot

Frequently Asked Questions

Advice Centre for Landlords

Model house being looked at through a magnifying glass. Tips for managing unoccupied commercial properties  04-01-2024

The commercial property sector in the UK is worth hundreds of billions of pounds. Being a commercial landlord can have major advantages, such as high returns on investment and tenants on long-term leases. Not to mention, tenants of commercial properties are responsible for a fair share of ongoing maintenance and repairs matters (excluding structural repairs […]

Read more
Image of an unoccupied property. Can I Insure an Unoccupied Property? 13-10-2023

Yes, you can and should take out unoccupied property insurance as a landlord. Comprehensive landlord insurance coverage isn’t just a matter of protecting your property during occupancy and when tenants are living there. You also need insurance for times of the year when the place is left empty. For example, student academic terms often mean […]

Read more
Can a landlord refuse to renew a commercial lease? 31-07-2023

If you’re a landlord that rents out commercial premises, you will have signed a commercial lease with your tenant. These contracts tend to last for longer periods than residential leases, with 3-5 years being the minimum commitment. If you’re new to this area of the rental sector, you may be interested in the commercial lease renewal […]

Read more