Unfortunately, you may not be aware that an unoccupied property is seen as an issue by the Insurance market. If such a valuable asset is not insured on the correct basis with full disclosure to insurers then there could be real issues in the event of a claim.
Finding insurance cover for an unoccupied property can be a minefield of restrictive covers and a list of terms and conditions that you must undertake.
Unfortunately, you may not be aware that an unoccupied property is seen as an issue by the Insurance market. If such a valuable asset is not insured on the correct basis with full disclosure to insurers then there could be real issues in the event of a claim.
Finding insurance cover for an unoccupied property can be a minefield of restrictive covers and a list of terms and conditions that you must undertake.
Some insurers will apply “Unoccupied Building Conditions” and these must be complied with for cover to be in place. Examples can include, draining down the water systems, switching off the utilities, weekly documented visits, installing certain locks, sealing up letterboxes, etc. and failure to comply can lead to claims being turned down.
Unoccupied Properties Subject to Probate.
As a general rule the standard house Insurance market will look to restrict or remove cover altogether once a property has been empty for more than 30 days. This will be be an issue for you if you are the executor of a will, as it will not be appropriate just to transfer the existing home and contents insurance that was arranged by the deceased, as the property is likely to stand empty for some time.
During the period of probate, the property remains in the ownership of the deceased’s estate – until its future is determined in accordance with the will. However, the property still needs to be covered for fire, flood, storm damage, theft, vandalism etc.
That is why comprehensive cover for the building needs to be restored with specialist insurance for executors of estates – protecting the property which remains in probate and helping to meet the executors’ duty to ensure that the property is safe and secure. The policy should include the option to have flexibility in the duration of the cover as probate can be complicated and involved and there is a certain level of uncertainty regarding when the process will be completed.
Flexible house insurance after the death of the policyholder may be adjusted and extended to meet the changing deadlines for the completion of probate – and ensure that the property remains adequately safeguarded.
Unoccupied Premises Undergoing Renovation
Your standard home insurance policy is unlikely to cover you for the risks to your building during structural works, like an extension or loft conversion.
However, it is still relatively easy to find a specialist insurer who can cover the risk for you and provide cover for
Unoccupied Premises Awaiting a New Tenant
Your rental property may go through periods of being vacant, for example when you’re in between tenants, or taking the opportunity to redecorate or carry out maintenance. It is likely that your Property Owner’s policy will cover your unoccupied property for longer than a standard home insurance policy, possibly 60 to 90 days, but if it’s likely to be unoccupied for a longer period then you will need to insure it with a specialist insurer.
The reason for this it that an empty property is more at risk of being damaged or broken in to and of course there is nobody on hand to deal with the issue at the property.
Specialist unoccupied property insurance is also available, which you can usually get for periods of three, six, nine or 12 months.
While your property is empty, your insurance should cover:
Need to discuss your situation in more detail? Simply pick up the phone today and contact one of our personal lines account handlers on 01270 758070 who will talk you through all requirements. Or contact us here. Feel safe in our hands.
R.K. Henshall © 2026
R K Henshall is a trading name of Advisory Insurance Brokers Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our Firm Reference number (FRN) is 313250. Registered office: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7PD. Registered in England & Wales No.4043759.
R K Henshall are very proud to support Lupus UK. Lupus UK is a charity very close to our hearts. Unfortunately, Nita Davies who had been a stalwart of our company from it’s very beginning lost her battle against this terrible illness in 2013. Lupus UK is the only National Charity which supports people with the immune system illness. (Registered charity nos. 1051610, SC039682) Click here to read more about Lupus UK.
Tel: 01270 758070
Email: john@rkhenshall.com
John has 20 years of insurance broking experience. John has been awarded the Advanced Diploma in Insurance by the Chartered Institute and has achieved his Certificate in Financial Services.
John is particularly experienced in the arrangement of covers for construction customers and advises across all classes including speciality lines for clients.
John is a keen sportsman having played rugby at local level for both Penrith and Sandbach. He was captain of Sandbach squash club for many years and continues to play in the North West league.
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Tel: 01270 758097
Email: Allen@rkhenshall.com
Allen has over 15 years experience in commercial insurance having worked for a mixture of large and smaller insurers before moving in to an Insurance broking role. He is responsible for the RK Henshall online trading through the Hensure Brand and also has overall responsibility for a number of delegated Authority binders that operate within the Underwriting Agency. In his spare time he likes to play golf and is also the drummer in a covers band.
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Tel: 01270 758088
Email: angela@rkhenshall.com
Angela started her career in banking and investments. She transferred to the construction industry in 1994 where she qualified as an accountant and took on the role of Financial Controller. Angela joined RK Henshall in 2013 and is responsible for the financial management, HR and compliance functions of the business.
She is also an RAF Reservist and devotes much of her spare time to keeping fit.
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Direct Dial: 01270 296375
Email: joanne@rkhenshall.com
Jo has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, covering all aspects of commercial and property insurance, with a particular interest in the motor trade sector. She works closely with businesses to identify potential coverage gaps and ensure they have the right protection in place.
Jo is committed to building long-term relationships with her clients by focusing on tailored insurance solutions, keeping premiums competitive, and providing peace of mind – rather than taking an overly sales-focused approach.
Outside of R K Henshall, Jo enjoys spending time with her horse, and regularly competes in equestrian events. She is also a keen gym-goer and loves spending time with her family and walking her dog.
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Tel: 01270 758099
Email: phil@rkhenshall.com
Phil has nearly 30 years of broking experience, specialising in the Construction and Motor Trade Industry.
As Client Director, Phil works within the corporate business department managing a book of existing customers, introducing new clients and working with the relevant Account Executives, Senior Leadership teams and the Claims department to develop and retain existing high profile clients.
Outside of RK Henshall, Phil enjoys spending time with his son and is a keen cricketer. His true passion is Motorsport and Track days and follows the British Touring Cars all over the country.
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Tel: 01270 236160
Email: marky@rkhenshall.com
Mark has over 10 years’ experience in the insurance industry, working as both a Commercial Insurance Broker and Insurer Business Development Manager across several industry sectors, including Motor Fleet, Property, Liability and Claims Management.
Mark is passionate about building a strong working relationship with his clients, as he feels this is key to building trust on which he can give appropriate advice to his customers’ needs.
In his spare time, Mark is a keen golfer (typically during the warmer months of the year!) and likes to go to music gigs when he can.
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Tel: 01270 758061
Email: Lea@rkhenshall.com
Lea has over 25 years experience of placing and underwriting both commercial & personal lines insurance business, across a broad range of products. Areas of expertise include Manufacturing, Construction, Retail, Distribution and Warehousing, Liability and Professional Indemnity, Motor Trade and Motor Fleet Insurance. Having worked for both brokers and an Insurer, Lea has excellent industry & product knowledge.
Outside of R.K Henshall, Lea is a keen cricketer, loves spending time with his family and also holds a private pilot’s licence.
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Tel: 01270 296463
Email: melb@rkhenshall.com
Mel is our Broking Services Manager, joining the team in 2025. She is originally from Yorkshire and has 35 years of experience as an insurance broker.
For more than 10 years, Mel serviced over 150 fleet clients, before making the move into Commercial Insurance.
Outside of the office, Mel is a keen runner and likes spending time with her family.
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Tel: 01270 758062
Email: colin@rkhenshall.com
Colin has over 18 years insurance experience in both Commercial Broking and claims over a wide range of niches.
Colin is Cert CII and Cert CILA qualified which are industry recognised qualifications within the insurance claims and loss adjusting sectors enabling RK Henshall to competently manage and advise on all claims including property damage, liability and motor.
Outside of his working life, Colin enjoys playing Sunday League Football, Coaching for Hanley Town FC, playing golf and going to music gigs.
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Tel: 01270 758070 (Option 1)
Email: melanie@rkhenshall.com
Melanie started work at RK Henshall in 1992 as a trainee straight from school and has progressed to Personal lines team manager. She is responsible for the growth and development of all our “Insurance for You” products and her team of experienced advisors.
Outside of RK Henshall Melanie loves spending quality time with her children and keeping fit.
Melanie has recently completed her second London Marathon raising money for our company charity Lupus UK, a charity dear to our hearts here at RK Henshall.
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R K Henshall are delighted to once again support Kidsgrove Cricket club in their forthcoming season www.kidgsgrove.play-cricket.com
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R K Henshall are proud to once again support Milton United Football Club in their forthcoming season.
www.miltonunitedfc.co.uk
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Supporting Community Business do great work in the community, and have done since they were established in 1998. In 2019, RK Henshall nominated SCB for the Aviva Community Fund and we managed to obtain funding from Aviva to the value of £5,000, allowing SCB to replace their heating system. We have continued to build a great relationship with the charity in recent years.
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Community clubs like Elworth Cricket Club offer a safe, friendly environment to get involved in recreational sport at any age and socialise with friends. We are delighted to once again support Elworth CC in their forthcoming season.
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RK Henshall have been sponsors of Sandbach United since 2015, watching them develop into the fantastic family orientated club it is today. They were named FA National Grassroots Club of the Year winners in 2020.
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Several of the RK Henshall team have played for Sandbach Rugby Club over the years, including our Managing Director, John Henshall and current first team player Josh. We have been proud sponsors of the club for a number of years, building a fantastic relationship with the club, their members and the players, and we continue to sponsor and attend an annual match.
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