Insurance for an Empty Home (and a Stored Car) While You're Away

Policies may use the words vacant (generally empty of people and most belongings) and unoccupied (furnished, but nobody living there) and may limit or exclude some kinds of claims after a home has been empty for a set period. Definitions and time limits differ by policy and state, so read your declarations and conditions, and ask.

• "How long can my home be unoccupied before coverage changes?"
• "Are there conditions, like keeping the heat on or the water shut off, that I need to meet?"
• "Do I need someone to check on the home, and how often?"
• "Would leak sensors, an automatic shutoff valve or monitored alarms change my premium?"
• "Do I need a vacancy endorsement or different policy for this period?"
• Ask for the answers by email, and keep them with your policy.

If a car will sit unused, some insurers let you reduce coverage while keeping protection against theft, fire or storm damage. Before you change anything, ask what your state requires for a registered vehicle, whether dropping liability affects your registration, and whether a gap in coverage could raise future rates. Ask the same questions for the car you drive at your winter home.

Your state's insurance department can answer questions and take complaints. Florida readers can start with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation consumer page (opens in a new tab).