Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance
Specialist insurance for vacant commercial premises during change of tenant, refurbishment or sale, with protection tailored to the risks of an unoccupied building.
What is unoccupied commercial property insurance?
When a commercial building stands empty, the risk profile changes quickly. Fire, escape of water, vandalism and break-ins are more likely to go unnoticed, and most standard policies restrict cover once the property has been vacant for a set period.
Buildings Insurance
Protection for the structure of the property against insured damage including fire, storm, flood, impact and malicious damage where available.
Property Owners' Liability
Liability protection if a third party suffers injury or damage connected to the premises while the building is empty.
Flexible Vacancy Terms
Cover can be arranged for short voids between tenants or for longer periods linked to sale, redevelopment or renovation works.
Who needs this cover?
Landlords and investors
Suitable for landlords between tenants, investors holding a building prior to redevelopment and owners awaiting completion of a sale.
Businesses with temporary vacancy
Useful where premises are closed due to relocation, restructuring, fit-out projects or major repairs that leave the site without regular occupation.
Specialist cover for complex risks
We place vacant property insurance for offices, retail units, warehouses and mixed-use buildings. We will review the security arrangements, expected vacancy duration and any works being carried out so the policy conditions are realistic and the cover matches the exposure.
Offices
Cover for vacant office suites, serviced office floors and multi-let office buildings during marketing, refurbishments or changes of occupancy.
Retail Units
Protection for shops and high-street premises where empty windows, public access and central locations increase the risk of vandalism or theft.
Warehouses and Mixed Use
Solutions for larger commercial spaces, storage facilities and buildings with combined retail, office or residential elements.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a commercial property be unoccupied before I need specialist insurance?
Most standard commercial property policies start restricting cover once a building has been unoccupied for 30 to 60 days. After that point, specialist vacant property insurance is usually needed to keep appropriate protection in place.
Does unoccupied commercial property insurance include liability cover?
Yes. Policies can include property owners' liability so you remain protected if a third party suffers injury or property damage connected to the vacant premises. Limits and conditions vary by insurer and by property type.
Can I get cover during renovation works?
Yes. If the property is vacant because you are carrying out repairs, refurbishment or structural alterations, we can arrange cover that reflects the building status and the nature of the works being undertaken.
What is FLEE cover?
FLEE stands for fire, lightning, explosion and earthquake. Some insurers reduce an unoccupied building to FLEE-only cover once vacancy conditions are triggered. Specialist vacant property insurance can restore a much broader scope of protection.
Do I need to meet certain conditions for cover?
Usually, yes. Insurers commonly require regular inspections, secure locks, letterbox sealing, draining down water systems when appropriate, and prompt maintenance of any hazards that could increase the risk of loss.
Get the right cover
Speak to one of our expert brokers for a free, no-obligation quote.