Not many homeowners may be aware but many insurance companies have clauses in their coverage which will deny or limit claims when a house is vacant for an extended period of time. Sellers of a property that are leaving the home empty prior to finding a buyer should check their insurance policy to make sure they have sufficient protection. Statistically vacant homes are more likely to see claims for break-ins and other nuisance type damage which is why insurers often have clauses to not cover these types of homes. Don’t rely upon your standard policy to cover you and instead contact your insurance company which may offer a separate rider to your existing policy or separate vacant insurance altogether.
If you’re soon planning on vacating a property look closely at your insurance policy for an abandonment clause or neglect clause which may kick in if the house remains unoccupied for a certain period of time. Be proactive and don’t take the risk of something occuring to the house or at the house, like kids playing in an vacant home’s yard/residence and injuring themselves. No seller who is vacating a property is looking for additional expenses but insurance coverage is one of the last things to let lapse, so do your due diligence and contact your insurance professional before leaving a home vacant.
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