What to compare
A home can become vacant or unoccupied under policy definitions before an owner considers it “empty.” Report the real use, contents, renovation, and expected timeline.
- Move-out date, expected sale or occupancy date, furnishings, and overnight use
- Renovation scope, permits, utilities, heat, water shutoff, and contractor access
- Property checks, alarm, leak detection, lawn or snow service, and winterization
- The offered vacant, dwelling, builder's-risk, renovation, or other policy form
- Vandalism, theft, water, glass, liability, ordinance, and settlement limitations
Questions that need a written answer
| Question | What to verify |
|---|---|
| How does the form define vacancy? | Read the definition and time period; everyday language may differ. |
| Can an ordinary home policy stay in force? | Ask before the occupancy change, and obtain any endorsement or replacement in writing. |
| What inspection schedule is required? | Record who checks the property, how often, and what evidence is kept. |
| What happens when the property sells or is occupied? | Coordinate cancellation or conversion only when the new status and effective date are confirmed. |
Records to keep with the quote
- Dated occupancy timeline and property photographs
- Renovation contract, permits, and completion schedule
- Monitoring, winterization, caretaker, and inspection log
- Quote and policy sections addressing vacancy and covered causes of loss
Important boundary: Failing to report an occupancy change can create serious coverage and underwriting problems. The insurer's written instructions should control the transition.