By Dan Burghardt, Owner of Dan Burghardt Insurance
For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.
Whether you’re selling a home, own rental property or inherited a family home that is either vacant or becomes vacant, there’s an extra layer of responsibility that property owners often overlook, the right type of insurance. Many homeowners and landlords assume that their standard policy continues to provide full coverage, but that’s not always the case. If a home is left vacant for an extended period, the risk to insurers increases—and coverage terms can change.
Most traditional property policies have strict definitions regarding occupancy. If a home is unoccupied for 30 to 60 days, depending on the policy, the insurer may limit or even deny certain types of claims. Vacancy increases the likelihood of vandalism, theft, undetected water damage, and even liability issues. Without someone regularly living in and maintaining the home, small problems can become big, expensive ones fast.
This is where vacant home insurance comes in. It is specifically designed to protect properties that are empty for extended periods. A vacant policy provides coverage for perils that are excluded once a home is considered vacant under a standard homeowner’s policy or Owners, Landlords and Tenant policies. It’s important to recognize that even occasional check-ins or staged furniture may not meet occupancy requirements for insurance purposes.
For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.
Vacant Property insurance policies are flexible. Some offer short-term coverage for just a few months, while others provide coverage up to a year or longer, depending on how long the property remains on the market. Coverage typically includes protection against fire, lightning, windstorms, vandalism, and theft. Some policies can be customized to include liability coverage in case someone is injured on the property while it is listed for sale. A Renovation policy will also cover the property while improvements and substantial remodeling is planned during vacancy. For more information on renovation coverage got to Builders Risk @ https://dbiagency.com/services/builders-risk/
In Louisiana and Mississippi, where weather events can quickly turn serious, protecting an unoccupied property is even more critical. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding events can cause significant damage, and a vacant home is at higher risk of sustaining worse outcomes simply because problems aren’t caught early.
It’s also important to understand that lenders may have requirements if a mortgage still exists on the property. Most lenders require continuous insurance coverage until the home is sold and the loan is satisfied. Letting your standard homeowners policy lapse without proper replacement could put you in violation of your mortgage agreement.
Even if the home is only expected to sit vacant for a short time, securing the right insurance is a smart financial move. Damage can happen quickly, and without the right policy in place, homeowners could find themselves personally responsible for repair costs—or worse, legal claims.
Working with an agency that understands the specific needs of vacant properties helps ensure that you aren’t left exposed during the sales process. Each property is different, and coverage can be tailored based on the home’s condition, location, and the anticipated time it will remain vacant.
After 40 years, Dan Burghardt Insurance has grown to serve clients throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, with a strong focus on New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, St. Bernard, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, Thibodaux, LaPlace, Lake Charles, Bossier City, Central, Lafayette, Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria. Our team understands local risks and how to properly protect vacant homes during transitions like sales and relocations.
If you’re preparing to sell, rent or buy a home that will be vacant—or if you’re already in the process—it’s worth taking a few minutes to review your insurance coverage and make sure you are fully protected.
For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.
