You may need vacant house insurance for several reasons. Maybe you haven’t yet sold your house and have already moved into another one. Maybe you have two homes. Whatever the reason, you can’t expect your standard homeowner’s policy to cover damage when nobody is living in the house. Sure, you can pretend that someone was living there if any damage occurs, but playing games with the insurance company is a losing battle. As such, if your house is to be vacant for over 30 days, you have two options: Get a vacancy permit from your house from your current insurer or shop around for vacant house insurance. A good tip is to go to an independent agent because such agents have connections with many companies and, as such, might get you a deal after browsing their contacts. However, whatever policy you end up getting for your unoccupied house, don’t expect anything cheap. In fact, be prepared for sticker shock. Why? Insurance companies take on a lot of risk by insuring an unoccupied house. What if there is a flood in your house or a fire starts up? Who is going to call 911? Your neighbor might call for you, but by the time they call, the damage might be overwhelming. Furthermore, if someone with bad intentions realizes that there is no one to guard the house, they won’t have too many second thoughts, unless, the unoccupied house looks to be secure. This means that you can lower your vacant homeowners insurance premium by making your house look occupied. For example, have your neighbor park their car in your driveway and pick up your mail so that your mailbox is overflowing. If you really want to get creative you can turn on some lights.

Another thing, which can help lower your homeowners insurance for vacant house, is if you install some type of security system (a security system, which detects a break in through windows and doors is highly recommended) and tightly seal your doors and windows.

Also, keep in mind that when you are shopping for vacant house insurance, just because a company claims to “specialize” in home insurance for vacant house, it does not mean that they will give you a low rate. It just means that they are a company, which is willing to insure unoccupied houses for a pretty penny.