Unoccupied & Probate property insurance

Whether a home is temporarily vacant or unoccupied due to probate, we arrange flexible insurance that covers the property until it’s ready for its next chapter.

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Unoccupied and Probate Insurance

When a property is left vacant, whether for a few weeks or several months, standard home insurance can quickly become invalid or restricted. At Chubb Thomas, we arrange tailored cover for unoccupied homes and properties in probate, giving you the confidence that what’s left behind is still guarded from damage.

Vacant Property Risks

Unoccupied homes face higher risks, including break-ins, vandalism, undetected leaks or structural damage. Whether you’re waiting to sell, renovate, re-let or resolve an estate, we can arrange short-term or long-term cover that reflects the current use (or non-use) of the property.

Dealing With Probate

If you’re dealing with a probate situation, we understand the complexities that come with it. Our probate property insurance offers clear, flexible cover while legal matters are being resolved, so you can focus on other matters.

A Personalised Service

From our offices in Dorset, we work with solicitors, executors, family members, landlords, and homeowners across the region to arrange reliable, practical cover.

Our team of independent brokers offer real advice, not call centre scripts. From a local broker you can trust and a policy that works.

Contact us for your tailormade unoccupied property and probate insurance quote

When Do You Need Unoccupied and Probate Insurance?

When a home becomes vacant, whether due to a house move, renovations or a bereavement, standard home insurance often reduces cover or stops altogether. At Chubb Thomas, we arrange unoccupied property insurance for empty homes and probate properties with tailored, flexible solutions.

Choose from short-period or annual policies with varying levels of cover to suit the status and condition of the property. Whether you’re preparing a home for sale, acting as an executor or navigating a delay in tenancy, we can arrange a policy to suit your requirements.

Our policies typically include:

Buildings cover including fixtures and fittings
Different levels of cover to suit your needs

We also provide assistance to clients acting under power of attorney or managing estates through probate. Our team will explain the requirements clearly and guide you through the process with no pressure, just helpful, professional advice.

Every situation is different. That’s why we take the time to understand the details, liaise with solicitors or property managers where needed, and build a policy that reflects the real risks, so you’re not left exposed.

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Why Choose Chubb Thomas?

We arrange tailored cover for all kinds of homes and circumstances—here are just some of the types of home insurance we can help with, in addition to standard household insurance:

Truly independent insurance broker based in Bournemouth, with no corporate ties
Insurance quotes tailored to your needs, across Dorset and surrounding areas
Speak directly to your dedicated contact—no call centres, no waiting
Work with your key person from start to finish
Insurance quotes tailored to your needs, across Dorset and surrounding areas
Fair fees and transparent advice every step of the way
Independent and unbiased—we’re not tied to any insurer, so you always come first
A reputation for excellence, delivering insurance services locally since the early 1980s.

Contact us for your tailormade insurance quote

FAQs

What is unoccupied property insurance?

It’s specialist cover designed to insure homes that are empty for 30 days or more, which standard home insurance often excludes or restricts.

When do I need probate insurance?

Probate insurance is required when a property becomes unoccupied after the owner has passed away. It provides cover against most issues that occur to the home while probate is being settled.

What does unoccupied insurance cover?

It typically covers fire, storm, flood, theft, vandalism and escape of water. Some policies may also include liability cover or legal expenses.

Is this different from standard home insurance?

Yes. Standard policies usually limit or cancel cover after a home is left empty beyond a set period (often 30 days). Unoccupied policies are designed to fill this gap.

Can I get insurance for a commercially owned unoccupied property?

We can arrange insurance for an empty building whether it is owned by a business or personally.

How long can I insure an unoccupied home for?

Policies can be arranged short-term (3 months to 6 months) or on an annual basis with flexible terms. We’ll help you choose what’s appropriate.

Do I need to visit the property regularly?

Most insurers will require regular inspections and simple maintenance to be carried out. We’ll explain what’s needed to keep cover valid.

Can you cover homes undergoing renovation during probate?

Yes, if work is being planned, we can arrange a policy that combines unoccupied property insurance with cover for building works.

Can I switch to a standard policy once the home is reoccupied or sold?

Yes. We can help transition the policy when the property is sold, let or returned to regular use.

Why use Chubb Thomas for probate and unoccupied property insurance?

We offer clear, independent advice and work with trusted insurers to provide flexible, specialist cover, backed by personal service from a named contact who supports you throughout. We’re a truly independent Dorset broker offering real advice, not scripts.

Do I need employers’ liability insurance?

You must get employers’ liability (EL) insurance as soon as you become an employer – your policy must cover you for at least £5 million and come from an authorised insurer.

The definition of an employee is someone who has a contract with you. In the contract, their role, responsibilities and pay are clearly defined. The contract usually states the work hours, obligations, holiday allowance and other employee benefits. In other words, an employee works under your control and direction, and you are contractually obliged to provide them with regular work and pay them a salary. You still need employers ‘ liability insurance, even if your staff are part-time or temporary. If you are unsure, please contact our office and we can discuss in further detail.

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Trusted Dorset Insurance Broker

We’re a truly independent Dorset broker offering real advice, not scripts. offering tailored insurance quotes across Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Dorchester and beyond. Whether you need personal, property or business cover, we deliver clear advice and a personal service every step of the way.