Vacant Home Insurance
in Quebec
Protect your property even without an occupant. Our specialized brokers will find the right coverage for your situation: inheritance, sale, work abroad or renovation.
Is your home unoccupied?
We have the solution to insure your vacant home. Our brokers specializing in unoccupied homes offer a quick and easy solution to protect your property.
At Assur360, you have the best of both worlds: start your quote online and be advised by an experienced broker who knows the particularities of vacant home insurance.
How it works
Fill out the form
Describe your vacant property and the reason for the vacancy in minutes
Specialized Analysis
Our brokers identify insurers that accept vacant homes
Comparative Submissions
Receive several offers tailored to your particular situation
Active protection
Your vacant home is covered, even without an occupant
What is the difference between vacant and unoccupied house?
A vacant home is a property that you don’t necessarily intend to return to. This is the case, for example, when you buy a new home without having sold your main residence. Rather, an unoccupied home is considered a temporary situation — an extended trip, major renovations, or a trip abroad for work.
For insurers, the distinction is important. Most consider a house vacant after 30 consecutive days of vacancy. Some allow up to 60 days. After this period, certain protections may be suspended, including theft, vandalism and certain water damage.
Common situations leading to a vacancy
- Inheritance and liquidation of assets
- Buying a new home before selling the old one
- Working abroad or travelling for an extended period of time
- Family Legacy
- Major renovations making the property uninhabitable
- Uninhabited seasonal property in the off-season
House vacant following an inheritance
Has your insurer let you down following an inheritance that is longer than expected? We have solutions for you. We offer a home estate insurance policy. Our home insurer will cover, according to its conditions of acceptance, your home for the period of liquidation of the estate and until the sale of the house.
Ask our insurance brokers who specialize in home insurance. Estate coverage is a specific product that few insurers offer — our brokers know exactly where to look.
How to properly insure a vacant or unoccupied home
Standard home insurance covers places of residence, but not vacant homes. It is very common for people to not pay attention to the exclusion clause for this element on insurance policies. This exclusion states that any house that remains vacant for a period of more than 30 days is excluded from home protection coverage. In other words, in the event of a claim, the insurer does not pay any compensation.
It is therefore advisable to inform the insurer about the vacant home. He is the one who can accept or refuse to insure the premises. Acceptance is usually accompanied by a vacation permit endorsement added to the insurance policy, in addition to a surcharge to compensate for the additional risk. Certain exclusions are also to be expected, such as for vandalism, water damage or broken windows.
The surcharge is justified by the higher risk in the case of vacant homes. Insurers often reject empty home insurance because there is a higher risk of fire, vandalism, theft and liability. To prevent such an inconvenience, it is recommended to contact an independent broker such as those at Assur360 who compare the offers of several insurers to find the best option in terms of unoccupied home protection.
Tips for preserving your vacant property
- Schedule regular visits to the vacant home or have it visited by someone you trust
- Turn off water inlets and drain pipes — roofing a vacant home often excludes water damage
- Keep the house heated during the winter season
- Clear the entrance of snow during the winter
- Maintain the lawn during the summer to prevent it from drying out
- Plan an automated system for lighting
- Keep curtains closed for privacy inside
Commonly insured cases
For any owner of an unoccupied house — whether it contains furniture or not — it is possible to benefit from suitable insurance. Whether you intend to sell it, rent it out or the property is part of an estate, there are adequate coverages.
This insurance is also suitable for investors who buy homes to resell. All you have to do is contact a vacant home insurance expert at Assur360. Such protection covers legal and personal liabilities, as well as the market value of the property.
Our brokers cover all of Quebec for vacant home insurance: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay. Wherever your unoccupied property is located, we have a suitable solution.
Why trust Assur360?
Frequently Asked Questions — Vacant Home Insurance
What is a vacant house in insurance in Quebec?
A house is considered vacant when it is unoccupied for 30 to 60 consecutive days (depending on the insurer). Vacant properties pose a higher risk to insurers, which can lead to reduced or voided coverage if you don’t have the right coverage.
How long can a house be empty before it is considered vacant?
Most insurers consider a home vacant after 30 consecutive days of vacancy. Some allow up to 60 days. After this period, certain protections may be suspended, including theft, vandalism and certain water damage.
How do I insure a vacant or unoccupied house in Quebec?
Assur360 can put you in touch with insurers who specialize in vacant properties. There are products suitable for homes for sale, estates, renovations, or uninhabited seasonal properties. Fill out our form to get a free quote.
What coverages are included in vacant home insurance?
Typical coverages include fire, (partial) water damage, liability and sometimes vandalism. Theft and glass breakage coverage are often excluded. Each insurer has its own criteria — which is why an independent broker is essential for comparison.
What is the cost of insurance for a vacant house in Quebec?
Vacant home insurance usually costs more than standard insurance, due to the increased risk. The cost depends on the value of the property, its location and the expected length of time it will be vacant. Get a free quote with Assur360 to find out your rate.
Does my home insurance cover my home if it becomes vacant?
No, in the majority of cases. Standard home insurance excludes properties that are vacant after 30 days. It is imperative to inform your insurer of the vacancy and to take out a vacancy endorsement or a specialized policy to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim.
Can a vacant house be insured as an inheritance?
Yes, Assur360 works with insurers that offer specific policies for estate properties. The cover can extend for the entire duration of the liquidation of the estate and until the sale of the property.
What precautions should be taken to make it easier to insure a vacant home?
Visit the property regularly, turn off the water inlets, keep the heat on in the winter, clear the snow from the driveway, maintain the lawn in the summer and install automated lighting. A well-maintained home makes it easier to get proper coverage and reduces premiums.
Protect your vacant home at the best price
Our AMF-certified brokers compare multiple insurers to find the best coverage for your vacant property — estate, sale or otherwise.