Insurance & Unoccupied Homes

What You Need to Know

Many homeowners are unaware that their insurance policies may require regular check-ins on unoccupied or seasonal homes. Some policies include specific clauses mandating visits—such as every 7, 10, or 14 days—to maintain coverage. The catch? These clauses are often intentionally vague, which is why it’s important to call your insurance provider directly. Ask for clarification on what’s required to keep your coverage intact—especially regarding vacant or seasonal properties.

Let’s say your policy requires a visit every 10 days, but your current home watch provider only checks once a month. That gap could put your coverage at risk. If damage occurs between visits—especially water damage—you might face a claim denial due to non-compliance with policy terms.

Even more concerning: many standard policies contain a 14-day water damage exclusion. That means if water damage is discovered in your vacant home more than 14 days after it occurs, your claim could be denied altogether.

This is why it’s crucial to work with a professional, reliable home watch service that understands these requirements and helps you meet them.