When somebody moves permanently into a care home, families are often so focused on:
- care fees
- local authority assessments
- selling the property
- Power of Attorney
- and emotional decisions
that they forget about something very important:
Home insurance.
Many people are shocked to discover that ordinary home insurance policies may become invalid once a property is left empty for a period of time.
This can create serious financial risks at exactly the wrong moment.
Why Standard Home Insurance May No Longer Apply
Most standard home insurance policies are designed for:
- occupied homes
- regularly lived-in properties
- homes that are checked daily
When a person moves permanently into residential care, the property may become:
“unoccupied” or “empty”
Many insurers place restrictions on empty properties after:
- 30 days
- 45 days
- or 60 days
depending on the policy.
If the insurer is not informed, there is a risk that claims could later be reduced or refused.
Why Empty Properties Carry Greater Risk
Insurance companies view empty homes as higher risk because problems may go unnoticed for longer.
Examples include:
- burst pipes
- leaks
- electrical faults
- storm damage
- vandalism
- squatting
- theft
- arson
A small leak in an occupied home may be noticed immediately.
In an empty property, damage could continue for weeks before anybody realises.
What Is Unoccupied Property Insurance?
Unoccupied property insurance is a specialist type of insurance designed for homes that are temporarily or permanently empty.
It may provide protection for:
- buildings
- contents
- fire
- flood
- escape of water
- storm damage
- vandalism
- public liability
However, policies and restrictions vary significantly.
Important Conditions You May Need To Follow
Many unoccupied property policies include strict conditions.
Examples may include:
- regular property inspections
- heating left on at low levels during winter
- draining water systems
- locking doors and windows
- using approved locks
- maintaining the garden
- informing the insurer if the property is being sold or rented
Some insurers may require:
- weekly inspections
- fortnightly inspections
- written records of visits
Failing to follow conditions could affect claims.
What Happens If Nobody Tells The Insurance Company?
This is where families can run into serious problems.
If the insurer is not informed that the homeowner has moved into care:
- the policy may become restricted
- cover may reduce automatically
- or claims may later be rejected
Families should therefore contact the insurer as soon as possible once it becomes clear the property may be empty for an extended period.
What If The Property Will Eventually Be Sold?
This is extremely common.
Often:
- a person moves into residential care
- the family is unsure whether the move is permanent
- the house remains empty
- and eventually the property may need to be sold to help fund care costs
During this period, specialist insurance may still be needed.
Even if the property is empty only temporarily, families should still check policy conditions carefully.
What About The 12-Week Property Disregard?
In England, local authorities often ignore the value of the main home for the first 12 weeks of permanent residential care.
This is known as:
the 12-week property disregard.
However, this rule relates to:
- care funding assessments
—not home insurance.
The property may still require specialist insurance even during this period.
Deferred Payment Agreements And Empty Homes
Some families use a:
Deferred Payment Agreement
This allows the local authority to help pay care home fees while repayment is delayed until the property is sold later.
Even in these situations, maintaining proper insurance remains extremely important because:
- the property still belongs to the individual
- damage could affect its value
- and the council may expect the home to remain adequately protected
Practical Tips For Families
1. Contact the insurer immediately
Never assume the existing policy still applies.
2. Check the “unoccupied” rules
Read the policy carefully.
3. Visit the property regularly
Keep records if possible.
4. Remove obvious signs the property is empty
Timers, lighting and maintained gardens may help.
5. Consider draining water systems in winter
Some insurers require this.
6. Seek advice if unsure
Insurance brokers specialising in unoccupied properties may help.
Final Thoughts
When somebody moves into care, there are many emotional and financial pressures on families.
Home insurance can easily be overlooked.
However, leaving a property uninsured or underinsured could create serious financial consequences later.
If a home may be empty for more than a few weeks, families should:
- contact the insurer
- explain the situation fully
- and check whether specialist unoccupied property insurance is needed.
Taking action early may prevent major problems later.