Vacant or mid-renovation, still insured.
Standard homeowners and landlord policies often restrict coverage when a property sits empty or is opened up for a remodel. There are policies built for exactly that period, and some convert when the work is done.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
The months policies tend to exclude
An empty or torn-open property is a different risk: nobody to notice a leak or a break-in, open walls, contractors on site and materials in the yard.
Many standard policies limit or exclude coverage once a home has been vacant for a set period, commonly 60 days, or while it’s under substantial renovation. Without the right policy in place, that’s exactly when a claim can be denied.
- Vacant dwellingCoverage for a property no one is living in, with options that vary by carrier for vandalism and theft.
- Renovation and builder’s riskProtects the structure and materials during construction or major remodeling.
- LiabilityClaims from someone hurt on the property while it’s empty or under construction.
- ConversionPolicies that switch to landlord or homeowners coverage once the work is finished and the property is occupied.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- The property: address, year built and construction type.
- Vacancy: how long it’s been empty and why.
- The project: scope, budget, and expected start and finish dates.
- Who’s doing the work: a licensed contractor or an owner-builder.
- Security: locks, alarms, fencing and how often someone checks the property.
- The plan after: sell, rent it out, or move in.
Vacant and renovation coverage, answered
Can I insure a fix and flip or an inherited house?
Yes. A fix-and-flip or an inherited house that sits empty usually needs a vacant dwelling or renovation policy, because standard homeowners policies limit coverage once a home is unoccupied. I match the policy term to your project, or to the time it takes to sell or move in.
Does my homeowners policy cover a vacant house?
Often only partly. Many policies restrict coverage after a home has been vacant for a set period, commonly 60 days. Check your policy’s vacancy clause, or send it to me.
What’s the difference between vacant and unoccupied?
In many policies, unoccupied means your belongings are still there but no one is living there, while vacant means the home is largely empty. The wording changes what’s covered, so the exact policy language matters.
Who insures the renovation, me or my contractor?
Both have a role. Your contractor should carry general liability and workers’ comp. The structure and materials during the project are usually covered by a builder’s risk or renovation policy.
Can the policy switch when I lease up or move in?
Some can. Tell me the plan at the start so the policy is chosen with that conversion in mind.
Do you offer vacant property and renovation insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state or high-value home insurance by state.
Tell me about the project before work starts.
Coverage is easiest to place before the walls come down. If work has already started, call anyway.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.