Residential Unoccupied Property Insurance
Flexible cover for vacant homes, renovation projects and probate risks
Our Residential Unoccupied Property Insurance (FLEA & POL only) provides tailored protection for properties that are temporarily vacant, whether awaiting sale, undergoing renovation or in probate. Cover is designed to reflect the increased risks associated with unoccupied buildings, with flexible policy durations available to suit individual client needs.
Policies are available on a short-term or annual basis, with options for 90, 180, 270 days or 12 months. Cover can be extended where required, ensuring continuity of protection as circumstances change.
Cover Overview
This product offers structured levels of protection with Bronze, Silver and Gold options, allowing brokers to match cover to the client’s risk profile and requirements.
- Buildings and optional contents cover available
- Three levels of cover: Bronze, Silver and Gold
- Optional legal expenses and liability extensions (Gold level)
- Flexible policy terms with extension options
- Designed specifically for unoccupied residential risks
Gold cover can include additional protections such as legal liability, legal expenses and cover for domestic employees, depending on the policy selected.
Key Features
- Flexible underwriting approach for a wide range of unoccupied risks
- Short-term and annual policies available
- Suitable for renovation, sale and probate situations
- Structured cover levels to suit different risk appetites
- Competitive 10% commission
Risk Management Requirements
To maintain cover, policy conditions typically require regular inspection and maintenance of the property.
- Internal and external inspections required every 14 days
- Records of inspections must be maintained
- Property must be kept secure and in good repair
- Any material changes or building works must be disclosed
These requirements help mitigate risks such as escape of water, theft and deterioration
Important Documents - Product Summaries
Overview of the highest level of cover, including liability and legal extensions.
Mid-level cover including buildings and contents with additional insured perils.
Core cover designed for basic protection of unoccupied properties.
Underwriting & Policy Documents
Required to capture full property details, occupancy status and risk information for underwriting.
Acceptance Criteria
- Residential properties in Ireland that are unoccupied
- Properties undergoing renovation, sale or probate
- Risks subject to inspection and security requirements
- Building works over €25,000 must be disclosed in advance
Important Policy Conditions
As with most unoccupied property insurance policies, certain conditions apply during the period of vacancy to help reduce the likelihood of loss or damage.
For example:
- The property must be inspected internally and externally at least every 14 days
- A record of inspections should be maintained and available if requested
- Minimum security protections must be in place and maintained
- The property must be kept in a good state of repair
- The buildings must be insured for their full rebuilding value
Failure to comply with these conditions may impact cover or the settlement of a claim.
Why Brokers Place Business with Dolmen
Dolmen Underwriting provides brokers with a dependable solution for placing unoccupied residential risks that fall outside standard household markets.
Key advantages include:
- Designed specifically for unoccupied residential properties
- Flexible cover levels with Bronze, Silver and Gold options
- Short-term and annual policy durations available
- Optional contents cover where required
- Structured underwriting approach with clear eligibility criteria
- 10% commission
This scheme supports brokers in placing risks efficiently, particularly where properties are vacant for extended periods or undergoing change.
Specialist Underwriting Support
Work directly with experienced underwriters who understand the complexities of unoccupied property risks and can provide practical, case-by-case solutions.
Flexible Product Solutions
Access a wide range of specialist insurance products designed to support brokers in placing non-standard and niche risks across multiple sectors.
Trusted Industry Experience
Benefit from established underwriting expertise and strong relationships with A-rated insurers, delivering consistent and reliable outcomes for brokers and their clients.
Affordable Home Insurance That Doesn’t Cut Corners
Choosing the cheapest policy isn’t always the best option. At Dolmen, we look beyond the premium to find you quality home insurance that actually works when you need it. Whether you’re insuring a family home, an apartment, or a property you rent out – we’re here to find the right protection for your lifestyle and budget.
We search the market, explain your options clearly, and help you save where it makes sense – all while ensuring you’re fully covered.
Why Choose Dolmen for Your Home Insurance?
- Decades of experience in the Irish insurance market
- Independent advice and access to top Irish and UK insurers
- Personalised service with real people – not just a website
- Excellent customer support throughout your policy
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Place Smarter Faster with Dolmen
Underwriting Solutions Brokers Can Trust
If you would like to arrange cover under this scheme, contact the Dolmen Underwriting team or submit an enquiry using the form on this page.
Our team can assist with eligibility, underwriting guidance and placement support.