Cottage Insurance Vacancy Clauses: Questions to Ask
February 6, 2026 · 6 min read · By Jodi Werner, Co-owner, Carling Cottage Care
Your policy—not a generic checklist—determines whether visits are required while a property is empty.
Start with the exact policy wording
Vacant and unoccupied can have different meanings. Ask your broker or insurer what applies to your property, season and length of absence.
- How often must the property be visited?
- Who may complete the visit?
- What areas must be viewed?
- What records, if any, does the insurer require?
Agree on a realistic visual scope
A property-care visit can cover accessible interior and exterior areas and visible changes. It is not a technical inspection and cannot guarantee that a loss will be prevented or covered.
Keep insurance decisions with the insurer
Give your caretaker the schedule and access details after your insurer confirms them. Do not rely on a property-care company to interpret coverage on the insurer's behalf.
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