The 72-hour rule: what insurers expect when your home is empty

Leaving a home empty, for a winter away, an estate sale or a long listing, changes what your insurance expects. In Canada, most standard home insurance policies require someone to physically inspect the property inside and out every 48 to 72 hours. Your own policy may differ, so check it with your broker.

Unoccupied is not the same as vacant

An unoccupied home is furnished and maintained, but nobody is living there for now, such as a snowbird's house over the winter. A vacant home is empty of people and most belongings. Standard policies often cover unoccupied homes on conditions; vacant homes usually need separate coverage. Many policies treat a home as vacant after about 30 days without anyone living there.

Why the checks matter

A frozen pipe or a failed furnace can flood a house for days before anyone notices. Insurers ask for regular checks so problems are caught early. Guidance from Canadian brokers warns that missed inspections can lead to denied claims, whatever caused the damage.

What a good check covers

• Heat is on and the home is at a safe temperature.
• No leaks, drips or water stains; taps run normally.
• Doors, windows and locks are secure, with no signs of entry.
• No pests, mould or unusual smells.
• Mail and deliveries are cleared so the home looks lived in.

Keep a record of every visit

A check that is not recorded is hard to prove later. Ask whoever checks your home, family or a professional home-watch company, for a dated record of every visit: when they arrived, how long they stayed, what they checked and photos of what they found.

This article is general information, not insurance advice. Speak to your broker about your policy.

Home watch visit verification