Can You Get Coverage for Renovations or a Home on the Market?
Understand how insurance works when your home is undergoing renovations or waiting to sell
A home doesn’t need to be vacant to have special insurance needs. If you’re remodeling or your property is listed for sale but unoccupied, your regular homeowner’s insurance might not provide the protection you expect. Renovations, vacant listings, and staged homes create new types of risk—and often require updated or additional coverage.
This becomes especially relevant if you’re upgrading before selling or if a property sits on the market longer than expected. You might consider this the next time you schedule a major renovation or move out before your home sells.
Renovations and Insurance: What Changes?
Home renovations increase the value of your home, but they also increase the risk of fire, water damage, injury, and theft—especially when contractors are working on-site and the home is partially unoccupied.
Standard home insurance may continue to apply for light cosmetic changes, such as painting or replacing fixtures. But once the work involves structural changes, major electrical or plumbing upgrades, or partial demolition, your policy may need to be updated.
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Notify your insurer before work begins
Failing to do so may result in denied claims if damage happens during construction. -
Consider a “building under construction” endorsement
This ensures fire, weather, and liability protection during major renovations. -
Confirm your contractor’s liability and insurance coverage
You may be held responsible if their insurance is inadequate or expired.
Tip: If you’re temporarily moving out during renovations, let your insurer know how long the home will be unoccupied and who will be checking in.
Homes on the Market: Vacant and For Sale
If you’ve already moved out and your home is staged or sitting empty, it may now be considered “vacant” under your insurance policy. That changes what your standard coverage will protect.
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Fire and liability coverage may still apply
But water damage, vandalism, or theft are often excluded after 30 to 60 days of vacancy. -
Vacant home coverage may be required to maintain full protection
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Regular check-ins or inspections may be required to keep your policy valid
| Scenario | Will Standard Home Policy Cover? | What You Might Need Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring) | Yes | Just notify insurer |
| Major renovation (structural/plumbing) | Often no | Renovation or builder’s risk endorsement |
| Home for sale, still occupied | Yes | No change needed |
| Vacant home on market | No (after 30–60 days) | Vacant property policy or endorsement |
Note: Even staged homes with furniture and occasional visits may still be considered “vacant” under many insurance definitions. The key factor is whether it is being actively lived in.
A Policy That Matches the Property’s Status
Whether you're updating a home or preparing it for sale, keeping your insurance aligned with your property’s status is critical. The more complex or lengthy the transition, the more likely it is you’ll need a temporary or specialized policy.
Caution: Renovating or selling a home without adjusting your insurance can leave you exposed to serious losses—even if your policy is technically active. Always inform your insurer of changes in occupancy, usage, or construction activity.
By working with your provider to update your coverage, you can avoid gaps and make sure your investment is protected through every phase of the process.