Does homeowners insurance cover a vacant house?

Standard homeowners policies define 'vacant' (no contents, no one living) differently from 'unoccupied' (furnished but residents temporarily away). Most policies allow 30 to 60 days of vacancy before coverage restrictions kick in. After that, perils most commonly excluded include vandalism, theft, and glass breakage, sometimes water damage. Some carriers void coverage entirely. A vacant home policy is a specialty product designed for empty properties, with limits and pricing reflecting the higher risk. It is typically written for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, and covers the specific perils that standard policies restrict. Common triggers include estate transitions, properties between owners, rentals between tenants, and homes awaiting demolition.