unoccupied property Insurance in Australia: Protecting Your Asset
Unoccupied properties can be challenging to insure, with many insurers limiting cover or requiring separate policies when a building is vacant. We provide a streamlined, specialist solution that protects commercial, and industrial assets during any period of non‑occupancy, offering clear terms, essential perils, and tailored protection designed for property owners. With underwriting built for a difficult market and cover structured to support continuity, you can safeguard your asset with confidence while your property awaits its next stage.
Key Risks for unoccupied properties
Unoccupied properties face higher exposure to vandalism, malicious damage, water ingress, undetected faults, and limited insurer appetite.
What Building Cover Does as Your Broker
We assess your building’s risks, advise on suitable cover options, compare insurers, and place the right commercial property policy for your office building. We also support you at claim time.
- Risk Assessment
- Cover Guidance
- Insurer Comparison
- Policy Placement & Claims Support
Mainstay underwritings core covers (case by case basis)
Unoccupied commercial properties often fall outside standard insurer appetite, which is why specialist underwriting is essential. This cover is designed for buildings that are vacant for any length of time — with no minimum or maximum occupancy periods — and provides a clear, practical set of protections tailored to the risks of non‑occupancy.
FLEA (Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Aircraft) — Minimum cover required for all placements.
Malicious Persons — Protection against deliberate damage to the building.
Storm, Storm Surge, Rainwater, Hail & Wind — Weather‑related damage to the structure and external areas.
Water Escape — Available when services remain on and approved by Mainstay.
Damage Caused by Theft — Covers building damage resulting from forced entry or attempted theft.
RS&CC (Riots, Strikes & Civil Commotion) — Protection against unrest‑related damage.
Impact — Damage caused by vehicles, falling objects, or external forces.
Landlord Contents Only Policies — Optional cover for fixtures, fittings, and contents owned by the property owner.
Property Owners Liability — Public Liability cover of $10 million, protecting owners against third‑party injury or damage claims.
To obtain an insurance quote for your unoccupied property, please download the Mainstay Underwriting proposal form, complete it in full, and email it to our team at enquiry@backedinsurance.com.au.
Unoccupied properties need specialist attention, and we deliver clear, structured cover with strong support. Our focus is accurate risk assessment, practical options, and smooth placement so owners feel confident their vacant building is protected.
Deep Asset Understanding
Vacancy changes a building’s risk profile, from undetected faults to higher exposure to malicious damage. We assess the property’s condition, services, and security to ensure the insurance structure accurately reflects its true risk.
Owner‑Focused Outcomes
We structure cover to protect your asset during vacancy, prioritising clear terms, practical protections, and smooth placement in a difficult market. Our focus is on maintaining continuity, reducing exposure, and ensuring your building remains properly insured while unoccupied.
Strong Insurer Partnerships
We work with specialist underwriters who understand the complexities of vacant buildings, giving you access to clearer terms, broader options, and more consistent outcomes in a challenging market. These partnerships ensure your unoccupied property is backed by reliable, experienced insurers who support accurate placement and responsive claims handling.
Vacant buildings carry higher exposure to malicious damage, water ingress, theft, and undetected faults, so many insurers restrict or decline cover.
Yes. Mainstay Underwriting allows cover with no minimum or maximum vacancy period, subject to risk assessment.
Download the Mainstay Underwriting proposal form, complete it fully, and email it to enquiry@buildingcover.com.au.
Absolutely. As your broker, we support you through the claims process, communicate with the insurer, and help achieve the best possible outcome.
Key risks include vandalism, break‑ins, water leaks, storm damage, fire, deterioration, and delayed detection of issues.
If a property is unoccupied and the insurer wasn’t informed, claims may be reduced or declined — making correct cover essential.