You can insure an empty house in the United Kingdom, and specialist insurers write exactly this. What you cannot do is keep the cover you had, because ordinary policies narrow after a stated period of emptiness. The answer is yes, on different terms, with conditions.
What is available
Unoccupied or vacant property policies, written in three, six and twelve month terms, renewable and often extendable monthly. They cover the building against a defined peril list and include property owners liability. Contents are limited and valuables usually excluded.
The conditions that always come with it
Inspections at a stated interval with a written record. Heating maintained at a minimum temperature through the colder months, or the water system drained and isolated. Post cleared, locks to a specification, services isolated where required. These are conditions of cover rather than advice.
Where it becomes difficult
A house that has already stood empty and unattended for a long time, one that is visibly derelict, one undergoing structural work without a works policy, or one in a high flood risk area. None is automatically uninsurable and all of them mean a referral rather than an instant quote, and usually a broker rather than a form.
Questions people ask about can you insure an empty house
Can an empty house be insured?
Yes, by specialist insurers, in short renewable terms, with a narrower peril list and a set of conditions.
Is it more expensive?
Usually, because nobody is there to notice a leak or deter a thief. Short terms keep the total proportionate.
What if the house is derelict?
Harder, and some insurers will decline. A broker is the route, and expect stricter conditions and a higher excess.