Short term empty house insurance covers a gap measured in weeks. Most empty houses are between states rather than abandoned, and the market is written accordingly, in terms from one month upwards with pro rata refunds. The only complication is the minimum premium, which changes the arithmetic on very short gaps.
Extension against policy on a short gap
For a gap of a few weeks, an extension from your existing insurer is usually cheaper, because a new short term policy carries a minimum premium that is rarely a proportionate fraction of an annual one. For anything past a couple of months, or where the insurer declines, the specialist policy wins on both price and fit.
What the short terms actually are
One month from a few insurers, three months from most, with monthly extension after the initial term. A three month policy with a pro rata refund covers the majority of short empties and costs less than the flexibility suggests, provided the refund is actually offered.
The refund question
Ask before buying whether the premium is refunded pro rata if the property sells, relets or is reoccupied. Most insurers do and a minority do not, and on a three month policy that difference is a material share of the cost. It is the single question most likely to change which quote is cheapest.
Questions people ask about short term empty house insurance
What is the shortest cover available?
One month from some insurers, three months from most, usually extendable month by month after that.
Is an extension cheaper than a short policy?
For a gap of a few weeks, usually, because short policies carry minimum premiums. Beyond a couple of months the specialist policy wins.
Will I get a refund if the house sells?
Most insurers refund pro rata and a minority do not. Ask before buying, because on a short policy it matters.