Short term unoccupied house insurance exists because most empty houses are empty briefly. A sale completing in six weeks, a tenancy starting next month, a renovation booked for the spring: none of these justifies a twelve month policy, and specialist insurers write this market in terms short enough to match.
What terms are actually available
Monthly from some insurers, three months from most, six and twelve months widely. Many allow monthly extension after the initial term, which suits a situation whose end date keeps moving. A three month policy with a pro rata refund is the common default and covers the majority of short empties without overbuying.
Short policy against an extension from the existing insurer
For a genuinely short gap, an extension from the household or landlord insurer is usually cheaper if they will grant one, because it avoids a new policy's minimum premium. For anything beyond a couple of months, or where the insurer refuses, a short term specialist policy is both cheaper and better matched to the situation.
Watch the minimum premium
Short term policies carry a minimum premium, so a one month policy is rarely a twelfth of a twelve month one. Where the gap is six weeks, compare one three month policy against two months of an extension. The arithmetic sometimes favours buying slightly more cover than you strictly need.
The refund question, asked before buying
Most insurers refund pro rata if the house sells or relets, and a minority do not. On a short policy that difference is a meaningful share of the premium. Ask before buying, because it is the single most likely thing to change which quote is actually cheapest.
Questions people ask about short term unoccupied house insurance
What is the shortest policy available?
Some insurers write monthly, most start at three months, and many allow monthly extension after the initial term.
Is a short policy cheaper than an extension?
For a very short gap, often not, because of minimum premiums. For anything beyond a couple of months, usually yes.
Do I get a refund if the house sells early?
Most insurers refund pro rata, a minority do not. On a short policy that matters, so ask before buying.
Can I extend if the sale falls through?
Usually, month by month. Ask about extension terms at the outset rather than at the end of the policy.