Unoccupied Home Insurance (Relay)
Insurance for unoccupied residential properties placed through brokers
The Dolmen Unoccupied Home (Relay) scheme is designed to help brokers place insurance for domestic properties that are temporarily unoccupied in Ireland. This specialist product provides protection for properties that are vacant due to sale, probate, renovation planning, or other temporary circumstances.
The scheme allows brokers to arrange cover for qualifying risks through a Quote & Buy facility, enabling policies to be issued online without referral where the risk falls within the scheme criteria.
With flexible cover options and clearly defined underwriting parameters, Dolmen Unoccupied Home provides a reliable solution for brokers placing vacant residential property risks.
Who this product is designed for
Dolmen Unoccupied Home is suitable for brokers placing insurance for properties that are currently vacant or not permanently occupied.
Typical placements include:
- Residential properties awaiting sale
- Properties awaiting probate
- Vacant homes between tenancies
- Temporarily unoccupied dwellings
- Residential properties awaiting refurbishment or future occupation
The product is designed to provide short-term protection for vacant homes while the property remains unoccupied.
Cover sections available
The policy provides a structured cover across multiple sections depending on the cover selected.
Section 1 – Buildings
Protection for the physical structure of the property.
Section 2 – Contents
Optional cover for contents remaining in the property.
Section 3 – Accidents to Domestic Employees
Legal liability cover up to €3,000,000.
Section 4 – Legal Liability to the Public
Legal liability cover up to €3,000,000 for accidents occurring at the insured premises.
These sections provide brokers with the flexibility to arrange buildings-only or buildings and contents cover depending on the property risk.
Buildings cover
Buildings insurance protects the structure of the property against specific insured events.
Typical covered perils include:
- Fire
- Lightning
- Explosion
- Earthquake
- Aircraft and items dropped from aircraft
Additional buildings cover includes:
- Accidental damage to fixtures and fittings
- Accidental damage to underground services
- Professional fees and debris removal
- Sale of the property protection
- Replacement locks and keys
- Unauthorised use of electricity, gas or water
- Garden plants and shrubs cover
- Fire brigade charges
These protections help safeguard the property while it remains unoccupied.
Important Documents
The Policy Wording outlines the full terms, conditions, cover sections, exclusions, and policy limits, helping brokers understand how the Unoccupied Home product operates.
The Policy IPID provides a standardised overview of the main policy features, cover sections, exclusions, and limits to help brokers quickly understand the Unoccupied Home product.
Contents cover
Where contents cover is selected, the policy provides protection for items remaining inside the property.
Typical cover includes:
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Damage or loss to contents caused by insured perils
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Replacement locks following theft or loss of keys
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Limited protection for stored contents
Contents cover can be arranged up to €50,000, depending on the property risk.
Sums insured and limits
The scheme includes defined underwriting limits for residential unoccupied risks.
Typical limits include:
- Minimum buildings sum insured: €120,000
- Maximum buildings sum insured: €500,000
- Maximum contents sum insured: €50,000
These limits ensure the scheme is suited to standard residential property values while maintaining straightforward underwriting criteria.
Important policy conditions
As with most unoccupied property insurance policies, certain conditions apply during the period of vacancy.
For example:
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The property must be inspected internally and externally at least once every 14 days.
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Minimum security protections must be maintained throughout the policy period.
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The buildings must be insured for their full rebuilding value.
Failure to comply with these conditions may affect cover or claims settlement.
Why brokers place business with Dolmen Unoccupied Home
Dolmen Unoccupied Home offers brokers a reliable option for placing vacant property insurance where standard household policies may not apply.
Key advantages include:
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Designed specifically for unoccupied residential properties
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Buildings cover up to €500,000
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Optional contents cover available
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Liability protection up to €3,000,000
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Quote & Buy capability for qualifying risks
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Clear underwriting limits and eligibility criteria
The scheme helps brokers arrange cover quickly for properties that would otherwise be difficult to insure while vacant.
Specialist Underwriting Support
Work directly with experienced underwriters who understand complex risks and provide practical solutions for brokers.
Flexible Product Solutions
Access a growing portfolio of specialist insurance products designed to help brokers place non-standard and niche risks.
Trusted Industry Experience
Benefit from decades of underwriting knowledge and strong relationships across insurers and broker partners.
Affordable Home Insurance That Doesn’t Cut Corners
Choosing the cheapest policy isn’t always the best option. At Dolmen, we look beyond the premium to find you quality home insurance that actually works when you need it. Whether you’re insuring a family home, an apartment, or a property you rent out – we’re here to find the right protection for your lifestyle and budget.
We search the market, explain your options clearly, and help you save where it makes sense – all while ensuring you’re fully covered.
Why Choose Dolmen for Your Home Insurance?
- Decades of experience in the Irish insurance market
- Independent advice and access to top Irish and UK insurers
- Personalised service with real people – not just a website
- Excellent customer support throughout your policy
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Underwriting Solutions Brokers Can Trust
If you would like to arrange cover under the Dolmen Unoccupied Home scheme, contact the Dolmen Underwriting team or submit an enquiry using the form on this page.
Our underwriting team can assist with eligibility checks, scheme criteria and placement support.