An empty property can be a joy when it is waiting for your next visit. It can also create a worry that standard home insurance does not always address. Choosing to include antisquatter cover can give owners an extra layer of support if someone occupies their home without permission – particularly useful for second homes, rental properties between tenants and homes left empty for long periods.

This is not about assuming the worst. It is about knowing exactly what your policy will do if a difficult situation arises, rather than finding out after the event that legal help is excluded.

What antisquatter cover is designed to help with

Often called anti-occupation or anti-squatter cover, this protection is usually an add-on or a feature within certain home insurance policies. The detail varies widely between insurers, but it may contribute towards the legal process needed to recover possession of your property after unlawful occupation.

Depending on the policy, cover can include access to a legal advice line, solicitor fees, court costs and support with the possession process. Some policies may also offer help with changing locks or dealing with damage once the property has been legally recovered.

The key word is may. Antisquatter cover is not a single, standard product. One policy may provide a fixed amount for legal expenses, while another has strict conditions around how long the home has been empty, the type of property involved or the action you must take once you discover an issue.

Why it matters for empty homes in Spain

For many foreign residents, a Spanish property is not occupied all year round. You may spend part of the year elsewhere, use the home for holidays, or have a gap between long-term tenants. That can make an empty-property clause just as important as the anti-occupation wording itself.

A standard home policy may reduce cover or place conditions on a property that has been unoccupied beyond a set number of days. Requirements can include switching off the water supply, making regular inspections, maintaining the alarm, or ensuring the property remains secure. If these conditions are missed, a claim for theft, escape of water or malicious damage could be affected.

Antisquatter cover does not stop an occupation from happening, and it does not replace sensible property security. It is there to help with the financial and legal side if prevention fails. Think of it as part of a wider plan: good locks, visible security measures, trusted neighbours or keyholders, and insurance that reflects how the property is actually used.

What to check before you add antisquatter cover

Do not simply look for the phrase on a quote and assume every risk is covered. Ask for the policy wording in plain English where possible, then check the practical details.

First, confirm that second homes, holiday homes or rental properties are eligible. Some legal-protection sections only apply to a main residence, while others are more flexible.

Next, look at the legal-cost limit. A larger limit is not automatically better if the policy has exclusions that make it difficult to use. Check whether legal representation is included from the start, whether you need the insurer’s approval before appointing a solicitor, and whether there is an excess to pay.

You should also ask what counts as an insured event. Policies may use different definitions for trespass, unlawful occupation and tenant disputes. A tenant who stays after an agreement ends can be treated differently from a person who entered without permission. If you let your property, this distinction matters.

Finally, read the security and reporting conditions. Insurers commonly expect you to report an incident promptly, preserve evidence and avoid taking action that could make the situation worse. Never try to remove occupants yourself or take steps outside the legal process. The safest route is to report the matter, contact the appropriate authorities and use qualified legal support.

Include antisquatter cover without paying for the wrong policy

The cheapest home insurance can become expensive if it leaves a gap around a property you only use occasionally. Equally, there is little value in paying for an add-on that does not apply to your type of home or only offers limited assistance.

A good insurance comparison should start with your real circumstances: whether the property is your main home or second home, how long it can be empty, whether it is rented out, and what security is in place. From there, it is easier to compare the protection that matters instead of getting lost in unfamiliar policy terms.

Compare In Spain can help make those questions clearer in plain English, so you can assess home insurance options with fewer surprises. Keep a copy of your policy schedule, record your security arrangements and make sure a trusted person can check the property when you are away. A little preparation now can protect both your home and your peace of mind later.