" Vacant Policy" with Landlord Insurance - great idea or waste of $ between tenants?

[Tricia O'Brien]

Hello Everyone!  Do you spend the extra money to buy a  "vacant policy " on your rentals if it is vacant more than 30 days between tenants? Have you ever had a fire claim or theft claim or other insurance claim on your rental home when it was vacant?  I have a rental single-family home in Indiana where the insurance is only active for 30 days after it becomes vacant.  Then I am supposed to notify my insurance agent that it is vacant, and they switch it to a "vacant home" policy at a higher rate. This is to cover you if it is going to be vacant for 2-3 months or longer in between tenants.  The rate on the dwelling part of the policy goes up 23% during the vacant period compared to what it was when occupied.  Is it worth it?  

It is a C home in a D neighborhood.  I have all the exterior lights on, one interior light on, and someone available to mow the lawn every 2 weeks. I'm trying to have a realtor or handyman go there at least once a week to do work or check up on the place.  

Thanks in advance!