Protect Your Investment: Second Home Insurance UK Guide

Owning a second homeor holiday homecan be a smart choice. It can serve as a weekend getaway, a rental property, or a calm escape. However, insuring a second propertycan be a bit tricky compared to your main residence. You might keep it empty for long periods, rent it out, or deal with risks related to its location. This guide will cover the different types of home insuranceavailable for second homes. We will also look at what coverage you might need and how to choose the right insurance provider .

Why Do You Need Second Home Insurance?

How Is Second Home Insurance Different from Standard Home Insurance?

Second home insuranceis different from regular home insurancefor a primary residence. It is designed for homes that stay unoccupiedfor long periodsor are rented out to tenants. Regular home insurance policies may not cover risks related to a holiday homeor an unoccupied property.

Why Do Insurers Charge More for Second Home Insurance?

• Higher Risk of Burglary– A home that is empty for a long time is at greater risk of theft or vandalism.
• Increased Risk of Escape of Water– Unoccupied homes are more likely to have burst pipes or leaks that go unnoticed.
• Potential for Accidental Damage– If the home is rented out, tenants might not take care of it like an owner would.
• Weather-Related Damage– Coastal or rural homes can be more impacted by storms, subsidence, or landslips.

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What Are the Different Types of Insurance for a Second Home?

Second Home Buildings Insurance

This text discusses the physical structure of your second home. It includes permanent fixtures, walls, roofs, and foundations. These elements help protect against damage from:

• Fire, floods, and storms
• Issues from ground sinking and landslips
• Escape of water from pipes
• Burglary or vandalism

Second Home Contents Insurance

It keeps your personal possessionssafe. This covers appliances, fittings, and belongings that are in your second property.

• Theft or damage from break-ins
• Accidental damage cover for expensive furniture or electronics
• Optional extras like home emergency cover

Unoccupied Property Insurance

If your second home is empty for more than 30 days in a row, many home insurance policiesmay not cover it. Unoccupied property insurance can provide protection for your home when it is unoccupied.

Landlord Insurance for Second Homes

If you rent out your second home, regular home insurance may not be enough. Landlord insurance gives you extra protection for:

• Loss of rent coverif people cannot move into the property.
• Public liability insuranceif a tenant or guest is injured.
• Legal costs related to issues with tenants.

Short-Term Let Insurance

If you rent your second homefor short-term letssuch as Airbnb or holiday rentals, consider getting special insurance. This insurance should protect important things that you may need.

• Accidental damage caused by guests
• Damage caused by pets
• A legal requirement for public liability if someone gets hurt

How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Second Home

What Level of Cover Do You Need?

When you choose an insurance policy, consider these factors:

• The value of your home and how much it costs to rebuild it
• The value of your belongings inside the house
• Whether you need separate policies for your buildings and contents
• Whether you need a joint policy that covers several properties

What Are the Optional Extras?

Many second home policies offer optional extras, such as:

• Accidental damage cover– This helps you with issues like wine spills on carpets or broken appliances.
• Legal costs– This covers problems you might have with tenants or repair workers.
• Home emergency cover– This provides fast help for urgent repairs.

Does Location Affect the Cost of Second Home Insurance?

Yes. Properties that might flood, are in rural areas, or are near the coast could need special insurance cover. Be sure to check with your insurance providerif you require extra coverage.

Can You Save Money on Second Home Insurance?

To reduce the cost of second home insurance, consider:

• Improve safetywith alarms, CCTV, and smart locks.
• Cover multiple propertieswith the same insurer.
• Choose a higher excessto lower your premiums.
• Get a specialist insurerthat offers special policies for second homes.

Correct as of 24 February 2025

FAQs About Insuring a Second Home or Holiday Property