Second Home
Insurance
What is Second Home Insurance?
Second Home Insurance is designed to protect properties that aren’t your main residence — such as holiday homes, weekend retreats, or buy-to-hold properties used occasionally throughout the year. It covers both the building and contents against unexpected events like fire, theft, or storm damage, even when the home is unoccupied for extended periods.
Whether your second home is used for personal getaways or shared with family and friends, having the right insurance gives you peace of mind when you’re not there.
Who Needs This?
If you own a property that you don’t live in full time, you need dedicated second home insurance. This includes:
- Holiday Homeowners – Properties used seasonally or during holidays.
- Occasional Use Properties – Homes you visit on weekends or for special occasions.
- Inherited or Family Homes – Properties that aren’t your main residence but still need protection.
- Unoccupied Property Owners – Homes left empty for weeks or months at a time.
Why is it Important?
Standard home insurance may not provide adequate cover for homes that are left empty for long periods. Second home insurance protects you from risks that increase when a property is unoccupied, such as burglary, water damage, or unnoticed structural issues.
Common risks covered by Second Home Insurance include:
- Property Damage – Protection from fire, floods, storms, and accidental damage.
- Theft or Vandalism – Cover for forced entry, stolen items, and malicious damage while the property is vacant.
- Liability Claims – If someone is injured on your property, even when you’re not there.
- Alternative Accommodation – If your second home becomes uninhabitable and you need somewhere else to stay.
Coverage at a Glance
Know exactly what you're protected against.
What's Covered
Second Home Insurance policies typically include:
- Buildings Insurance – Cover for the physical structure of the property.
- Contents Insurance – Cover for furniture and personal belongings kept at your second home.
- Personal Liability – Legal protection if someone is injured on your property.
- Unoccupancy Cover – Tailored protection for times when the home is empty, subject to conditions.
- Accidental Damage (optional) – Extra cover for mishaps like broken windows or plumbing leaks.
What's Not Covered
- General wear and tear or routine maintenance issues.
- Failure to secure the home properly (e.g. open windows or unlocked doors).
- Damage during long unoccupancy periods if not declared or outside the policy terms.
- Deliberate damage or fraudulent claims.
Additional Cover You May Need
Depending on your business type, consider adding these protections.
Get the right cover for your business
At Insurably, we have access to 100's of insurer markets. No matter how unique your requirements, we find the right cover to suit you.
What does Second Home cover you for?
Second homes, holiday cottages, and occasional-use properties often require specialist insurance that covers them while unoccupied. Insurably simplifies the process by offering tailored second home insurance that protects your property year-round—even when you're not there—giving you complete peace of mind.
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