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Peace of mind, even when you’re miles away.

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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 Second Home Insurance?

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 Second Home Insurance 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.

What’s Covered in Second Home Insurance?

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 how you use your second home, you might want to consider optional extras such as:

Get the right cover for your second home

At Insurably, we compare quotes from leading UK insurers to find the best protection for your second home — tailored to how and when you use it.

Start your quote online today and relax knowing your second property is properly covered, even when you’re not there.

Get a quote
  • Small local office, no call centres.
  • Friendly experts who understand second home risks.
  • No jargon, just honest advice and great service.

What does Second Home Insurance cover?

  • Personal Liability Cover
  • Property Damage
  • Alternative Accommodation

What's Covered?

What's Not Covered?

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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.
Emily Turner Managing Director | Turner Consultants

25+

years of experience in home insurance

100+

insurer markets accessed

100%

confidence in property protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Second Home Insurance covers properties that aren't your main residence — such as holiday homes, weekend retreats, or family-owned homes. It protects the building and contents against fire, theft, storm damage, and more, even during periods when the home is unoccupied.
Typical cover includes:
  • Buildings Insurance – Protection for the structure of your second home against fire, flood, or storm damage.
  • Contents Insurance – Cover for furniture and personal items stored at the property.
  • Personal Liability – Legal cover if someone is injured at your second home.
  • Alternative Accommodation – Pays for temporary housing if the second home becomes uninhabitable after an insured event.
  • Accidental Damage – Optional cover for mishaps, such as cracked tiles or broken windows during your visit.
Yes. Even if you don’t rent it out, your second home is still vulnerable to risks like weather damage, break-ins, or burst pipes while it’s unoccupied. Insurance ensures you're financially protected when you're not there to keep an eye on it.
Many second home policies are designed with unoccupancy in mind, but it’s important to disclose how often the property is vacant. Insurers may have conditions, such as requiring the heating to remain on or regular property checks, to maintain full cover.
Premiums vary depending on factors such as:
  • The rebuild cost of the second home.
  • Its location and flood or crime risk.
  • How often it's unoccupied throughout the year.
  • Whether you let it out to others or use it solely yourself.
  • Your cover level and optional extras selected.
You can start your quote online with Insurably or speak with our expert team. We’ll compare second home insurance options from leading UK insurers to find cover tailored to your property's location, usage, and level of risk.