Benefits

Second home insurance provides peace of mind for properties that aren’t your main residence. It protects against financial loss due to theft, fire, flood, or storm damage. It also helps ensure that mortgage requirements are met and that you’re covered during long unoccupied periods.

Why Do You Need Second Home Insurance?

Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover homes that are empty for more than 30–60 days, depending on your insurer – please check your policy for details. Second homes—such as holiday properties or weekend retreats—often fall into this category. Mortgage lenders typically require you to have at least buildings insurance in place. Specialist second home insurance ensures your property is protected even when it’s vacant or let out.

What Does Second Home Insurance Cover?

This type of insurance typically covers:

• Buildings insurance

  Protection for the structure, roof, walls, garages, and outbuildings

•   Contents insurance 

  Covers furniture, electronics, appliances, and valuables,

   Perils such as fire, theft, vandalism, flood, storm, and subsidence, escape of water, alternative accommodation

   

Optional Extras

• Accidental damage

• Legal protection

• Home emergency cover

• Loss of rent

• Public liability (for guests/tenants)

Unoccupancy & Maintenance

Many policies require the property to be checked every 30–60 days. Some restrict escape-of-water cover during winter unless inspections occur.

Building and Contents Protection

Comprehensive cover includes both the physical structure and personal belongings inside the home. You can select the level of cover based on whether the property is furnished or used frequently.

Public Liability Insurance

This protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to another property. It’s essential if you have visitors or rent the home to guests.

Alternative Accommodation

If your second home becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event (like a fire), this cover pays for temporary accommodation costs while repairs are made.

Do You Need Insurance If You Let Out Your Second Home?

Yes. If you rent your second home—short or long term—you may need landlord insurance or holiday let cover. Inform your insurer to ensure you have the appropriate policy in place. Letting increases risks like accidental damage and liability claims.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure Your Second Home?

Costs depend on many factors including:

• Property location (e.g., flood or coastal risk)
  • Length of time the home is unoccupied
  • Type of construction (e.g., listed or thatched homes)
  • Security features (alarms, locks, etc.)
  • Rebuild value and contents value

UKinsuranceNET takes a bespoke approach, tailoring quotes to each unique property. Our expert underwriters assess individual risk factors to offer competitive pricing.

Why Choose Second Home Insurance with UKinsuranceNET?

• Tailored cover for your specific property
  • Protection whether your home is occupied, unoccupied, or let out
  • Access to specialist underwriters with years of experience
  • Flexible payment options including monthly direct debit
  • Instant online quotes and fast policy activation

Protect Your Second Home Today

Don’t leave your second home exposed to risks. With the right insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re covered all year round.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between second home insurance and holiday home insurance?
A: Second home insurance covers properties you use occasionally but don’t rent. Holiday home insurance usually covers let-out properties.

Q: Does second home insurance cover unoccupied homes?
A: Yes, most policies allow for extended unoccupancy with conditions like regular inspections and winter precautions.

Q: Is my second home covered during renovation?
A: Not always—standard cover may exclude structural work or major refurbishments. Ask about renovation-specific insurance.

Can I use my standard home insurance?
Most standard policies typically exclude long-empty homes or let properties. You may need  a specialist second home or landlord policy. Depending on your insurer – please check your policy for details

Do I need to tell my insurer about letting it out?
Yes  —letting out your property changes the risk profile. You may need landlord or holiday-let cover.

Can I add both properties to the same insurer?
Many providers let you insure multiple homes under one policy, often with streamlined premiums and shared features.

Does it cost more than standard home insurance?
Generally yes— premiums are higher due to the increased risk of unoccupancy or rental usage.