Did You Know, We Provide Home Insurance for Holiday Home Policies?
As well as providing specialist solutions for High Value Home Insurance, we also provide coverage for second homes, including holiday homes.
If your main UK residence is insured under a High Value Home policy, it is likely that you will be able to add your second property to your primary Home Insurance policy. We also have standalone options from specialist Holiday Home insurers. This way, you can benefit from cover provided by a UK insurer who is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), as well as our support as your known and trusted insurance broker!
If you own a holiday home abroad, there are several options available. You could cover an overseas holiday home through local insurers and potentially enjoy the convenience of an insurer or broker that has links with local contractors and tradespeople who could maintain and repair your property. If you don’t speak their language however, you might struggle when it comes to understanding insurance documents, managing your policy, or making a claim, unless their team speaks English. Regulatory laws could differ from English laws too, so in many cases, a UK insurance policy that covers your second overseas home might be more convenient. We work with several UK insurers who provide home insurance for holiday home policies located in Europe and further afield.
If you wish to be able to accommodate paying guests at your second property, we can arrange cover that will protect you around potential liability claims and damage to your buildings and contents.
We can provide a home insurance for holiday home policy that covers you for the following:
– Alternative Accommodation – should your home suffer damage that makes it uninhabitable for a period of time.
– Holiday Home Contents Insurance – can include cover for accidental damage.
– Buildings Insurance
– Loss of Rental Income – if you host paying guests at your second property.
– Insurance for Swimming Pools
– Public Liability Insurance
– Employers Liability Insurance – you are legally required to have this coverage if you employ people such as gardeners and cleaners.
Bespoke insurance for holiday homes can be far more flexible around the inspection of your second home allowing you as long as 30 days between each inspection. Given that second homes or holiday homes are often a significant distance from your main residence, this additional leeway around visiting your property and associated timeframes is a huge benefit for many clients who have busy lives or are simply unable to visit their second property more than once a month. If your holiday home is left empty for more than 30 days, we can discuss finding a policy that can cover your unoccupied property for up to 60 days.
Holiday home insurance is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind. Here are several key reasons as to why it is crucial (Please note: the following features may vary from policy to policy):
Protection Against Property Damage, Theft, and Vandalism
Holiday homes are susceptible to various types of damage, including natural disasters like storms, floods, and earthquakes (especially homes located overseas). Insurance can cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding and include the option of alternative accommodation.
Properties that are unoccupied for extended periods of time can be prime targets for theft and vandalism. Holiday Home insurance typically covers the cost of stolen items and any repairs needed due to vandalism of your property. Water damage due to leaking pipes can also present a risk when properties are left unattended for long time periods. The right insurance will help ensure you’re protected against what could be considerable repair costs.
Personal Belongings
Insurance can also cover personal belongings kept in the holiday home. Whether it’s furniture, electronics, or other valuables, having effective cover in place ensures you can replace these items if they are damaged or stolen.
Emergency Assistance and Services
Many policies offer additional services such as emergency repair assistance, temporary accommodation if your home is uninhabitable, and legal advice. These services provide crucial support during emergencies.
Liability Protection
If someone is injured on your property, you could be held liable for medical expenses and legal fees. Liability coverage in holiday home insurance can protect you from these potential financial burdens, ensuring that an accident doesn’t impact you financially.
Loss of Rental Income
If you rent out your holiday home, insurance can cover loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to insured damage. This helps maintain your revenue stream and protects your investment’s profitability.
Secure Your Property
An effective and high-quality security system is a cornerstone of holiday home safety. Choose a system that includes alarms, motion sensors, and surveillance cameras. Modern systems can alert you via your smartphone if any unusual activity is detected. Be aware that BT Redcare Alarms will be phased out by August 2025, and you will need to look at replacing it soon.
Smart locks, lights, and cameras can enhance security. Smart locks allow you to control access remotely, while smart lights can be programmed to simulate occupancy. Cameras with live feeds let you monitor your property in real time.
Reinforce doors with deadbolts and use window locks. Consider installing shatterproof glass or security film on windows to make them more resistant to break-ins.
Check the Interior
Ask a trusted neighbour, a friend, or a business that specialises in managing holiday homes, to check the interior of your property on a regular basis. Many insurers require regular inspections, and it is also a good way to mitigate the risk of any property damage getting worse over time. Checking for issues such as water ingress, i.e., rain coming in through the roof and most importantly, making sure there are no leaking pipes, is essential. Good risk management steps to protect against leaking pipes are:
- Installing a leak detection device; ideally one that will also shut off the water in your absence.
- Maintaining the heating to a minimum of 13 degrees centigrade over winter months (Note: most insurers will state the exact date range and temperature they require, as this can vary).
- Alternatively, you can drain the water system and turn it off when the house is left unattended.
Check the Exterior
Ensure regular visits by trusted neighbours or a local property management service to check for any signs of damage or intrusion. Regularly scheduled maintenance can deter potential intruders who might be watching for signs of neglect.
Well-lit exteriors can help deter intruders. Install motion-activated lights around the perimeter, particularly near entry points. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option that can reduce energy costs. Maintain the garden and surrounding areas. Overgrown vegetation can provide cover for intruders and can also alert potential intruders that the property is unoccupied. Keep your garden and grounds well-kept and prune trees and shrubs on a regular basis. Gravel pathways can alert you to unexpected visitors due to the noise they create when walked upon.
Connect with the Local Community
Inform neighbours of your absence and request they keep an eye on the property. A close-knit community is often the best defence against crime. Do not leave valuables in plain sight. Use a safe for important items or consider removing them altogether when the property is unoccupied. Keep abreast of local crime rates and any recent incidents in the area. Joining local social media groups can provide real-time updates and tips from other homeowners.
Ensure your insurance covers theft and damage specific to holiday homes. Review your policy regularly and update it as necessary. Knowing your holiday home is insured can provide you with a level of reassurance and financial protection. You can enjoy your time away from the property without constant worry about potential risks and financial losses, and make the most of your home away from home.
To discuss the Holiday Home policies that we can provide and for a new quote, please contact our specialist insurance adviser, Miles Brown.
Alternatively, email:
m.brown@lloydwhyte.com
If you would like to discuss an existing policy that you already have with us, please get in touch using the details below:
