Vacation Home Insurance: When Do You Need Separate Coverage?
What does second home insurance cover?
Shanti
10/22/20262 min read
Vacation Home Insurance: When Do You Need Separate Coverage?
A vacation home can be a wonderful place to relax or an investment. However, if it sits empty for most of the year, your primary home insurance may not be enough to protect it. Before buying insurance, consider how the property will be used and how long it will remain unoccupied.
What does second home insurance cover?
A second home insurance policy may cover the house, personal belongings, and personal liability. Some policies also cover structures separate from the house, such as a garage or storage shed. Coverage for damage from events such as fires and storms depends on the policy. Some policies cover only the risks specifically listed in the contract.
If you took out a loan to buy the home, your lender will usually require you to insure the property. Even if you paid for it in full, insurance can help protect your investment against covered losses.
If the home is unoccupied for a while
A home that remains empty for several weeks or longer may have different insurance requirements. Standard homeowners insurance does not always cover damage to an unoccupied home. Ask your insurance company about coverage for a vacant or unoccupied home.
When a home sits empty, problems such as water leaks, burst pipes, fires, or mold may go unnoticed for longer. An unoccupied home may also be more vulnerable to burglary. For these reasons, insurance for a second home can sometimes cost more than insurance for a primary home.
The home’s location matters
Homes near the coast may face a greater risk of flooding or hurricanes. Remote homes or those in wooded areas may be more vulnerable to wildfires, and emergency crews or repair teams may have a harder time reaching them. These factors can affect the price and terms of your policy.
If you rent out the home
Renting out your home once or twice a year may not require a change to your policy, but review your coverage or contact your insurer before renting it out. If you regularly rent the home to guests, especially through short term rental platforms, you may need a different type of insurance. Renting out your primary home for an extended period may also require landlord insurance.
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