How to Get the Best Insurance for a Second Home in the UK

Owning a second property in the UK — whether for holidays, rental income, or future investment — can be a smart move. But insuring it correctly is just as important as buying it.

Second homes carry different risks compared to your main residence. Because they’re often left empty or rented out, insurers treat them as higher risk. This means you can’t just use your standard home insurance to cover a second property.

In this guide, you’ll learn what type of cover you need, how to save money on premiums, and what to watch out for when insuring a second home.

What Counts as a Second Home?

A second home is any residential property you own in addition to your main residence. This includes:

• Holiday cottages

• Buy-to-let flats

• Weekend or countryside retreats

• Inherited family homes you don’t live in full-time

• Homes used occasionally for work or commuting

If you don’t live there permanently, your insurer may consider it a second home — even if you only use it a few times a month.

Why You Need Specialist Second Home Insurance

Standard buildings and contents insurance policies are designed for owner-occupied, full-time residences. If your second home is left unoccupied for long periods, or used for short-term lets, a typical policy likely won’t provide valid cover.

Specialist second home insurance accounts for:

• Periods of unoccupancy

• Maintenance delays due to absence

• Holiday let use (if applicable)

• Travel to and from the property

• Increased theft or vandalism risk

Failing to tell your insurer it’s a second home could void your policy if you need to make a claim.

What Second Home Insurance Typically Covers

A good second home insurance policy should include:

Buildings Insurance

• Structural damage (walls, roof, windows)

• Fire, flood, or storm damage

• Subsidence or burst pipes

• Rebuild costs if the property is destroyed

Contents Insurance

• Furniture and appliances

• White goods and electronics

• Fixtures like carpets or curtains

• Items kept at the property permanently

You’ll need to value contents based on what’s kept there — not what’s in your main home.

Optional Extras

• Accidental damage cover

• Legal expenses (e.g., tenant disputes)

• Home emergency cover (for plumbing, electrics, etc.)

• Loss of rent (if you let the property)

• Public liability insurance (especially for holiday lets)

If You Rent Out Your Second Home

If you let the property — either short-term on platforms like Airbnb or long-term to tenants — you’ll need landlord or holiday let insurance, not just second home cover.

This should include:

• Public liability cover

• Loss of rental income

• Liability for guest or tenant injuries

• Alternative accommodation cover (if uninhabitable)

• Employer’s liability (if you hire cleaners or maintenance staff)

Letting without proper insurance could leave you personally liable if something goes wrong.

Second Home Insurance and Unoccupancy

A key issue with second homes is that they’re often unoccupied for long stretches, which increases the risk of unnoticed leaks, break-ins or structural damage.

Many insurers apply restrictions if a home is left empty for more than 30–60 consecutive days. These can include:

• Excluding theft or escape of water cover

• Higher excesses on certain claims

• Requiring regular property checks

• Mandating heating be left on in winter

Make sure you check the unoccupancy clause carefully. If you can’t meet the conditions, look for a policy with more flexible terms.

How to Get a Quote for Second Home Insurance

Insurers don’t always advertise second home cover alongside standard policies. You may need to:

• Use a broker who specialises in second property insurance

• Search for second home or unoccupied property insurance online

• Call providers directly and disclose your situation in full

Be prepared to answer questions such as:

• How often is the property used?

• Is it let out or only for personal use?

• How long is it typically unoccupied?

• Is it furnished, alarmed or secured?

The more accurate your answers, the more tailored (and valid) your quote will be.

Ways to Save Money on Second Home Insurance

1. Install Smart Security and Alarms

Fitting motion detectors, monitored alarms, smart cameras or remote sensors can lower your risk profile — especially if the home is empty for long periods.

2. Combine Policies with One Provider

Some insurers offer multi-property discounts if you cover both your main home and second home with them. Ask for bundle quotes.

3. Consider a Higher Voluntary Excess

Raising the excess (the amount you pay if you claim) can reduce your monthly or annual premium. Just make sure you can afford it if the worst happens.

4. Limit Short-Term Lettings

If you only let your property a few times a year, some insurers may treat it as a second home, rather than a holiday rental business — which could reduce costs.

5. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

Monthly payments often include added interest or admin charges. Paying annually can cut your total cost — especially if you use a 0% interest credit card.

Unique Insight: Use Smart Technology to Monitor Your Property Remotely

One way second homeowners are getting ahead is by installing remote monitoring devices. These can:

• Detect water leaks early

• Alert you to break-ins

• Notify you if the heating system fails

• Capture video evidence for claims

This not only reduces your risk — but some insurers now offer discounts for using smart tech in unoccupied homes.

FAQs

Can I insure my second home on my main home policy?

No — you’ll need a separate policy. Even if both are with the same insurer, each property must be insured individually with accurate usage details.

What if my second home is left empty for more than 60 days?

You may need unoccupied property insurance or a second home policy that allows longer periods of vacancy. Check your insurer’s terms carefully.

Do I need landlord insurance for a second home?

Yes, if you rent it out to tenants — even occasionally. Standard second home cover won’t protect you against tenant damage or liability claims.

Is contents insurance necessary if the home isn’t furnished?

Not always. But if you leave items like appliances, furniture or electronics on-site, it’s wise to insure them against theft or damage.

Can I get second home insurance for a property abroad?

Not through a standard UK policy. You’ll need international property insurance or a local provider in the country where the home is located.

Final Thoughts

Owning a second home can be rewarding — but it also comes with added responsibilities. Choosing the right insurance is one of the most important ways to protect your asset, whether it's a peaceful weekend escape, a future retirement plan, or a source of extra income.

Be honest about how you use the property, understand the unoccupancy conditions, and don’t assume your standard cover will apply. A little research now can save you serious costs and complications later.

Related articles:

• Cheapest Ways to Compare Insurance Deals Online

• How to Choose the Best Home Insurance in the UK

• How to Get the Best Mortgage Protection Insurance in the UK

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