Second Home Insurance (UK)

Who this page is for

This information may be useful if you own a second property in the UK that you use periodically, whether for weekend breaks, seasonal holidays, or as a retreat you visit several times a year. It's relevant if you're wondering how insurers view second homes and what questions they typically ask about occupancy.

Second home owners, people considering buying a holiday property, or those who have recently inherited a property they don't live in full-time may find this page helpful when looking at insurance options.

How this differs from standard home insurance

When you insure your main residence, the property is typically occupied most of the time. Insurers know someone is living there, using heating systems, checking for leaks, and generally maintaining the property on a daily basis. Risk factors such as burst pipes, undetected damage, or security concerns are generally lower when a home is actively lived in.

Second homes are different because they're often empty for extended periods. You might visit every few weeks during summer, or perhaps only use the property for occasional long weekends throughout the year. During these gaps, the property is unattended, which can change how insurers assess risk.

This is distinct from unoccupied property insurance, which typically covers homes that are empty for much longer periods, often beyond the threshold that standard or second home policies allow. If you use your second home regularly, even if that's only seasonal, you wouldn't usually need specialist vacant property cover.

It's also different from landlord insurance, which is designed for properties you let to tenants. If you ever let your second home to others, even informally to friends or family, you'll need to check whether your policy allows this or if you need different cover.

What cover may include

Second home insurance typically follows the same structure as standard home insurance. You can usually choose buildings cover, contents cover, or both, depending on whether you own the property and what you keep there.

Buildings cover may include the structure itself, permanent fixtures, and damage from events such as fire, flood, storm, or subsidence. Contents cover may protect belongings inside the property, such as furniture, appliances, and personal items. What's actually included, and any exclusions or limits, will depend on the specific policy terms.

Some insurers offer additional options such as accidental damage cover, legal expenses, or home emergency assistance. If your second home is in a coastal area or somewhere with specific risks, you may want to check what's covered and whether there are any particular conditions or endorsements related to location.

What affects eligibility and cost

Insurers typically assess several factors when pricing second home insurance. The property's location matters. Coastal properties, rural homes, or areas with known flood risk may be viewed differently. Postcode-level data often influences premiums, though the exact impact varies by provider.

Occupancy patterns are important. Insurers usually ask how often you visit, whether the property is used year-round or only seasonally, and how long it may be left empty. Some providers set limits on the maximum number of consecutive days a property can be unoccupied without affecting cover.

Security arrangements can influence pricing and eligibility. Alarms, quality locks, window locks, and whether someone checks on the property when you're away are all factors insurers may consider. Some policies require certain security standards, especially if the property is empty for extended periods.

The property's age, construction type, number of bedrooms, and condition are also relevant. Payment options may include annual premiums or monthly payment plans, depending on what the insurer offers.

Practical considerations specific to second homes

One of the key things to consider is occupancy patterns. If you use your second home only during summer months, or visit sporadically throughout the year, insurers will want to know this. Some policies set limits on how many days the property can be empty in a row. Going beyond those limits without informing your insurer could affect a claim. When completing quote forms, be accurate about how you actually use the property.

Security becomes more important when a property is empty for weeks at a time. Insurers often ask about the type of locks fitted, whether you have a burglar alarm, and if window locks are in place. Some providers may require specific security measures, particularly if the property is in a remote location or will be unoccupied during winter. Timers for lights or having a neighbour check in periodically are practical steps, though they don't replace policy requirements.

Location risk factors matter as well. Coastal properties can face higher wind or flood exposure. Rural homes may be further from emergency services or more vulnerable to theft if isolated. These aren't necessarily barriers to getting cover, but they can influence pricing and what conditions the insurer sets. If your second home is in a flood risk area, check whether flood cover is included or if there are restrictions.

If you ever let the property to others, even on an informal basis, this changes the insurance picture. Allowing friends or family to stay occasionally may be acceptable under some policies, but regular short-term letting (such as through holiday rental platforms) usually requires different cover. Disclosure is important because claims involving guests or renters could be affected if the insurer wasn't informed about letting arrangements.

Maintenance responsibilities are another consideration. When a property is empty, small issues like leaks or heating failures can go unnoticed and cause significant damage. Insurers may ask whether you visit regularly to check on the property, and some policies have conditions around heating being left on during winter or water being turned off if the property will be empty for long periods. These aren't universal rules, but they're worth checking in the policy terms.

Frequently asked questions