Owning a second home is a pleasure, a privilege, but more notably, a
responsibility. Whether it’s a seaside bolthole, a countryside retreat, or a city flat
you use now and again, a second property brings very different risks to your
main home. That’s why second home insurance exists, and why getting the
right cover matters.

This guide explains what second home insurance covers, how much it costs, and
how to insure a second home properly in the UK. We’ll keep things clear,
practical, and grounded in real-world scenarios, so you can protect your
property without paying for cover you don’t need.

Understanding Second Home Insurance

What Is Second Home Insurance?

Second home insurance is designed for UK properties you own but don’t live in
full-time. That might be a holiday cottage, a weekend apartment, or a property
you split your time between. Unlike standard home insurance, it reflects the
realities of being away for long periods.

When a home sits empty, problems don’t announce themselves. Leaks can run
for days. Break-ins are easier. Storm damage goes unnoticed. Second home
insurance is built to handle those risks, and it can also cover liability when
friends, family, or paying guests stay.

Why Second Home Insurance Is Important

Standard home insurance assumes someone is home most of the time. Once a
property is unoccupied for weeks, many policies can limit cover or stop paying
out altogether. That’s why specialist cover matters.

Empty homes are more vulnerable to theft, storm damage, and gradual issues
that escalate quickly. Add guests or renters to this, and liability risks increase,
too. Second home insurance provides specific protection for when you’re not
there to spot problems early.

Differences Between Primary and Second Home Insurance

Feature	Standard Home Insurance	Second Home Insurance
Unoccupied cover	Limited (30–60 days)	Designed for long or seasonal vacancy
Guest liability	Rarely included	Often included or optional
Emergency cover	Optional add-on	Commonly included or available
Premium level	Lower	Higher due to increased risk

What Does Second Home Insurance Cover?

Building and Property Coverage

Buildings cover protects the structure of your property, including walls, roofs,
floors, and permanent fixtures. It typically covers damage from fire, flooding,
storms, and water leaks. Rebuild cost plays a major role here, especially for
older or non-standard properties such as listed homes, thatched cottages, or
log cabins.

Contents and Personal Belongings

Contents cover protects furniture, appliances, and personal items kept in the
property. Even if you don’t store valuables there, replacing basics after damage
can add up quickly. This cover helps soften that blow.

Liability Protection for Accidents and Injuries

Public and personal liability cover protects you if someone is injured at your
property or their belongings are damaged. This applies whether the person is a
guest, family member, or tenant. Cover often extends up to £5 million, which
sounds high, until you consider legal and private medical costs.

Optional Add-Ons (Flood, Theft, Legal Expenses, etc.)

Optional extras can include legal expenses, accidental damage, theft or
malicious damage by tenants, and home emergency cover. Choosing add-ons
depends on how you use the property and where it’s located.

Not everything is covered. Wear-and-tear, poor maintenance, deliberate
damage, unsecured structures, and ongoing building works are usually
excluded.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Second Home?

If you’re wondering how much it costs to insure a second home, the short
answer is: it depends on risk.

Factors That Affect Second Home Insurance Pricing

Pricing is driven by where the property is, how it’s built, how often it’s empty,
and how it’s used. Rebuild cost is one of the biggest factors. Larger properties
and complex construction increase potential claims, which increases premiums.

Location matters too. Coastal, floodplain, storm-prone, or remote areas usually
cost more to insure. Local crime rates also play a role.

Comparing Costs: Primary vs. Second Home Insurance

Second home insurance is usually more expensive than cover for your main
residence. That’s because insurers see higher risk when a property is empty
more often. The difference varies, but many owners ask how much more is
second home insurance, and the answer is typically a noticeable but
manageable increase.

Average Cost Ranges for Second Homes in the UK

While prices vary, many UK second home policies range from a few hundred
pounds a year to higher amounts for large, high-risk, or non-standard
properties. Rental use, coastal locations, and older builds push costs up.

Is Second Home Insurance More Expensive?

Why Second Homes Often Cost More to Insure

Empty homes mean delayed detection of damage, higher burglary risk, and
greater repair costs. Insurers price policies to reflect that reality.

How Rental or Investment Use Impacts Pricing

If you rent the property, insurance costs rise further. Insurers factor in higher
chances of accidental damage, liability claims, and loss of rent. A personal-use
holiday home usually costs less to insure than a full rental at the same value
and location.

Tips to Reduce Insurance Costs

You can manage costs by improving security, keeping the property well maintained, choosing sensible excess levels, and being clear about how the property is used. Accurate rebuild valuations also help avoid overpaying.

How to Get Insurance on a Second Home

Steps to Choosing the Right Policy

Start by understanding how the property is used and how often it’s empty. Be honest about rental or guest use. Look for insurers experienced with nonstandard properties, and compare cover details rather than just price.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider

• How long can the property be left unoccupied before cover is affected?
• What security measures are required (alarms, locks, inspections)?
• How are claims handled, and what is the typical claims process?
• What exclusions apply, and where do claims most commonly get declined?
• Is guest or tenant liability included as standard, or does it need to be added?
• Are there any conditions if the property is used occasionally or rented out?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is assuming standard home insurance is “good enough”.
Another is underestimating rebuild costs or failing to disclose rental use. Both
can invalidate claims.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Second Home Investment

Second home insurance is a practical safeguard for a property that carries
higher risks simply because you’re not there all the time. Understanding what
second home insurance covers, how much insurance is on a second home, and
how to get insurance on a second home puts you in control.

With the right policy in place, your second home stays an asset, not a source of stress. Policy Powerhouse specialises in insurance for second homes and nonstandard properties, offering tailored cover, trusted insurers, and a simpler way to protect what matters. For specialist guidance, explore second home insurance for more information.