Secondary Home Insurance

Insurance for a Second Home

On the surface, insurance for a second home is quite similar to the homeowner’s insurance policy that you have for your primary residence. You’ll get coverage in the event that your home is damaged by natural disasters, criminal activity, or even accidents like a house fire. Such insurance is required by banks if you have a mortgage on the property. However, you should make sure you keep an active policy, even if your mortgage is paid.

Rates for second home insurance policies are similar to primary homeowner’s insurance rates. The cost of the policy will be determined by the value of the property itself and the risks that it is exposed to. Rates may be higher if you intend to use the property as a rental unit or as a vacation rental using apps like Airbnb. Speaking of renting, it’s one of the main reasons to consider insurance on your second home.  

Why Homeowners Insurance Matters for Secondary Homes

The more valuable something is, the more important insurance becomes. For most people, a home will be the single most valuable item they own. Without insurance, the potential for loss is massive. A single unfortunate event could wipe out tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity. With regards to secondary homes specifically, specialized insurance policies can cover your property in the event that other people damage it. This is vital for renting out your property to others.

While long-term rental contracts can require the tenant to pay for a renter’s insurance policy, you may be better off having your own insurance policy on the property. You can pass the cost of premiums on to tenants and simplify the process. For short-term vacation rentals, many times the visitor does not pay for any insurance, instead opting for a refundable security deposit or a credit card on file. However, this pales in comparison to the cost of severe damage.

How Coverage Differs

Since your second home may be inhabited by others, coverage for secondary homes can include liability insurance if anyone else is injured on your property. This is important since you could otherwise be held liable for anything that happens on your property. For instance, a visitor could slip and fall on your stairs and sue you. As your second home is not your primary residence, insurers also support remote claim filing and virtual conferencing with representatives.

Overall, whether you simply want a second home to retreat to, or you’re looking to turn a profit from your property, having the right insurance policy is the first and most important step.