Insurance for a Second Home in the UK: What You Need to Know
Owning a second home in the UK—whether it’s a countryside cottage, coastal retreat, or city rental—is a luxury and a long-term investment. But just like your main residence, it needs proper protection. The insurance requirements for second homes are a little different from standard home insurance, and understanding those differences can save you money, stress, and even claims denial down the road.
Whether you use your second home as a weekend escape, a buy-to-let rental, or a holiday let for short-term guests, this guide will walk you through what kind of insurance you need, what to look for in a policy, and how to get the best value for your property.
Why Second Homes Need Special Insurance
Standard home insurance policies are built around the assumption that you live in the property full-time. But second homes are often:
- Left unoccupied for long periods
- Located in areas more prone to weather risks
- Used for rental income or holiday letting
Because of these added risks, most mainstream insurers will either charge extra or refuse to cover second homes under a regular home insurance policy. Instead, you’ll need a specialist second home insurance policy—and the right one depends on how you use the property.
Types of Insurance for a Second Home
Depending on how you use the property, your second home may fall into one of several insurance categories:
1. Second Home Insurance (Occasional Use)
This is for properties you personally use only part of the time—for example, a holiday home you visit a few weekends per year.
You’ll need:
- Buildings insurance – Covers the structure: walls, roof, fixtures.
- Contents insurance – Covers personal belongings inside the home.
- Unoccupancy cover – Many policies limit cover if the property is empty for more than 30 or 60 days. Specialist insurers may offer 90–180 days.
This policy type usually includes protection against:
- Fire
- Theft or attempted burglary
- Storm, flood, or subsidence
- Vandalism
- Water damage from burst pipes (especially important in winter)
2. Holiday Home Insurance (Short-Term Rentals)
If you rent your second home out on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com, you need holiday let insurance. Standard second home cover won’t protect you if paying guests cause damage or if a tenant sues you.
Key features to look for:
- Public liability insurance – In case a guest is injured and makes a claim.
- Loss of income cover – If your property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event.
- Accidental damage by guests – Not always included by default.
- Employer’s liability insurance – If you hire cleaners or maintenance workers.
Some popular insurers that specialize in holiday let cover include Pikl, Schofields, and Intasure.
3. Landlord Insurance (Long-Term Rental)
If your second home is rented out to long-term tenants, you need landlord insurance. This differs from holiday let insurance in that it’s tailored to long stays, usually on assured shorthold tenancy agreements.
Look for cover that includes:
- Buildings and contents
- Landlord liability
- Loss of rent due to damage
- Legal expenses – For evictions or disputes
- Accidental and malicious damage by tenants
Landlord policies are offered by providers like Direct Line, Simply Business, and Aviva.
Common Issues with Insuring a Second Home
1. Unoccupancy Periods
Many insurers restrict cover if your home is left empty for more than 30 days. Why? Because vacant homes are more vulnerable to break-ins, vandalism, and unnoticed leaks or burst pipes.
To protect against this:
- Choose a policy with extended unoccupancy cover.
- Install monitored alarms, leak detectors, and smart home tech.
- Arrange regular property checks or inspections.
2. Flood Risk and Coastal Locations
Second homes in scenic areas—like Cornwall, Wales, or the Scottish coast—are often at higher risk of flooding or storm damage. Make sure:
- Your policy includes flood cover (not all do).
- You check the flood risk of your postcode via the Environment Agency.
- You consider insurers who participate in the Flood Re scheme for high-risk homes.
3. Contents Left Behind
If your second home has furniture, electronics, or other valuables, you’ll need contents insurance. However, insurers may exclude certain items—like art, jewelry, or bikes—unless specified.
Top tip: Create an inventory of your belongings and keep receipts or photos for claims.
How to Get the Best Value on Second Home Insurance
✅ Shop with specialist insurers
Mainstream insurers may not understand second home risks. Use niche providers like:
- Intasure
- Adrian Flux
- Towergate
- Pikl
- Schofields Insurance
These companies offer tailored policies and often better value.
✅ Use a broker if unsure
If your needs are complex—like a mix of personal use and rentals—an insurance broker can help build a custom policy without the confusion.
✅ Bundle with your main home insurance
Some providers offer multi-property discounts if you insure both homes with them.
✅ Install security features
Insurers may reduce your premium if you install:
- Burglar alarms
- CCTV
- Smart locks
- Motion sensors
Not only does this reduce risk, but it shows insurers you’re proactive.
✅ Don’t underinsure
It’s tempting to lowball your home’s rebuild value or contents, but this can cost you later. Use online rebuild calculators or get a professional survey for accuracy.
Best Second Home Insurance Providers in the UK (2025)
Here are a few well-regarded names in second home and holiday let insurance:
| Provider | Known For | Website |
| Intasure | Holiday homes, overseas properties | intasure.com |
| Schofields | Specialist holiday let insurance | schofields.ltd.uk |
| Pikl | Airbnb & short-term rental protection | pikl.com |
| Adrian Flux | Flexible, niche property cover | adrianflux.co.uk |
| Towergate | Wide range of landlord and second home cover | towergateinsurance.co.uk |
Final Thoughts
A second home is more than just a spare property—it’s a personal escape, a financial investment, and for many, a source of rental income. Making sure it’s properly insured isn’t just smart—it’s essential. The right insurance policy gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your property, whether you’re sipping tea on the patio or managing bookings from abroad.
The key is to choose a policy that matches how you actually use the home—don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. With the right cover, you can protect your property, your income, and your future.