Vacation home sales rose 57.2% year-over-year by June 2021, much higher than the 20% increase in existing home sales.1
When it comes to insuring your second home, you may find that the coverage you need is quite different from what you have on your primary home.
THE UNIQUE RISKS OF A SECOND HOME
Your current homeowners policy may allow for coverage of two properties under one policy, but because there are unique risks with a second home, a separate policy may be more conducive to obtaining the coverage you need.
Here are some of the special risks you may need to cover:
- LONG PERIODS WITHOUT OCCUPATIONAn unoccupied home can invite trouble. Without a presence, there is no one to fix a leak, respond to weather damage, or even report a fire. It also may become a target for burglars.
- ISOLATED LOCATIONWhile seclusion may be a top priority for a vacation home, it also means that you may be far removed from the services that can prevent larger losses, such as a fire hydrant or fire department.
- RENTERSRenting out your home when you’re not using it may be a good idea to offset the costs of ownership. However, having renters (or even guests) may increase your liability to any damage or injury associated with their stay.
Be sure to work with an agent to secure the right coverage. Also, discuss the benefit of raising your personal liability coverage to protect you from any increase in risk to your personal wealth that may come with offering your home to guests and renters.2
