Our Guide to Holiday Home Insurance
Insuring your holiday home? Our guide will give you everything you need to know.
What affects your holiday home insurance quote?
A holiday home may be used differently throughout the year. Insurers need an accurate picture of both the property and its pattern of use before they can confirm the cover and terms available.
We can consider a range of holiday homes in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, subject to insurer criteria.
- Who uses the property, including family and friends
- Whether you let it to paying guests
- The longest expected gap between stays
- Its location, including coastal or rural exposure
- Its construction, condition and any unusual features
- The buildings and contents values you need to insure
Empty between visits? Check the conditions of your cover
Holiday homes often stand empty between visits or bookings. Insurers set their own definitions and conditions for these periods, so the longest expected gap should be included in your quote.
How long it is empty
Your policy may set a time limit after which different terms apply. Check the definition and period shown in your documents.
Checks and precautions
The insurer may require regular inspections or precautions relating to security, heating and water. Follow the conditions in your policy schedule.
If your plans change
Contact us if the property will be empty for longer than expected. For an extended vacancy, unoccupied home insurance may be more appropriate.
Holiday home insurance
Cover for your property and its contents
Depending on the property, its use and the insurer, you may be able to arrange buildings cover, contents cover or both. Your quotation will confirm the benefits, limits, excesses and conditions offered.
If you accept paying guests, that use must be declared and assessed. Cover arranged for personal use should not be assumed to include holiday letting.
What we provide
Buildings cover up to £1,500,000, with the option to increase for specific cases
The amount your insurer will pay to repair or rebuild your home in the event of an insured loss
Contents Insurance up to £125,000
New for old cover for belongings kept in your home
Replacement locks and keys
For lost or stolen keys
Trace and access cover up to £5,000
Replacement and repair to any parts of the building that are removed when tracing escape of water
Family Legal Protection up to £25,000
Cover for legal expenses (whether prosecuting or defending). There is a £100 excess.
What isn't included?
We don’t cover loss or damage
- Caused by wear, tear or gradual deterioration
- That occurred before the policy started
- Caused by vermin, insects, pets
- Caused by dishonest, wilful or deliberate acts
- Arising from leaks from swimming pools, fixed hot tubs, jacuzzies, fixed spas
Cover restrictions
- you are only covered up to the maximum claims limits shown on your schedule
- you are responsible for any excesses stated in your policy
- any exclusions or restrictions shown by endorsement in your schedule
Additional cover for your holiday home
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Optional – Family Legal Protection Plus →Family Legal Protection Plus
Family Legal Protection Plus extends this cover limit to £50,000 and increases the range of legal disputes that you’re covered for.
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Optional – Accidental Damage →Accidental Damage
Cover for accidental breakages or damage to your buildings e.g: putting your foot through the ceiling, or accidental breakage of glass
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Home Policies
We may be able to arrange cover for short stays by paying guests. Include how often you take bookings and whether you also use the property yourself when requesting a quote.
The insurer can then assess the arrangement and confirm the applicable terms.
No. The holiday home insurance we arrange does not include loss of rental income if bookings cannot go ahead.
The terms can overlap. What matters is how the property is used, who stays there and how long it is empty. A property used only for your own visits may be assessed differently from one let to paying guests. See our second home insurance page for more detail.
We can consider properties in Jersey and Guernsey, subject to insurer criteria. We do not arrange cover for holiday homes in other overseas locations.
Still have questions? Visit our help centre
What You Get With Intelligent Insurance:
- Defaqto 5-Star rated protection
- Underwritten by trusted, household-name insurers
- Competitive premiums with flexible payment options
- UK-based team praised for excellent customer service
- Start your quote online and speak to a specialist when you need help.
Holiday home insurance knowledge base
Need more help? Check out our guides and articles.
Holiday Home Council Tax Explained
Find out about paying council tax on your holiday home.
How Often Must an Unoccupied Property Be Inspected for Insurance?
This guide explains how often checks are needed and what insurers expect for unoccupied properties.
Policy Documents
If you’re currently insured with us, you’ll find the documents for your policy in MyAccount.
Add-Ons
How to make a claim for your holiday home
Making a claim has never been easier – just follow these three simple steps:
Step One – Check Your Policy
Find your insurer’s claims contact details in your policy document or Schedule. Always have your policy number to hand, as it helps your insurer’s claims team quickly identify you and assist you without delay.
Step Two – Report the Incident
Call your insurer’s claims team as soon as the incident occurs. Provide a brief description of what happened and, if applicable, notify the Police within seven days for incidents like theft or malicious damage.
Step Three – Submit Your Claim
If required, complete and return the claim form along with supporting documents (receipts, photos, etc.) within 30 days. This ensures a smooth, timely processing of your claim.
*We may not be able to quote in all circumstances. Cover limits/restrictions and/or conditions may apply to the policy. These are clearly detailed prior to purchase, and in the policy documentation for you to determine if the cover is suitable for your needs.
Names you can trust to protect your holiday home
