Holiday Home Insurance

If you're planning to buy or rent out a holiday home in the UK, it's important to get the right insurance in place. Holiday home insurance is similar to regular home insurance, but there are some key differences to be aware of.

At Echo Finance, we can help you find the right holiday home insurance policy for your needs. We compare a range of policies from leading insurers, so you can find the cover you need at a competitive price.

To get started, simply enter your details into our online quote form and we'll give you a list of tailored quotes to choose from.

What is classed as a holiday home?

A holiday home is any property that you own that isn't your main residence. This includes properties that you rent out to paying guests, as well as those that you use for your own holidays.

HMRC rules state that the property must be furnished and available for letting for at least 210 days a year to qualify for tax breaks - which means you can use it yourself for up to 22 weeks of the year.

Do I need insurance for my holiday home?

Holiday home insurance is not a legal requirement, however, it is highly recommended that you take out some form of insurance for your holiday home. This is because most mortgage lenders will insist on it as a condition of lending, and it's also a good idea to protect your investment.

The level of cover you need will depend on a number of factors, including the value of your property, whether you're renting it out, and how often you're using it yourself.

At Echo Finance, we can help you find the right level of cover for your needs, whether you're looking for basic buildings insurance or a more comprehensive policy that includes contents cover and liability protection.

How is holiday home insurance different?

Holiday homes are by definition, not your primary residence, which brings additional risk. For example:

• There's a greater chance of the property being unoccupied for long periods of time, which makes it more vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
• If you're renting it out, there's a greater chance of accidental damage being caused by tenants
• There's also the potential for increased wear and tear due to the higher occupancy levels.

For these reasons, holiday home insurance policies tend to be more comprehensive than regular home insurance, and the premiums are usually higher as a result.

At Echo Finance, we can help you compare a range of holiday home insurance policies to find the right cover for your needs. We work with the entire market, so you can be sure you're getting the best possible deal.

To get started, simply enter your details into our online quote form and we'll give you a list of tailored quotes to choose from.

What does holiday home insurance cover?

Holiday home insurance policies will usually cover the same things as a standard home insurance policy, but there are some key differences to be aware of.

What your holiday home insurance will cover depends on whether you opt for buildings insurance, contents insurance, or a combined policy.

• Holiday home buildings insurance will cover the physical structure of your property, as well as any outbuildings and fixtures and fittings, such as your kitchen and bathroom.
• Holiday home contents insurance will cover your personal belongings, such as furniture, appliances, and clothing.
• A combined policy will cover both the buildings and contents of your property.

In addition, most holiday home insurance policies will also include some form of public liability insurance, in case someone is injured while on your property. Some policies may also include alternative accommodation or a loss of rental income cover, in case your property is damaged and you're unable to use it or rent it out.

At Echo Finance, we can help you find the right level of cover for your needs, whether you're looking for basic buildings insurance or a more comprehensive policy that includes contents cover and liability protection.

To get started, simply enter your details into our online quote form and we'll give you a list of tailored quotes to choose from.

Security and holiday homes

Since holiday homes are often unoccupied for long periods of time, it's important to take some extra security measures to protect your property.

Most insurers will require you to have some form of security in place before they'll provide cover, so it's a good idea to check what's required before you buy a policy.

Some things you may need to do to secure your property include:

• Installing a burglar alarm system
• Putting locks on all doors and windows
• Making sure the property is well-lit
• Installing a CCTV system
• Asking a neighbour to keep an eye on the property

If you're renting out your holiday home, you may also need to provide some form of security for your tenants, such as a key safe.

Are swimming pools and hot tubs covered?

If you have a swimming pool or hot tub at your holiday home, you'll need to include this information when you're applying for insurance.

Most insurers will cover pools and hot tubs, but there may be some restrictions in place, such as a limit on the amount of cover available. You may also need to take out some additional covers, such as public liability insurance, to make sure you're fully protected.

Failure to do so could invalidate your policy and leave you unprotected in the event of a claim.

How much does holiday home insurance cost?

The cost of holiday home insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, including the value of your property, its location, and the level of cover you require.

What doesn't holiday home insurance cover?

There are some things that holiday home insurance policies will not cover as standard, and these will usually be listed as exclusions in the policy documentation.

Typically insurers are wary about properties that are:

• Non-standard construction, for example, a timber-framed or steel-framed property
• Used for stag or hen parties, or other events where there is an increased risk of damage
• Unoccupied for long periods of time, as this increases the risk of theft, vandalism, and weather damage

If you're not sure whether your property will be covered by a holiday home insurance policy, it's always best to check with the insurer before you buy.

What to consider when buying holiday home insurance

When you're comparing holiday home insurance policies, there are a few key things to keep in mind, including:

• The level of cover you need - Do you need buildings insurance, contents insurance, or both?
• The value of your property - Insurers will usually have a maximum limit on the amount they're willing to pay out, so it's important to make sure your property is insured for its full value.
• The location of your property - If your property is in a high-risk area, such as a flood zone, you may have to pay more for cover.
• The type of property - Some insurers may not be willing to cover non-standard construction or properties that are used for events.

Does holiday home insurance cover legal expenses?

Most holiday home insurance policies will include some form of legal expenses cover, which can help to protect you if you need to take legal action as a result of an incident at your property.  This cover can be useful if you need to evict a tenant, or if you're taken to court over an accident that occurred on your property. However, it's important to check the level of cover provided by your insurer, as some policies may only provide a limited amount of protection.

What about overseas holiday home insurance?

If you're looking for insurance for a holiday home that's located overseas, you'll need to find an insurer that offers cover in the country where your property is situated. Some UK-based insurers offer this type of cover, but it's always best to check the details carefully to make sure you're getting the right policy for your needs. You should also be aware that the cover you're entitled to may differ from that of a UK-based policy, so it's important to check the details carefully before you buy.

Get a holiday home insurance quote today

If you're looking for holiday home insurance, we can help. We work with a panel of leading insurers to find the best possible cover at the most competitive prices. To get started, simply enter your details into our online quote form and we'll give you a list of tailored quotes to choose from. You can then compare the policies and decide which one is right for you. So what are you waiting for? Get a quote today and see how much you could save on your holiday home insurance.