Investing in a rural retreat, a city crash pad or a dream home by the sea is a wonderful opportunity, but have you ensured that your second home is protected in the same way as your primary home? Second home insurance will give you complete peace of mind, whether you’re planning lazy weekends, holidays away or evenings unwinding after a busy day at work.
The latest crime figures from the Home Office show an overall decrease in the number of burglaries in England and Wales; however, with more than 200,000 cases in the last year alone, theft is still a real threat so it is advisable to protect your possessions and assets by taking out home insurance cover.
Home insurance is usually divided into buildings and contents insurance; buildings insurance protects the actual structure of the home and the outbuildings, while contents insurance covers valuable items and possessions stored inside the home. Many insurance providers offer both contents and buildings insurance and buying both types of insurance from one provider will make it easier if you need to make a claim.
If your second home is a holiday home, insurance is perhaps even more important, as you may spend long periods of time away from the property and it may not be possible for you to get there quickly in the event of an incident. Holiday home insurance will protect your home and allow you to focus on enjoying the time you spend there, rather than worrying about how you’re going to pay for repairs or replace priceless possessions.
Choosing a policy
Buying insurance is more straightforward than ever before thanks to the Internet; however, with so many different providers and policies available, it can be difficult to decide which one to go for. When looking for home insurance, it’s essential to read the details of the policy very carefully in order to determine which one best suits your needs.
Getting the best deal
The world of insurance is very competitive so it’s well worth shopping around for a good deal. You can use comparison websites or contact providers directly to get quotes. Policies offer different levels of cover so choose the one which offers the best value for money. It’s always a good idea to go for a reputable company and it may be worth adding extra features to enhance your cover, especially if you have high value items or you live a long way from your second home. Some companies provide 24 hour response and alternative accommodation, which could be extremely valuable if you are far away and your home needs urgent attention.
Although you might not spend much time at your second home, it is important to take out insurance to protect the building and any possessions you keep inside. If it’s not protected, you run the risk of facing significant repair bills and the possibility of losing things you may never be able to replace. By taking out an insurance policy, you can sit back and relax, knowing that your investment is protected and you can make the most of your holiday or second home.
Buying insurance takes minutes but it could save you a lot of time, money and heartache, so start shopping around and find a deal that ensures that your second home plays host to happy times, rather than endless hours of damage limitation, DIY and negotiating repair costs.
John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. A full copy of the policy wording and the insurance complaints procedure are available on request.
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