Second home? Even if it's only used occasionally: adapt your insurance to periods of vacancy, rentals, and equipment. Choose the right coverage and avoid unexpected exclusions.
Owning a second home —whether it's a country house, a vacation apartment, or a seaside retreat—is a privilege. But it also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to insurance. Since the property is unoccupied for extended periods, the risks are different: theft, vandalism, water damage, lack of supervision… This article will guide you in tailoring your second home insurance policy to avoid unpleasant surprises.
What is a second home?
A secondary residence is a dwelling owned by an individual and used on an occasional basis (holidays, weekends) but not as a primary residence.
Even though home insurance for this residence is not always legally required (except in the case of co-ownership or rental), it is strongly recommended in order to protect you against the risks specific to this type of property.
Why is specific coverage essential?
Use and prolonged vacancy
Second homes are often unoccupied for long periods: they are therefore more exposed to vandalism, theft, bad weather, invisible damage (infiltration, frost) or disasters not detected quickly.
Conditions different from those of the main residence
The guarantees offered for a secondary residence must take into account this specific use: surveillance, outdoor equipment, possible seasonal rental, outbuildings, etc.
Higher risk = higher premium
Insurers consider vacant or sparsely occupied properties to represent a higher risk. As a result, the premium for a second home is often higher than for a property occupied year-round.
Key guarantees and protections to consider
Civil liability
Even for a second home, civil liability insurance (covering damages caused to third parties) must be included. This remains a minimum requirement.
Property damage
- Fire, explosion, water damage: the same as for a main residence.
- Theft, vandalism: particularly important for a property that is not very occupied.
Unoccupied & vacant
Check the vacancy clause of the contract: some contracts exclude compensation if the accommodation remains empty for 60 to 90 days or more.
Specific equipment and outbuildings
Swimming pool, garden, outbuildings, mobile home, seasonal rental: these elements may require additional options.
Seasonal rental
If you rent out your secondary residence (furnished, seasonal), the insurance must cover this type of use: damage caused to tenants, civil liability, rental vacancy.
Choose the right contract for your needs.
Option 1: Occasional use for yourself
- You use it for a few weeks/year, no rental.
- Choose a suitable formula (solid guarantees, but without unnecessary extra coverage).
- Check the monitoring and prevention measures (alarm, closure, water reading, etc.).
Option 2: Use + prolonged vacancy
- The property remained vacant for several months.
- Importance of the vacancy clause, and of the "vacancy of use" guarantees.
- Pay close attention to the deductibles and exclusions.
Option 3: Seasonal rental
- Professional or quasi-professional use: high traffic of people.
- Contract tailored to: damages to tenants, loss of revenue, rental vacancy.
- Pay attention to the insurer's requirements (tenant's certificate, "holiday" files).
How KT Assur&Bank supports you
- Personalized analysis of your secondary property (use, location, outbuildings).
- Modular solutions: standard "second home" formula, options for vacation, rental, furniture.
- Transparent pricing: you pay for what you need.
- Support in the event of a claim, to manage the specific aspects of secondary property.
Conclusion
Your second home deserves well-considered insurance coverage. This property needs protection, even if you only use it occasionally. By choosing the right policy—tailored to your needs, careful about vacancy clauses, and including specific options—you can fully enjoy your investment without any unpleasant surprises. With KT Assur&Bank, you have a partner to effectively secure your second home.