Owning a second home is a wonderful way to relax and share good times with friends and family. If you own a secondary home, your insurance needs are unique.
What Are Your Coverage Options? At a minimum, your lender will require that you carry hazard insurance to protect your property against damage from fires, earthquakes or severe storms. It’s also a good idea to add liability insurance, which covers you and members of your household for accidental injuries to your visitors. Opting for property plus liability insurance adds up to a standard homeowners insurance package. For an extra layer of protection, a personal umbrella liability policy extends your liability coverage for properties named in the policy.
Dwelling Fire Insurance: Since most homeowner policies require occupancy as a condition of insurance, the fact that you visit infrequently may preclude you from obtaining full homeowners coverage. Dwelling fire insurance is an alternate coverage option utilized in insuring residential rental or non-owner occupancy property, including vacant property. A dwelling fire policy continues to offer coverage for a home and other structures (e.g., detached sheds or garages) for perils named in the policy. Named perils listed in a typical dwelling fire policy protect against damage caused by fire, collapse, lightning strike, wind, hail, explosion and smoke. For more coverage, consider adding personal property protection and liability insurance to a dwelling fire policy.
Renting Your Home To Others? Whether your second property is an apartment unit or a family home, if you are renting the property, you’ll have little control over the physical damage that can occur. To mitigate your risks, tenant-occupied dwelling insurance will cover the costs incurred by damage, including fire, storms, burglary and vandalism. It does not cover your tenant’s personal property. Renting your property furnished or unfurnished also has insurance coverage implications. If you are renting your property furnished, make sure to your agent know.
Cost Considerations: Whether your second home is reserved for your private use or shared as a rental, it costs more to insure than your primary residence. Premiums are based on a variety of factors such as the amount of time that your home will be unoccupied, its location and the liability from renting the property. Depending on the location and type of second home, risk of hurricane, wildfire or even a pool can push up your premiums or make coverage difficult to obtain. If you are considering the purchase of a second home, contact us to learn more about the cost of insuring the property.
