Why specialized insurance matters for vacation & second homes

Second homes are not managed like primary residences: they might sit vacant for long periods, be rented occasionally, and face region-specific perils such as flood, hurricane, or wildfire. Standard homeowners insurance for your primary home often won’t fit — here’s what to look for.

Core coverages to compare

• Dwelling coverage — repair or rebuild the structure after covered perils.
• Other structures — detached garages, sheds, docks and fences.
• Personal property — furniture, appliances and contents (consider limits for high-value items).
• Liability — guest injuries or lawsuits (especially important if renting).
• Loss of use / Additional living expenses — when your second home requires repairs after a covered loss.
• Optional endorsements — flood, earthquake, windstorm, and short-term rental host protection.

Common exclusions & important policy questions

• Many policies limit or exclude losses if the property is vacant for a set period (e.g., 30–60 days).
• Flood and earthquake typically require separate policies or endorsements.
• Rental activity (long-term or short-term) often needs explicit coverage — otherwise claims can be denied.

Is your second home a rental? How that changes coverage

If you rent out the property occasionally (weekend guests) or list it on short-term platforms, you need to disclose that — many insurers offer a host or vacation rental endorsement that expands liability and property coverage. For long-term rentals, a landlord policy may be a better fit.

How to get the best price

1. Bundle policies with the same insurer (if available) — multi-policy discounts can help.
2. Increase your deductible to lower premiums if you can afford higher out-of-pocket costs.
3. Improve security: alarms, deadbolts, timers for lights, camera systems — insurers often reward improved security.
4. Mitigate seasonal risks: shutoff water, winterize plumbing in cold climates, install hurricane straps in coastal zones.

Quick checklist before you buy

• Decide whether you’ll rent the property (short-term vs long-term).
• Inventory high-value items and consider scheduled personal property coverage.
• Check vacancy clauses and temporary occupancy rules.
• Ask about flood, wind/hurricane, wildfire coverage and available endorsements.

Local risk spotlight

Coastal properties: consider hurricane deductibles, windstorm exclusions, and evacuation impacts. Mountain cabins: freeze and pipe bursts are common—winterize and maintain heating systems. Lakeside homes: consider watercraft liability and dock coverage.