Holiday Home Insurance

Insurance designed for holiday homeowners

Owning a holiday home can provide years of enjoyment, whether it's a coastal retreat, countryside cottage or overseas property used for family breaks. However, holiday homes often face different risks to your primary residence. Unlike a permanently occupied property, a holiday home may remain empty for weeks or even months at a time.

This can increase the likelihood of issues such as theft, vandalism, weather damage or undetected maintenance problems. That's why many owners choose specialist holiday home insurance rather than relying on a standard home insurance policy. At Howden Insurance Ireland, we can help you explore holiday home insurance options tailored to the way you use your property.

Benefits of working with Howden:

• We're committed to helping customers arrange suitable insurance cover efficiently

• Personalised guidance backed by local expertise

• Chat to your local broker, within your community

• Insurance cover tailored to your needs

• We're there for you when something goes wrong

What is holiday home insurance?

Holiday home insurance is designed for properties that are used occasionally throughout the year rather than as a permanent residence. Subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits, a holiday home insurance policy can help provide protection against a range of risks that may affect both the property itself and the possessions kept inside it. This type of insurance can be suitable for:

• Holiday properties in Ireland

• Coastal homes

• Countryside retreats

• Seasonal residences

• Second homes

• Overseas holiday properties

Because holiday homes are often unoccupied for longer periods, insurers may assess them differently to a permanently occupied residence.

What does holiday home insurance cover?

The level of holiday home insurance cover available will vary between insurers and policies. However, many policies may include protection for:

• Fire damage

• Storm damage

• Flood damage

• Theft and attempted theft

• Escape of water

• Malicious damage

• Accidental damage options

• Property owner's liability

The exact level of protection will depend on the policy selected and the individual circumstances of the property. Understanding what is included can help ensure you have the right cover for your holiday home.

Buildings insurance for holiday homes

Buildings insurance protects the physical structure of the property against insured risks. This can include walls, roofs, floors and ceilings. These policies can also provide cover for garages outbuildings where specified, permanent fixtures, built in kitchens and bathroom suites.

If your property suffers damage following an insured event, buildings insurance can help contribute towards repair or rebuilding costs. For many owners, buildings insurance forms the foundation of their holiday home insurance policy.

Holiday home contents insurance explained

While buildings insurance protects the structure, holiday home contents insurance covers belongings you keep inside the property. Contents insurance can help protect:

• Furniture

• Televisions

• Appliances

• Kitchen equipment

• Decorative items

• Soft furnishings

• Personal possessions

Many holiday homeowners leave items in their property throughout the year. Having suitable contents insurance can help cover the cost of replacing these items if they are damaged, lost or stolen following an insured event.

Why a standard home insurance policy may not be enough

Many homeowners assume their existing home insurance will provide adequate protection for a second property. However, holiday homes often present different risks, such as:

• Longer periods when the property is vacant

• Increased exposure to theft or vandalism

• Seasonal occupancy patterns

• Weather related risks

• Potential liability concerns involving guests

As a result, holiday home insurance cover is typically designed specifically for properties that are not occupied year round.

What affects holiday home insurance cost?

Several factors can influence holiday home insurance cost. Insurers may consider these 8 factors:

1. Property location

2. Property value

3. Security features

4. Claims history

5. Occupancy levels

6. Whether the property remains vacant for long periods

7. The level of cover selected

8. Optional extras included

Properties that are vacant for extended periods may present additional risks, which can influence premiums. When comparing policies, it’s important to balance cost against the protection being provided.

Get holiday home insurance quotes

Whether you own a coastal cottage, countryside retreat, overseas property or seasonal residence, having suitable protection in place can provide valuable peace of mind. At Howden Insurance Ireland, we can help you compare holiday home insurance quotes and explore policies designed around your property's specific requirements. Speak to our team today to find holiday home insurance Ireland solutions tailored to your needs.

Note: This is a marketing article from Howden. The information in this guide is accurate at time of publication. This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. If you have any questions or want to understand how holiday home insurance could work better for you, call us on 0818 024 106 and we'll be happy to help.