Owning a vacation home is a dream for many, whether it’s a cozy cabin in the woods or a beachside retreat. But just like your primary residence, a second home comes with financial risks. That is where vacation home insurance can step in to help.
Why is vacation home insurance important?
Vacation homes are often vacant for long periods of time, making them more vulnerable to risks such as theft and vandalism, storm damage, undetected water leaks or pipe bursts, and increased liability if you rent it out or have guests over. Not only that but if you have a mortgage on your vacation home, your lender will likely require you to have insurance to protect their investment.
What kind of insurance do you need?
There are numerous types of coverage to consider:
- Dwelling coverage: This protects the structure of your home from events like fire, windstorms, or vandalism.
- Personal property coverage: Protects items inside your home such as furniture, appliances, and electronics.
- Liability protection: Provides coverage in case someone is injured on your property and tries to sue.
- Loss of use: If your home becomes inhabitable due to a covered loss, your policy may cover temporary housing and other necessary living expenses.
What if I plan to rent out the property?
If you plan to rent out your vacation home, you will likely also need short-term rental insurance or a landlord policy, depending on how often you rent out the home. This helps protect against guest-related damage, lost rental income due to covered events, and liability protection if a renter is injured in your home. Some platforms like Airbnb offer limited host protection, but it does not substitute a complete insurance policy.
Let’s talk
Your home away from home deserves the same protection as your everyday one. For a free consultation, contact one of our experienced Avery Hall agents today at 410-742-5111 for Salisbury, 302-536-9470 for Seaford, 302-316-6565 for Selbyville, and 302-684-3413 for our Milton office.