Each home you own is valuable. As a result, each property should have home insurance for it. Buying a second home can be a fantastic investment, especially if it is for a vacation home. But, each property has its own risks and needs homeowners insurance coverage based on how you use it.
Finding the right insurance policy for a second home takes several steps. Consider the following.
Key Factors That Determine What Insurance You Need
Your second home needs comprehensive insurance. This includes liability, structure, and contents protection. But, second homes also have a few concerns to think about, such as:
- Location. Is the second home in an earthquake or flood-prone area? This may require supplemental coverage to a basic home insurance plan.
- Type of property. Condos and townhomes require different insurance than full residential properties.
- Amenities. A pool, for example, may require more coverage to minimize its higher liability risks.
Here are some other items to consider.
Do You Plan To Rent The Property?
Some people purchase a second home to use as an investment property. Renters pose a different risk to homeowners than others. As a result, you need a custom policy designed for renters. In this case, the investment policy needs to cover the structure of the home. If you own the contents of the property, this, too, should be in the plan. Rental property is a higher risk because you do not see or enter it daily. However, home insurance for these homes tends to be affordable.
Ensure that renters also carry their own renters insurance. This can help them to safeguard their liabilities and property within the space.
Do You Plan To Leave The Home Unoccupied?
Another factor to consider is how often you will be at the home. Some insurance companies ask when someone will use it. For example, do you plan to use it each weekend? If so, there is less risk present than if you used it just once every few months. Your agent sees an unoccupied home as a risk. There is no one there to monitor its condition. It also poses a security risk.
The good news is home insurance can be easy to obtain. Your Park & Associates agent will work with you to determine the value of the property. If you have a loan, the agent will ensure you have enough coverage to meet the loan's requirements. Do you own a cabin in the woods? Perhaps it is a condo on the beach. In all cases, property insurance minimizes financial loss should something happen. You need a policy customized for your home based on the way you use it.