Holiday Home Insurance explained – Aspects of your policy

Last Updated on January 23, 2026 by admin

Specialist Holiday Home Insurance is an essential cover for owners of second homes which are used as getaways and/or holiday lets. If your property is not your main residence and is left unoccupied for long periods, you will need specialised insurance. One of the reasons for this is because empty properties can potentially be easier targets for burglars, or damage such as burst pipes and escape of water can go undetected.

Holiday Home Insurance in the UK can still insure you for fire, theft, and storm damage, but give you added coverage for the fact that your second home is left unoccupied for days, weeks, and sometimes, months. A standard home insurance policy won’t provide you with the extra coverage your holiday home needs.

As a holiday homeowner, your property is a home away from home, and an investment. Whether you own a fisherman’s cottage on the coast or a charming cottage in the country, you will need insurance that specifically covers second homes. This will insure your property for a wide range of events.

Call: 01237 429 444

Or email us: info@boshers.co.uk

Owning a holiday let such as a cottage complex or a seaside rental can be a great source of income, either as a primary business, or a second income stream. So, it makes sense to financially protect your holiday let business with specialised insurance. At Boshers, we have over 35 years’ experience in providing insurance for furnished holiday lets and self-catering accommodation.

We can also find insurance for properties with additional leisure facilities such as hot tubs, swimming pools, children’s play areas, and gyms, which will need liability cover included within your policy. Without Liabilities insurance, you could be liable for damages should, for example, a child or adult guest slip and fall around the swimming pool or hot tub.

Pet damage can be an overlooked risk for holiday homeowners, particularly when properties are let to guests bringing dogs or other animals. Boshers Insurance can arrange cover for accidental damage caused by pets, helping to protect against unexpected repair and replacement costs. This may include damage to fixtures, fittings, flooring or furnishings, depending on the policy terms. Having specialist Holiday Home Insurance that recognises pet-related risks allows you to welcome pet-friendly bookings with greater confidence.

Overseas holiday homes and holiday lets 

Owning a holiday home abroad can be rewarding, but insuring an international property comes with added complexity. Overseas Holiday Home Insurance arranged by Boshers Insurance is designed to provide specialist protection for properties located abroad, whether they are used for personal holidays, rented to guests, or left unoccupied for extended periods.

Standard UK home insurance policies rarely provide adequate cover for overseas properties. Differences in local building regulations, legal requirements, weather risks and claims processes mean specialist insurance is essential. We work with insurers experienced in overseas property risks to ensure cover is tailored to your location and how the property is used. Cover can also be arranged for a wide range of property types, from apartments to villas, across popular European destinations.

With decades of experience in specialist property insurance, Boshers Insurance offers expert guidance and access to flexible overseas holiday home insurance solutions. By choosing specialist cover, you can protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind, wherever your holiday home is located.

Your holiday home or holiday let will need a policy that is specifically designed to provide you with:

Buildings Insurance – covers the physical structure of the building, including the walls, roof, and permanent fixtures.

Contents Cover – insures items in your property including furniture (if you turned your house upside down Contents Cover/Contents Insurance can cover anything that would fall out of it).

Unoccupied property – Boshers Insurance can tailor this coverage to financially protect your home when it is empty. This covers time periods between guest stays or when you visit your property. Please talk to our team for more information about this important aspect of your policy.

Employers’ Liability Insurance – this is a legal requirement in the UK if you employ anyone to help you with your holiday let (gardeners, receptionists, maintenance or house cleaning). Should one of your employees become injured or ill as a result of work-related activities, Employers’ Liability Insurance can cover legal expenses and compensation claims brought against you.

Public Liability Insurance – a crucial part of Holiday Let Insurance, Public Liability covers costs related to compensation claims made against you by a member of the public (for example, a guest or tradesperson), should they suffer illness or injury as a result of your business operations.

Loss of rental income – the policies we provide can reimburse lost rental income if an insured event such as property damage caused by fire, flood or storm damage, means you need to pause rental bookings while your property is repaired.

Accidental damage – we can include this coverage in your policy as an add-on for spills and breakages (known as accidental damage).

Holiday Home Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all policy. Whether your property is let to guests, used by family, or left unoccupied for parts of the year, having the right cover in place is essential. By working with experienced holiday home insurance brokers like Boshers, you can ensure your property is properly protected and avoid potentially costly gaps in cover.

With decades of experience in insuring holiday properties, we can help you protect your asset, business, and bolthole. Contact us for expert advice or a new quote.

Call: 01237 429 444

Or email us: info@boshers.co.uk

Boshers® Insurance Services is a trading style of Lloyd & Whyte® Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 306077). Registered in England No. 03686765. Registered office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA. VAT Registration No. 477 7248 00. Calls may be recorded for use in quality management, training and customer support.