Insuring Your Second Home
Vacation home sales rose 44% in the third quarter of 2020, much higher than the 13% increase of existing home sales.¹
When it comes to insuring your second home, you may find that the coverage you need is quite different from what you have on your primary home.
The Unique Risks of a Second Home
Your current homeowners policy may allow for coverage of two properties under one policy, but because there are unique risks with a second home, a separate policy may be more conducive to obtaining the coverage you need.
Here are some of the special risks you may need to cover:
Long Periods Without Occupation
An unoccupied home can invite trouble. Without a presence, there is no one to fix a leak, respond to weather damage, or even report a fire. It may also become a target for burglars.
Isolated Location
While seclusion may be a top priority for a vacation home, it may also mean that you are far removed from services that can prevent larger losses, such as fire hydrants or fire departments.
Renters
Renting out your home when you’re not using it could be a good idea to offset the costs of ownership. However, having renters (or even guests) may increase your liability for any damage or injury associated with their stay.
Be sure to work with an agent to secure the right coverage. Also, discuss the benefit of raising your personal liability coverage to protect you from any increase in risk to your personal wealth that may come with offering your home to guests and tenants. Keep in mind that the information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult a legal professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
This is not a recommendation and is not intended to be taken as a recommendation. This material was prepared for general distribution and is not directed to a specific individual.
LPWM LLC does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisers.
