What Happens To My Insurance If I Buy A Second Home?

During COVID-19 Long lockdown periods and the ability to work and study from home have led to an unprecedented demand for a second home in uncrowded areas, such as the mountains, the sea, or the countryside. By some estimates, the demand for second homes has doubled.

But before you abandon your city home and take out a second mortgage, consider getting insurance.

This section explains what happens to your insurance when you buy a second home.

How does buying a second home affect your insurance?

Limited carrier options

First of all, insurers’ options are more limited for second homes.

Many people are uncomfortable insuring their second home if they don’t have the insurance that is so important for their primary home. This is because they feel that insurance for both will increase the likelihood that they will stay in your home longer.

If you have already established a relationship with an operator, they are more likely to accept because they know your payment and claims history.

It is even more difficult to find an organization for a second home in the U.S. if the primary residence is not in the U.S.

Increased risk for insurance companies

Second homes pose a greater risk to insurers.

There can be theft, fires, and, in winter, severe damage from frozen pipes.

Insurance policies may have certain conditions that must be met in order to receive coverage, such as draining the pipes in the winter or keeping the heat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Otherwise, the damage may not be covered when it occurs.

Access to emergency services

Another factor is how far the vacation home is from a police or fire station.

For example, fire insurance. Insurance companies want to know how likely your home is to burn down. If you are in an urban area, the fire department can get to your home fairly quickly.

However, if you are in a remote suburb or rural area. They will want to know if there is a fire hydrant nearby and where the nearest water source is.

Information such as distance, type, and the number of vehicles to be dispatched and whether it is a volunteer or municipal response should be confirmed by a call to the station. You should also consider alternative sources of water and if you live near a lake, you should assume that you are now safe.

This is not the case.

If the lake is frozen in winter, it is an unreliable source and is not considered. Some second homeowners drill a second well just to provide access for the fire department.

They should be aware that some due diligence is required to determine if the carrier will accept it.

Preventive Technology

All of these factors affect insurance coverage and costs, which are generally higher for second homes. The good news is that some carriers offer preventive discounts if you invest in the technology. Further, take care of the maintenance or have an attitude about it. These include sensors that let you know when the temperature drops below 55°F, fire alarms, security cameras, central security systems, water temperature monitoring systems, and automatic water shut-off valves.

So when choosing a second home, don’t just think about the view from the deck. Consider the location, supply facilities, maintenance options, and safety features.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek the expertise of an insurance broker. They are familiar with second home insurance providers and can point you in the right direction.

About Author

Lily Poole is a Property and Home Insurance officer by profession. She is pretty well experienced in the homeowners insurance nyc condo and accounting field and has an impressive profile in the training and development industry.