This category is about all aspects of Holiday Home Insurance and will be of interest to owners of holiday homes, cottages and holiday complexes across the UK. As Holiday Home Insurance Specialists Boshers are experts and provide tips and guidance. Check out these posts, Holiday Homes – getting your Buildings Insurance Right, Dog Friendly Holiday Home Insurance, How much should your holiday home insurance cost?, Frequently asked holiday home insurance questions, Getting your Holiday Let Insurance Right – Public and Employers Liability

Insurance for Holiday Homes with Hot Tubs & Pools

Does your second home have a pool or hot tub? And most importantly is that lovely addition to your holiday home properly insured?

A hot tub and/or pool can transform a holiday home from a nice-to-have into a must-have. In fact, a hot tub in your holiday let could boost your revenue by 37%,1 with hot tubs also the second most searched for feature on many holiday let websites.2

It’s also one of the most searched-for features when a second home is on someone’s wish list and owners with hot tubs often see a noticeable jump in bookings and revenue when renting out their property, particularly off season and during winter months. But before you start taking bookings or enjoy the water yourself, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: making sure your Hot Tub insurance or Pool Insurance is properly in place without overlooking important details.

Standard home insurance is rarely designed for this. If your property is let to paying guests, has a hot tub on-site, or sits empty for long stretches between visits, you need a specialist policy that reflects both the risks and needs of your second home.

 

Call: 01237 429444

Get a Quote 

 

Why standard Home Insurance falls short

A typical home insurance policy is built around a single family living in the property full-time. A holiday let is a different risk altogether. It may be occupied by different guests every week, left vacant between bookings, and hot tubs and pools bring their own set of hazards. Most standard insurers could either exclude hot tubs entirely or heavily restrict cover, potentially leaving you exposed if something goes wrong.

 

Buildings or Contents: Where does your hot tub sit?

One of the first things to establish with your insurer is how your hot tub is classified:

  • Fixed or built-in hot tubs are generally treated as part of the buildings, so they should fall under your buildings insurance and be protected against events like storms, floods, fire, and vandalism affecting the structure.

 

  • Freestanding or portable hot tubs are usually treated as contents and will typically need to be specified separately on your contents cover along with related items like covers, chemicals, and cleaning equipment.

 

Either way, it is best not to assume. Policies vary considerably between insurers, and a hot tub that isn’t correctly declared may simply be excluded when you come to claim.

Public Liability is non-negotiable

If guests are using your hot tub or swimming pool, you’re usually taking on a liability risk. Public Liability Insurance can financially protect you if a guest is injured or becomes unwell as a result of using your pool or hot tub, for example, a slip on wet decking or an infection linked to poorly maintained water. Given the potential severity of a claim, it’s worth checking not just whether liability cover is included, but how much it provides, and increasing it if the limit seems insufficient.

If you are unsure as to what your Public Liability cover limit should be, talk to our team at Boshers who will be able to advise you depending on the type of pool or hot tub you have.

 

Maintenance conditions matter

This is where claims can run into trouble. Insurers often only pay out on a hot tub-related claim if the tub has been installed, used, and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant safety guidance. Health and safety guidance should highlight the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in poorly maintained spa water, and you will be expected to carry out a proper risk assessment, provide clear instructions to guests, and arrange regular servicing. A full shutdown service is often recommended twice a year for tubs in heavy use.

If you don’t live on-site, using a third-party maintenance company is strongly advisable, both for guest safety and to keep your insurance valid. Keep every maintenance record, service invoice, and water-testing log. If you ever need to make a claim, this paperwork can make the process more straightforward; lack of paperwork can complicate any claim made.

 

Other insurances worth considering

Beyond buildings, contents, and liability, a few other elements are worth checking when insuring a holiday home with a hot tub or pool:

  • Employers’ Liability Insurance

This coverage is a legal requirement in the UK and essential if you employ cleaners, gardeners, maintenance staff or any other people to help run your business.

  • Loss of Rental Income Insurance

Standard holiday home policies might not include this automatically, but Boshers Holiday Home Insurance can incorporate this useful cover in your policy, enabling you to pay for bills, salaries, or a mortgage should your property suffer damage from an insured peril.

  • Legal expenses cover

Useful if you end up in a dispute with a guest, for example, over property damage or an early departure.

 

Getting the right policy in place

Every insurer defines and treats hot tubs slightly differently, which is exactly why generic home insurance is not sufficient for second homes. When comparing policies, be specific with your insurer about:

  • Whether your hot tub is fixed or portable
  • How often the property is let, and to how many guests
  • Your maintenance and servicing arrangements
  • The level of public liability cover included

As a specialist Holiday Home Insurance broker, we can help you compare providers, check the small print for hot tub exclusions, and make sure your liability limits reflect your risk.

 

Why use Boshers’ services?

A pool or hot tub can be a great investment for your holiday let; potentially boosting bookings and guest satisfaction year-round. But it also raises your risk profile, both from a safety and an insurance perspective. Getting proper Holiday Home Hot Tub and/or Pool Insurance through Boshers – with the right buildings or contents cover, adequate public liability, and clear maintenance conditions – means you can offer that extra luxury with confidence, rather than worrying about injury or sickness when guests use your facilities.

If you have a pool or hot tub or are thinking of installing them in your UK or overseas holiday home, talk to our expert team today.

Call: 01237 429444

Get a Quote

 

 

 

 

 

1-2.  https://www.coastandcountry.co.uk/blog/hot-tub-guide-for-holiday-lets

 

 

 

 

 

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Beachfront Property Insurance provided by Boshers

Owning a home by the sea is a dream for many – the sound of the waves, uninterrupted views, beach access, and a ready-made holiday let income. But that dream comes with a unique set of risks that inland properties simply don’t face. From ground movement to storm surges and the vulnerability of a property that sits empty for parts of the year, beachfront property insurance needs to be built around the realities of coastal living, not a generic homeowner’s policy.

At Boshers, we’ve spent decades insuring holiday homes across the UK and Europe, and coastal properties are some of the most rewarding and most specialist risks we cover. Here’s what every owner of a seafront or coastal holiday home should understand before choosing a policy.

Call: 01237 429444

Get your quote

Why do beachfront properties need specialist cover?

Standard home insurance is priced and underwritten around “typical” risk: a house on stable ground, a reasonable distance from open water, occupied most of the year. Beachfront and coastal properties break nearly every one of those assumptions.

Insurers assess coastal risk differently because these homes are exposed to:

  • Salt-laden air and wind-driven rain that accelerates wear on roofs, render, and windows.
  • Ground conditions that can shift with tidal and weather patterns.
  • A higher likelihood of storm and flood events.
  • Periods of vacancy if the property is used as a second home or holiday let which can increase the risk of theft.

 

This is why a dedicated coastal holiday home insurance policy, rather than a standard buildings and contents policy is usually the more suitable and can be the more cost-effective route for owners.

 

Subsidence and coastal ground movement

Subsidence is one of the biggest concerns for any property near the coast, whether it’s a cottage on the Cornish cliffs, a Welsh seaside bungalow, or a holiday villa on the Mediterranean or Atlantic coast of Europe.

Coastal and beachfront land is often more susceptible to ground movement than inland sites, due to:

  • Sandy, shingle, or clay-based soils that expand and contract with moisture levels far more than firmer inland ground.
  • Coastal erosion, which can gradually undermine foundations over time, particularly on cliff-top or low-lying shoreline plots.
  • Tidal and groundwater fluctuation, which changes the moisture content of the soil beneath a property throughout the year.
  • Tree and vegetation root systems planted to act as windbreaks, which can draw moisture from the ground close to foundations.


Some of the challenges around subsidence cover

Subsidence on coastal properties is genuinely difficult to insure, and owners should go in with realistic expectations rather than being caught out later. A few important caveats:

  • Not all insurers will offer subsidence cover for coastal properties, particularly those built on cliff edges, reclaimed land, or known erosion zones. Some will exclude subsidence entirely rather than decline cover outright.
  • Previous subsidence history matters enormously. A property with any past subsidence claim, however minor, will usually need a specialist insurer and may face higher excesses.
  • European holiday homes bring an added layer of complexity. Ground conditions, building standards, and local insurer appetite vary significantly by country, and UK-based policies don’t always transfer neatly. A policy written for a French, Spanish, or Portuguese coastal property needs to reflect local risk data, not UK assumptions.
  • Surveys and evidence are often required. Insurers may ask for structural reports, engineer’s assessments, or evidence of remedial work before agreeing terms, especially for older or period coastal properties.
  • Excesses for subsidence claims are typically higher than for other perils, reflecting the cost and complexity of investigating and repairing ground movement.

 

The honest answer is that subsidence cover for a genuine beachfront property is rarely straightforward. The good news is that it is achievable with the right specialist broker who understands which insurers are comfortable with coastal risk and how to present your property’s history and construction accurately.

At Boshers Insurance, we have access to a range of property insurers with a view to securing your cover that insures you for subsidence.

 

Flood risk and proximity to the sea

It goes without saying that your property’s proximity to the sea is one of the first things any insurer will assess. Flood risk cover for beachfront homes needs to account for:

  • Storm surge and tidal flooding, which can affect properties even where they’ve never previously flooded from rivers or surface water.
  • Coastal erosion boundaries, which some insurers map closely when setting terms.
  • Flood defence schemes, where the presence (or absence) of local sea defences can affect premiums and availability of cover.
  • Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns, which are prompting many mainstream insurers to become more cautious about long-term coastal risk.

 

For UK properties, checking flood risk data and any local coastal management plans is a useful starting point, but it’s not the full picture. Insurers will look at the specific plot, elevation, and defences, not just the postcode.

For European holiday homes, flood and storm risk should be assessed against local weather patterns, which can differ significantly from the UK, particularly in Mediterranean regions prone to flash flooding or Atlantic coasts exposed to winter storms.

A good Beachfront Property Insurance policy should clearly set out flood cover limits, any excess that applies specifically to flood claims, and whether accidental damage from storm and flood is included as standard or as an add-on.

When arranging your Holiday Home Insurance through us, we’ll take all the time needed to get a thorough understanding of your property. This enables us to source an appropriate policy for you and helps you remain financially protected.

Theft and security

Coastal holiday homes are particularly attractive targets for opportunistic theft, for a simple reason: they’re often empty. Whether it’s a second home used for a few weeks a year or a holiday let left unoccupied between bookings, extended vacancy can increase risk.

A few aspects of theft cover include:

  • Unoccupancy clauses – most policies specify a maximum number of consecutive days a property can be left empty before cover is reduced or conditions apply.
  • Security requirements – insurers may require specific lock standards, alarm systems, or key-safe arrangements, particularly for holiday let properties handing keys to multiple guests throughout the year.
  • Contents left on-site – beachfront properties often store outdoor furniture, water sports equipment, or bikes that are visible and tempting to opportunistic thieves (these may need to be specified separately).
  • Holiday let guest turnover – properties let to paying guests carry a different theft profile to owner-occupied second homes, and this should be reflected in the policy

 

Simple steps taken by you can help reduce risks and, in some cases, secure you better terms from insurers:

  • Visible deterrents
  • Smart locks
  • Regular check-ins by a local property manager

Why choose Boshers for Beachfront Property Insurance?

Boshers has specialised in Holiday Home and Holiday Let Insurance for over 30 years, working with a panel of insurers who understand coastal and beachfront risk rather than avoiding it. We take the time to understand the specifics of your property: its construction, location, flood defences, and history. We can then match you with cover that reflects the real risk, not a generic postcode assessment.

Whether you own a cottage on the Cornish coast, a beach house in Wales, or a holiday villa on the Spanish, Greek, or French coastline, our team can talk you through what’s available, what the caveats are, and what would best suit your circumstances, property, and property usage.

Get in touch with Boshers today for a specialist Beachfront Property Insurance quote tailored to your coastal holiday home.

 

Call: 01237 429444

Get your quote

 

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Luxury Villa Insurance tailored to your property

If you own a high-end overseas holiday home, you will need specialist Luxury Villa Insurance (Overseas Holiday Home Insurance) to protect it at the correct level. Boshers Insurance is a premium holiday home insurance broker who have a team of experts on-hand to source and set up your policy.

Whether you own a beachfront residence on a Greek island, or a house in the Tuscan hills, your luxury home will need specialist high value home insurance. Standard home insurance policies are rarely sufficient for properties of this calibre, particularly when they are located abroad and may be unoccupied for extended periods. This is where tailored Luxury Villa Insurance becomes essential.

 

At its core, Overseas Holiday Home Insurance is designed to safeguard both the physical structure of the property and the lifestyle and investment it represents. High value homes often feature bespoke architecture, premium building materials, and carefully curated interiors. In the event of damage, repair or rebuilding costs can be significantly higher than those of a standard property. Specialist policies provide cover that reflects the true value of the home, ensuring that features such as handcrafted fixtures and imported stonework can be restored to their original standard.

 

Buildings Insurance

One of the primary elements of premium holiday home insurance is comprehensive buildings cover. This protects the structure of the property against risks such as fire, storms, floods, earthquakes (in certain regions), and accidental damage. Because construction costs can vary greatly between countries, insurance brokers like Boshers, who are experienced in international property, can help you ensure the rebuild value accurately reflects local labour and material costs. This is particularly important for villas in remote or exclusive locations, where specialist contractors may be required.

Contents Insurance 

Equally important is Contents Insurance, which protects the valuable items often found in high end holiday homes. Designer furnishings, fine art, antiques, high-spec tech, jewellery, and watches all represent a significant investment. A tailored policy can provide worldwide cover for these items, along with higher limits than standard insurance policies typically allow. In many cases we can arrange agreed-value cover for particularly valuable pieces, offering reassurance that they are insured for their full worth.

Unoccupied Property 

If you leave your villa unoccupied for parts of the year, especially if it is used as a seasonal holiday home, we can structure your policy to provide financial protection for when it is left empty. Extended unoccupancy can lead to specific risks, including water damage, theft, or unnoticed maintenance issues, such as escape of water which can cause extensive damage. The coverage we provide offers protection during vacant periods, alongside risk management advice such as installing monitored alarms, leak detection systems, or regular property inspections.

Holiday rental cover 

Choosing to rent your property to guests when you are not using it results in further responsibilities. Boshers can arrange insurance that is tailored to include holiday rental cover. The policy protects against accidental damage caused by guests, loss of rental income following an insured event, and liability claims if a guest is injured while staying at your property. This ensures that you can rent your villa with confidence, knowing that both your property and your income are protected.

Public Liability Insurance

Another key component of an effective policy is Public Liability Insurance. If a guest, building contractor, or visitor suffers an injury on the property and holds you, as the owner, responsible, legal costs and compensation claims can be substantial. Public Liability cover helps manage these risks by covering legal defence costs and potential settlements. For villas with swimming pools, landscaped gardens, or leisure facilities, this protection is particularly valuable.

Why choose Boshers Insurance?

Owners of high-value overseas properties can benefit from our bespoke approach to insurance. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all policy often found online, we work closely with you to understand your property, its location, and how it is used. This enables us to structure your policy around your individual needs, whether the villa is purely your private retreat or part of a broader investment portfolio.

Ultimately, Luxury Villa Insurance is about preserving peace of mind, and your asset. A beautiful overseas property represents years of planning, investment, and personal enjoyment. With the right protection in place, you can relax and focus on what matters most: enjoying your home abroad, confident that it is protected to the highest standard.

To request a free quote or to discuss your insurance requirements with one of our advisers, please get in touch today.

Call: 01237 429444

Email: info@boshers.co.uk

 

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Insurance for Second Homes Abroad

Insurance for Second Homes Abroad

Staying in an overseas holiday home can be the perfect way to switch off and get away from everyday life. Often located in areas of outstanding natural beauty, by the sea, or in picturesque towns or villages, a holiday home abroad is a luxury worth investing in. But what happens when you need to leave your property vacant for long periods, or it is exposed to extreme weather conditions?

Taking out second home insurance abroad can present challenges if you don’t speak the local language and are not completely familiar with the location you have chosen for your holiday home. That’s why Boshers Insurance offers Overseas Holiday Home Insurance, specifically designed for UK-based second homeowners whose property is in Europe.

There are a few factors to consider around the usage of your property and how you pay for your policy when you’re arranging your overseas second home insurance.

Where is your policy held?

Boshers Insurance has access to a range of UK insurers who can insure overseas holiday homes at the appropriate level, according to your usage of the property and property type. All insurance costs and sums insured are in British currency (GBP) which means you don’t have to pay your insurance from an overseas bank account or be at the mercy of exchange rates.

 What usage does your policy cover?

Owning a property abroad is an exciting investment, whether it’s a personal retreat, a family getaway, or an income-generating asset. At Boshers Insurance, we can provide Overseas Holiday Home Insurance designed to protect you for the different ways you may use your property, including the following:

  • Standalone Holiday Home

If your overseas property is used primarily as a second home, we can arrange Building Insurance and Contents Insurance which provides robust cover for your assets, even when your property is unoccupied for extended periods.

If your holiday home is left empty between visits, it can be vulnerable to risks such as storm damage, water damage (escape of water), theft, or unnoticed structural and repair issues. We can source cover that offers financial protection for your property during vacant periods as well as when your home is in use, providing you with assurance and peace of mind that your property is covered, even when you’re not there.

  • Own use and Friends & Family

If you choose to share your holiday home with friends and family and they stay at your property free of charge, you’ll need insurance that is tailored to protect both your guests and your second home. Our team of experts can find a policy that extends to cover non-paying guests, protecting you against accidental damage and liability claims (Public Liability Insurance and Employers’ Liability Insurance can protect against liabilities risks).

If a visitor or guest accidentally slips in the pool area, for example, you could be faced with an expensive Public Liability compensation claim. The right insurance can help pay for associated legal fees and any claims that are upheld against you. Whether it’s a relative staying for a week or friends using the property while you’re away, with Boshers you can be confident that your insurance reflects how your home is actually used – not just how it’s owned.

  • Short-term commercial Holiday Lets and/or Airbnb

If you are looking to generate income, letting your property on a short-term basis through Airbnb, holiday villa rental platforms, or private arrangements can be financially rewarding. However, standard Home Insurance policies may not fully cover the risks associated with frequent guest turnover.

We offer specialist cover for short-term holiday lets, including protection against guest-related damage, loss of rental income following an insured event, and Liability Insurance for paying guests. This can ensure that your investment remains protected while you maximise its earning potential.

  • Property portfolios

If you own multiple overseas properties, managing insurance across different locations, uses, and occupancy types can become complicated.

We can provide insurance for multiple overseas properties which consolidates cover under a single policy. This not only simplifies administration but can also provide consistency in cover levels and potentially be more cost-effective for you. Whether your portfolio includes a mix of personal-use homes and rental properties, or you own holiday homes for personal use in different countries or regions, we can tailor a solution that reflects your overall investment strategy.

How we can help

Second Home Insurance abroad can seem overwhelming. With Boshers it doesn’t have to be. Get in touch with our experienced experts to secure cover for your overseas holiday home today.

Call: 01237 429444

Contact us: boshers.co.uk/contact/

 

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How Much Does Holiday Home Insurance Cost?

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Holiday Home Insurance premiums are influenced by a combination of property, location, usage, and risk factors. Because second homes are often unoccupied for long periods, insurers assess them a bit differently from main residences. Here are the key factors that usually have the biggest impact:

Location. Location.

You may have heard from estate agents and the media that owning a second home in a desirable or popular location increases the price of the property. When it comes to insurance however, where your building is situated can also bump up the price of your insurance premium.

Seaside or coastal holiday homes can generate healthy holiday let income and be lovely to stay at. But if your property is on a cliffside or beachside, it may be prone to subsidence, storm damage or flooding. If this is the case, it could lead to higher insurance costs because your insurer will take these factors into account.

Arranging your Holiday Home Insurance with an experienced broker like Boshers can potentially help you avoid sky-high premiums because of long-standing professional relationships with holiday home insurers.

 

Call: 01237 429444

Or email: info@boshers.co.uk

 

Is your property accessible?

If your property is perched on the side of a hard-to-reach remote area, or accessible only by off-road tracks, it may be more challenging to repair than a holiday home in a more central or accessible location. Remote and rugged locations can also be harder for emergency response such as the fire services to reach. Both aspects can result in higher holiday home insurance quotes.

 

Is your holiday home left unoccupied?

If your holiday home is left empty for periods of time between your visits, it could be more vulnerable to theft or undetected water damage such as burst pipes or leaks. Similarly, if you only let your holiday home to paying guests during peak seasons, and it is unoccupied for the remainder of the year, you will be required to declare how long the property is left empty for. Again, talking to a broker like Boshers can give you a thorough understanding of how long your property can be left unoccupied without your insurance costs increasing.

 

Do you use your property as a holiday rental?

Letting your holiday home to paying guests can be a great source of income. Putting the right level of financial protection in place, is however, important. If you employ people such as maintenance staff, gardeners, cleaners or receptionists, you will be required by UK law to have Employers’ Liability Insurance which Boshers can provide. This policy can cover legal fees and costs should an employee of yours become ill or get injured because of work-related activities. Without Employers’ Liability Insurance, you would have to pay for hefty compensation claims and legal costs out of your own pocket.

 

Public Liability Insurance is also a crucial part of insuring a holiday let. This insurance coverage covers you for any liability claims made against you should a member of the public suffer injury or illness due to your holiday let operations. For example, if a guest slips or trips on a wet floor or uneven exterior area at your property and sues you for damage, Public Liability Insurance can pay for related legal fees.

It is strongly advised that you let us or your insurer know that you have paying or non-paying guests staying at your holiday home, because you will need Holiday Let Insurance to protect you, which Boshers have specialist knowledge of. You don’t need to own and run a holiday let complex to arrange your insurance through us. You can own one holiday let and we’ll be able to help.

If you don’t let us or your insurer know that you are letting your property to paying guests, your policy might not cover you in the event of an insurance claim. Our team of qualified advisers will do their best to get cost-effective rates on your Holiday Let Insurance cost.

 

Property Type and Construction

Listed and thatched properties can sometimes be more costly to insure. This is because non -standard construction houses or apartments can potentially have a higher rebuild cost compared to standard-construction or more modern homes. If you own a larger holiday home, this too can increase the cost of the premium due to the higher cost of repairs and rebuild.

 

What can you do to potentially lower the price of your premium?

Insurers price holiday home insurance based on how likely a claim is and how expensive it would be if something went wrong. Reducing risk through good security, regular checks, and appropriate use of your property is often the most effective way to keep premiums under control.

 

Security measures

Installing alarms, CCTV, reinforced locks, and even shutters can help reduce premiums. Professionally monitored alarm systems or regular property checks are often viewed favourably by insurers.

 

Your claims history

A history of insurance claims on the property can push premiums higher. Repeated water damage or theft claims can especially influence the cost of your insurance. Taking care of maintenance if damage to your property is easily repairable and not claiming for smaller issues, can stand you in good stead with your insurer.

 

 

Level of insurance coverage chosen

Insuring both your Buildings and Contents, rather than just the structure, increases the premium, however if your holiday home has furniture or electrical appliances, or expensive contents, insuring for both Buildings and Contents is strongly recommended.

Accidental damage and loss of rental income can also raise costs but broaden protection.

 

Arranging a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay before your insurance coverage comes into effect), can go towards reducing the premium.

 

Maintenance and Risk Management

Insurers prefer properties that are well maintained and frequently checked. Taking preventative measures such as drain-down systems, smart leak detectors, or heating left on low in winter can positively affect pricing.

 

OVERSEAS HOLIDAY HOME INSURANCE

Overseas Holiday Home Insurance premiums are influenced by many of the same factors as UK holiday homes coverage, but with additional complexity due to distance, legal systems, and local risk conditions. Insurers look closely at both risk likelihood and claim severity. If you are a UK resident and own a holiday home abroad, Boshers can arrange insurance coverage tailored to your property type, location, and usage.

 

For a FREE insurance quotation or to find out more about how we can help you protect your home away from home, contact us today.

 

Call: 01237 429444

Or email: 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.

 

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Holiday Home Insurance explained – Aspects of your policy

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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.

 

Why do you need Holiday Home Insurance?

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

 

Why is Holiday Let Insurance so important?

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 Insurance

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.

 


What does Holiday Home and Holiday Let Insurance cover?

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.

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Loss of income - Supreme Court Judgement and FCA Test Case - Holiday Letting Cottage

Helping to keep you informed – Supreme Court Judgement and FCA Test Case

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Loss of income - Supreme Court Judgement and FCA Test Case - Holiday Letting CottageThere has been much media coverage of the Supreme Court Judgement made on the 15th January 2021 regarding the FCA Test Case involving some insurers business interruption wordings. Understandably this has caused a number of our holiday home and cottage complex owners to make further enquiries with us as the intermediary and with Ecclesiastical, the insurer, regarding loss of income cover.

We appreciate the significant impact that government measures to control the spread of the coronavirus is having on all businesses, not least self-catering accommodation providers and the wider hospitality and tourism industry.

Q: Commonly we are being asked, “Following the Supreme Court ruling that some Business Interruption policies must pay for losses due to COVID-19, does this mean that I am covered for loss of income after all?”

A: Unfortunately, the Loss of Income section of the Holiday Home Insurance policy underwritten by Ecclesiastical does not respond to closure as a result of COVID-19.

In short this is because the policy wording in common with the majority of sme insurance policies was clear in its intention and therefore not included in the FCA’s test case and therefore not impacted by The Supreme Court ruling on business interruption.

This is a complex matter but hopefully the following explanation will help clarify the position and why it hasn’t changed following the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement and FCA Test Case.

Loss of income cover

Our Holiday Home Insurance policy underwritten by Ecclesiastical does include a loss of income section typically providing cover for quantifiable losses following a property damage claim, such as a flood, fire or storm damage.

This loss of income section also includes the following extensions:

Prevention of access – this cover only applies where access to your property has been prevented or hindered following damage to a neighbouring property. Unfortunately, for this reason a claim for loss of income due to the COVID-19 lockdown is not covered under this extension.

Specified disease vermin defective sanitation murder – policies taken out or renewed prior to the 1st September 2020 provided loss of income cover for occurrence of established infectious diseases at the premises or within a radius of 25 miles whose impact is assessable (known as Specified Disease Cover). These diseases are set out in the policy document and only those listed in the Definition specific to this extension were covered.

COVID-19 is not included on the list of diseases covered by this insurance. This is because, in common with most of the market, Ecclesiastical’s insurance policies are not designed or priced to cover pandemics.

For clarity the Specified Disease cover in the holiday home insurance policy was removed for new policies and renewals from 1st September 2020. This is because following significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, our insurers, and in turn their reinsurers, have advised that such occurrences are not within the remit of standard commercial package policies. Whilst we understand that you would wish to include Loss of Income protection against a similar reoccurrence, we are unable to provide cover for any loss damage liability cost or any other sum of whatsoever nature arising from any form of infectious or communicable disease closure. This exclusion also removes the previously provided ‘specified diseases’ cover at or within 25 miles of your premises. These changes are detailed in this update to the policy wording.

FCA Test Case High Court Judgement and Supreme Court Appeal Judgement

The Ecclesiastical Holiday Home Insurance wording is clear and was not part of the FCA test case and therefore not part of the Supreme Court Appeal Judgement but to provide you with an overview of these two aspects this is as follows:

Specified disease extensions such as in the Ecclesiastical holiday home insurance policy was not one of the wordings being tested. This is because such wordings were clear and the Financial Conduct Authority has stated that most policies have basic cover, do not cover pandemics and therefore would have no obligation to settle claims for loss of income in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ecclesiastical did participate in the FCA Business Interruption Test Case in order to clarify some of their policy wordings unrelated to the holiday home insurance policy. At a Court Hearing on 2 October 2020, the FCA confirmed that it did not intend to Appeal the High Court’s original finding that losses arising from the closure of businesses due to the Government’s action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not covered by Ecclesiastical’s Business Interruption policies. This means that there were no further Supreme Court Appeal proceedings relating to Ecclesiastical.

Statement from Ecclesiastical Insurance:

“The High Court Judgment published on 15 September 2020 stated that losses arising from the closure of businesses due to the Government’s action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not covered by Ecclesiastical’s Business Interruption policies and therefore we are not required to pay claims on those policies.

We recognise that whilst the ruling supports the position we have taken throughout this period, the Judgment will clearly be disappointing to some customers. We are very mindful that this is an unprecedented situation that has been tough for customers and wanted to take part in the legal proceedings so we could gain maximum clarity for all in the shortest amount of time.

The Supreme Court issued its Appeal Judgment on 15 January 2021.  The proceedings did not involve Ecclesiastical. The original High Court ruling found that losses arising from the closure of businesses due to the Government’s action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not covered by our policies and the FCA confirmed in October 2020 that it did not intend to Appeal that decision.

This means that the Supreme Court Judgment does not change the original High Court ruling that claims on Ecclesiastical’s Business Interruption policies are not payable. We recognise that this has been a difficult and uncertain period for customers and hope the Courts’ rulings provide the certainty and clarity that the Test Case was designed to create.”

You can read Ecclesiastical’s full statement which was updated on the 15th January here:

Association of British Insurers (ABI) Statement and Q&A

A key principle of insurance is that the losses of the few are paid by the many. In a pandemic situation the losses are many and the insurance market is not designed to cover such scenarios. The ABI has published a comprehensive set of Q&As to help people understand what their insurance covers them for.

Other forms of help

The Government recognises that its own actions to save lives and beat the virus have resulted in sudden and acute difficulties for businesses large and small. It has announced several substantial initiatives to help them overcome these, some of which may apply to your holiday letting business. We would encourage our policyholders to take full advantage of these where they can. We recommend checking the Government website for more details on the support available:

Making a claim

Should you ever have cause to make an insurance claim, the process and contact numbers are detailed in the holiday home insurance policy document. You can either phone Ecclesiastical on their claims line 0345 603 8381 quoting your Boshers Holiday Home Insurance policy number or phone us and we will transfer your call to their claims department.

In summary

Unfortunately there is no cover within the policy for loss of income for cancelled bookings due to closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We realise that this may not be the outcome policyholders might have hoped for but trust that this explains the position at what must be an extremely difficult time for your holiday letting business.

Now that the vaccine is being rolled out across the UK we remain positive that domestic tourism and demand for self-catering accommodation will boom in the coming years.

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unoccupied holiday homes

COVID-19 Unoccupied Holiday Homes

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Temporarily Closed Holiday Letting Properties – Updated 17th March 2021

We appreciate the significant impact that government measures to control the spread of the coronavirus is having on all businesses, not least self-catering accommodation providers and the wider hospitality and tourism industry.

With much of the UK having experienced heavy rain, snow, flooding and prolonged periods of cold / freezing weather over the past few months, risk management is especially important to avoid or minimise losses and disruption to future holiday letting at your property.

We’re here to support you

We just want to reassure you that we‘re here to support you in protecting your holiday letting property in the long term, so that when it’s safe to do so it’ll be ready to open.

So by, following the steps below whilst your self-catering property is closed to guests due to Government guidance, your cover will remain unaffected.

We do however recognise that there may be circumstances where it’s not possible for you to comply with your policy conditions, where this is the case it’s important that you contact us in order that we may discuss and agree an appropriate approach with your insurer.

Arranging for holiday letting properties to be inspected

If you do not live on site or are not local to the holiday let property, we hope that you have been able to arrange for someone in the local area, for instance a neighbour, managing agent, a housekeeper or contractor to visit your holiday let property to make the necessary internal checks on your behalf at least every 14 days.

During the winter period there are often gas safety checks, electrical inspections or other routine maintenance required to be carried out at the property. These visits can also be opportunities to have internal inspections carried out on your behalf if the contractor is happy to do this and report back to you.

At the time of writing, the latest Government guidance (which can be found here) clarifies that whilst a business may be closed to customers, closed premises can still be accessed for certain purposes including:

  • Maintenance, where this is reasonably necessary; and
  • Other work to ensure business readiness to open.

In addition, where it is unreasonable for a person to work from home they are permitted to travel to work, provided this can be undertaken safely and in line with the latest Government guidelines.

Unoccupancy Conditions

Insurers expect that you continue to arrange internal inspections of your property and comply with the unoccupancy conditions. With respect to your holiday home insurance policy underwritten by Ecclesiastical this means that:

  • whilst the property is untenanted it must be inspected internally at least every 14 days by an authorised adult on your behalf;  AND
  • during the months of October to March inclusive, the heating system must be brought into constant operation to maintain a room temperature of at least 7 degrees Celsius throughout the property OR the water must be turned off at the stopcock inside the property and the domestic system drained and other services such as electricity or gas disconnected (other than as necessary to maintain central heating and security systems).

The consequences if you fail to fulfil the above conditions:

If you fail to fulfil the above conditions cover will be to damage by Fire lightning explosion earthquake and by any aircraft flying object (or items dropped from them) vehicle train or animal colliding with the buildings.

We know from many conversations that we have had with policyholders during the pandemic that the majority of holiday home owners have made arrangements to comply with the heating and inspection conditions detailed above.

Ecclesiastical have provided some reassurance and risk management guidance within a statement of intent which has been published on their website:

We hope that this provides the reassurance you need. If this action is insufficient to meet your insurance needs or if you are unsure about any other insurance issues, please speak to one of the Holiday Home Insurance Team on 01237 429444.

Any further updates or extensions will be posted on our website here.

 

Enhancements ended 02/12/2020

The following enhancements were only introduced for the duration of the English national lockdown period that ended on 2/12/20. These have therefore ceased and, for the avoidance of doubt, do not apply in respect of any tiered restrictions:
Premises that are temporarily closed solely due to the COVID-19 outbreak
Buildings that are temporarily closed/no longer in regular use are exposed to different and usually greater risk than occupied premises and premises that are open for regular trading.
Our standard policies define “unoccupied” premises and apply standard restrictions in cover and conditions precedent to cover that need to be complied with. Normally a higher premium is charged on unoccupied premises.
To ensure customers were not unduly penalised for temporary closures solely due to the COVID-19 full lockdown restrictions the normal terms and conditions applicable to unoccupied premises were not applied to premises that were temporarily closed.
Temporarily Closed meant premises temporarily closed solely due to the COVID-19 outbreak (and such premises were not regarded as unoccupied as defined in the Policy) during the period when the dispensations applied.
With effect from 2/12/20 temporarily closed premises must comply with all policy terms and conditions, including (but not restricted to) unoccupied premises conditions, where they fall within the normal policy definition of Unoccupied.
 
Please note:
1) The start of any period of unoccupancy begins from the date the premises first became unoccupied (not from 2/12/20).
2) If a premises qualifies as unoccupied on 2/12/20 the insured must comply with all policy terms and conditions for unoccupied premises immediately from 2/12/20 to maintain cover in line with the policy (unless otherwise agreed or varied by us in writing).
3) Premises that are not yet open to customers/other service users, or not yet fully used in the normal way for that premises, but does have daily occupation in line with normal working hours for that premises (such as admin/office functions are now operating, or there is a daily presence in preparing for normal operations to re-commence), will not be deemed unoccupied.
See the policy definition of Unoccupied for more details.
If in doubt please contact us via your normal channel of communication.

Outstanding risk improvements, periodic conditions and maintenance conditions – re-apply from 2/12/20 and all dispensations cease

We temporarily suspended compliance with risk improvements by the deadline specified by us, and other policy terms requiring regular maintenance or inspection, where these could not be completed during the COVID-19 lockdown because of the restrictions on movement and/or the lack of availability of contractors.
With effect from 2/12/20 the suspension of compliance will cease. Any policy term that requires regular maintenance or inspection re-applies from 2/12/20.
 
If the re-set deadline is not sufficient for any reason please contact us immediately.

Temporary cover enhancements for unoccupied holiday homes (Enhancements ended 02/12/2020)

unoccupied holiday homesUpdate for Boshers holiday home insurance policyholders who are concerned about their unoccupied holiday homes which are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. We would like to reassure our policyholders in light of the most recent government advice about the outbreak of COVID-19. You may be concerned that due to the current lock down and travel restrictions, the usual inspections of your holiday let cannot take place.  You may also be concerned that your policy cover may be restricted.

Recognising the circumstances customers find themselves in, we would not expect to see your ability to claim affected by circumstances over which you have little control. To reassure you, up to and including the 2nd December 2020 in England, Ecclesiastical have agreed that unoccupied premises cover restrictions will not apply to Temporarily Closed premises. These will equally apply to any similar lockdowns in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as per the dates announced locally by the governments in these countries.

A revised letter of intent can be downloaded (as a PDF) here. The letter details the revised temporary cover enhancements for unoccupied holiday homes.

The need for an inspection or check is deferred until travel restrictions are lifted

Where government advice does not allow the necessary travel to complete an inspection or to check on the security devices, the need for an inspection or check is deferred until travel restrictions are lifted to a level which allows inspections to re-commence.

However, if your holiday home is not occupied, this represents a greater risk of significant damage which could delay your holiday home getting back up and running once the current COVID-19 outbreak has passed. With this in mind, where you are able to do so safely, and within the current government guidelines, we would encourage you to consider anything you can do to reduce the risk of damage or loss, particularly through escaping water from heating systems and security of the premises generally.

In respect of Temporarily Closed premises the following risk management measures should be implemented as far as is possible:

(1) you must maintain in full and efficient working order and keep operational all

  • alarms (if fitted)
  • locks and all other protective and security devices preventing access to the premises

(2) Provided any travel required to carry out an inspection is in line with the latest government advice you or an authorised person responsible to you must undertake an internal and external inspection of such buildings at least every 14 days and

  1. rectify as soon as is reasonably possible any defects in the fabric of the building or any protective or security devices or installations
  2. take action to ensure the premises cannot be easily identified as unused or closed down such as removing waste, recycling and accumulations of post.

iii. put in place contingency plans incase the primary person(s) carrying out inspections or responding to alarm activations need to self isolate or are ill so that inspections and alarm activation responses can be maintained by another appointed person

(3) you or an authorised person responsible to you will arrange that either:

(a) the heating system is brought into constant operation and a minimum room temperature of not less than 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) maintained throughout the property or

(b) the water is turned off at the stopcock inside the premises and the domestic water system drained and other services such as electricity and gas are disconnected (other than as necessary to maintain the central heating or security system).

If you have any questions regarding this please do contact us. However in order for us to manage enquiries during a period where we are likely to be busy, please could we ask where possible that in the first instance you email info@boshers.co.uk. We will continue to update you and our website as the situation develops and thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.

  • COVID19 Temporary Cover Enhancements

Not a Boshers holiday home insurance client yet? We offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. If you need an insurance quote for your holiday let call us on 01237 429444. If we are closed use the quote form and we’ll be in touch during the next business day.

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holiday let bookings and coronavirus

Cancelled holiday let bookings and coronavirus – are you covered?

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holiday let bookings and coronavirusHoliday homeowners and holiday letting agents alike are understandably concerned about the potential for the disruption which coronavirus (Covid-19) may cause. Boshers have put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s). Hopefully these will help to clarify the position with respect to holiday let bookings and coronavirus. This includes details on cover provided by our holiday home insurance policy together with wider implications.

Whilst the primary concern for the disruption which coronavirus may cause is loss of income due to cancelled bookings, owners are also concerned about their liability towards guests and cleaning contractors. Hopefully these FAQ’s will help to clarify what is and isn’t covered under your holiday home insurance policy.

Holiday Let Bookings and Coronavirus – Frequently asked questions?

Q1. Does my policy include any cover for loss of rental income if the holiday home is directly affected by a `disease outbreak’?

There is some cover within the policy for loss of income as a result of a `specified disease’. The definition of specified disease specific to the loss of income cover is detailed in the policy wording. You can view the policy wording on our website here: https://www.boshers.co.uk/holiday-home-insurance/

Update: For clarity, the Specified Disease cover in the holiday home insurance policy was removed for new policies and renewals from 1st September 2020. This is because following significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, our insurers, and in turn their reinsurers, have advised that such occurrences are not within the remit of standard commercial package policies. Whilst we understand that you would wish to include Loss of Income protection against a similar reoccurrence, we are unable to provide cover for any loss damage liability cost or any other sum of whatsoever nature arising from any form of infectious or communicable disease closure. This exclusion also removes the previously provided ‘specified diseases’ cover at or within 25 miles of your premises. These changes are detailed in this update to the policy wording.

Q2. Is Covid-19 a specified disease for the purpose of the policy wording?

No – In common with most other insurers, Covid-19 is not a specified disease in our policy wording. The extension under the loss of income section of our policy for `specified disease’ is based on a specific list of diseases which does not include new and emerging diseases like Covid-19. 

Q3. What about the fact that Covid-19 has been declared a `notifiable disease’ by the Government? 

Even though the Government has declared Covid-19 as a notifiable disease, this does not change the insurance position under the policy. As the chancellor said, you cannot retrospectively change contracts of insurance at this time without threatening the future of the insurance industry.   

Our holiday home insurance underwriter Ecclesiastical will continue to offer cover for `specified disease’, rather than for ‘notifiable’ or any infectious or contagious disease such as coronavirus. We are sorry that it is not economically viable to provide cover for pandemic viruses such as Covid-19, but with this approach you can be clear on what is and isn’t covered.

Q4. What if guests are prevented from taking up their bookings because they have been quarantined due to coronavirus?

There would not be cover under your policy as this is a booking your guests cannot fulfil. You would need to check your booking cancellation terms and conditions to determine how much refund your guests would be entitled to, if any. It may be that they can claim for the cost of the booking under their travel insurance if they have a policy in force. Travel insurance may cover non-refundable cancellation costs, in specific circumstances. These may include medical advice against your guest or a member of your guests’ group from travelling or government advice against travelling. The ABI have issued some information for travellers here: https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/coronavirus-qa/

Q5. What if guests choose to cancel their holiday because they are disinclined to travel because they are concerned about coronavirus?

In a similar manner to Q4 above, there would not be cover under your policy. This is a booking your guests are choosing not to fulfil. You would need to check your booking cancellation terms to determine how much refund your guests would be entitled to, if any. In this instance the guests’ travel insurance would not cover them as travel insurance is not designed to cover ‘disinclination to travel’ , where the Government advice has not changed to advise against travel.

Q6. What if guests currently staying in the property are forced to stay on because our area comes under quarantine?

There would not be cover under your policy as coronavirus is not a specified disease in our policy wording. In any event, it is unlikely that individuals will be prevented from travelling home at the end of their holiday. If a guest contracts coronavirus whilst on holiday it would be reasonable to expect them to return home to self-isolate.

Q7. How about liability cover?

Subject to the terms and conditions of Boshers Holiday Home Insurance policy, the Employers’ and Public Liability cover provides an indemnity to the policyholder if the policyholder is held legally liable for accidental bodily injury or illness arising in connection with the policyholder’s business of holiday letting.  

Q8. Should I ensure that my holiday home is deep cleaned on changeover day?

You have a duty of care towards any visitors to your holiday home to ensure that it is a safe environment. By taking reasonable steps to make sure that your holiday home is cleaned in accordance with Public Health guidelines, you will be fulfilling your duty of care. The best source of cleaning guidance can be found here:

The situation surrounding coronavirus is developing rapidly. It’s best to regularly check the government’s official guidance which is reviewed daily and updated frequently. If you are already a Boshers Holiday Home Insurance client and need any additional guidance on holiday let bookings and coronavirus by all means give our team a call on 01237 429444 or contact us by email. Equally if you have any holiday letting insurance related questions regarding coronavirus that we haven’t answered above, get in touch and we’ll do our upmost to answer them.

Not a Boshers client yet? We offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. If you need an insurance quote for your holiday let call us on 01237 429444. If we are closed use the quote form and we’ll be in touch during the next business day.

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Malicious damage to your holiday home – where do you stand?

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We all know that from time to time accidents happen; perhaps someone spills a glass of wine (hopefully not red!) or smashes a glass fresh from the dishwasher. We can accept those and understand that accidents happen to the best of us. However what if someone were to cause malicious damage to your holiday home? Whether the malicious damage is caused by a paying guest or a trespasser, you’ll be faced with making repairs before your next guests arrive.

Do you know where you stand and what you need to do when it comes to your insurance?

What is malicious damage?

In the insurance industry, the term ‘malicious damage’ generally refers to any damage caused to your property on purpose.  There is a clear distinction between this and ‘accidental damage’, in that the damage caused has to be proven as being deliberate, rather than just an accident (for example spilling wine after tripping or smashing a glass that slipped through the hands).

Check your holiday home insurance policy

As specialists in holiday home insurance, our aim is to always give our policy holders the right cover so that should something happen, you know you’re not going to be left significantly out of pocket.

Malicious damage is covered under our policy as standard but is not by all policies on the market, so if you’re not currently insured with us, it’s worth checking your own documents.

The financial implications of your holiday letting property suffering malicious damage can be far reaching. In addition to repairing the material damage to your buildings and / or contents you may also suffer loss of rental income.

What do you do if you think someone has deliberately damaged your property?

Step 1

The first step to take would be to contact the police as soon as reasonably possible so the incident can be investigated. Take photos of the damage as this will assist your insurers with your claim. You also need to let your insurer know about the incident at this point by reporting the claim. If the damage is significant your insurers will appoint a loss adjuster to help settle your claim and appoint contractors to make repairs.

Step 2

Once your insurer is aware of the incident, it’s important that you forward them all communication and documentation surrounding it as soon as it comes through (including any knowledge of any impending prosecution or enquiry in connection with the event), as well providing them with any further information they request in order to process your claim.

The importance of being proactive

Although we’ve outlined the initial steps to take if you feel that your property has been damaged on purpose, it’s worth reiterating that before ever needing to take these steps, you should make sure you understand your insurance policy and what is covered within it.

If you haven’t already, search your policy document for the term ‘malicious’ to ensure you know what’s covered and what isn’t before you need to rely on it.

For more information on specialist insurance cover for your holiday home please give our experienced team a call on 01237 429444.

*This blog post is only intended as an introduction to malicious damage cover.  Please always refer to your insurance policy to gain a full understanding of your current level of cover.

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