Insurance for a Second Home

Second-home insurance protects vacation and rental properties with coverage for structure, belongings, and liability.

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By Renata Balasco

Updated December 1, 2025

Reviewed By Tara Stumpf

Edited By Kristine Lee

How to get insurance for a vacation house or second home

Owning more than one home comes with some special insurance considerations. Is the property a vacation home or a dedicated rental unit? Is it a condo in the city or a coastal bungalow? Will it go unoccupied for long periods of time? Each of these situations presents unique insurance needs.

We’ll review these scenarios to help you navigate the process of insuring your second home.

Jump to

Special considerations
Coverage for two homes
Unoccupied or vacant homes
Implications of renting
Condo insurance
How to save
Insurance companies
Find coverage
FAQs

Special insurance considerations for second and vacation homes

Vacation homes often come with unique risks, depending on where they’re located. A beach house in Florida, for example, will likely need hurricane coverage, while a cabin in wildfire country may require additional fire protection. Mountain retreats, coastal homes, and even high-rise condos can all call for specialized coverage tied to their environment and structure.

Standard homeowners policies typically don’t cover floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. In some cases, you can add endorsements through your insurer, but often you’ll need a separate policy. Flood insurance is generally available only through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), though some high-end insurers include it in luxury policies.

If your second home is in an area prone to earthquakes, you may need a separate policy. In California, coverage is typically available through the California Earthquake Authority. Other states with higher seismic activity—like Hawaii, Alaska, Missouri, Kentucky, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, Tennessee, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, and South Carolina.—also offer earthquake insurance through select providers.

Does Home Insurance Cover Natural Disasters? | The Zebra

Your home insurance coverage after a natural disaster depends on your location. Most natural disasters, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes are not covered by homeowners insurance.

Can two homes be covered by the same homeowners policy?

The short answer: no. As every home has unique coverage needs, it’s not possible to insure two homes under the same policy. However, some companies may allow you to bundle policies to pay one combined premium and — in some cases — one deductible. Not all insurance companies will offer such an option, so be sure to consult your insurance company about bundling options.

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Can a second home be considered unoccupied or vacant?

Insurance companies classify a property as vacant or unoccupied after 30 days of continuous non-residence. There are, however, differences between vacant and unoccupied. Vacant homes are largely empty of personal belongings, while unoccupied homes often have furnishings or other property. Both, however, are less than optimal in the eyes of insurers.

Unoccupied or vacant homes can sometimes cost more to insure than do occupied dwellings. Insurance companies believe empty homes are at a greater risk of sustaining damage via vandalism and break-ins. Furthermore, problems that arise — such as leaks — could go unnoticed for long periods of time, becoming much worse.

Insurance for renting a vacation home

If you’re planning to earn income from a second home, insurance should be top of mind. Standard homeowners policies often don’t provide enough protection once you start renting out your property. For long-term rentals, a landlord policy is usually the right choice. It covers the structure and liability, while tenants insure their own belongings.

Short-term rentals, like those through Airbnb, may require additional coverage. Some insurers allow occasional rentals under a homeowners policy, but regular rentals typically need extra protection. Ignoring your policy’s rules could even void your coverage.

Home-sharing insurance is available through both traditional insurers and companies that specialize in short-term rentals. Some platforms also include coverage, though options can be limited. Since costs vary widely, it pays to compare providers to find the best fit.

What kind of coverage do you need for a furnished rental?

"If you’re renting out a fully furnished home, it’s worth thinking about what would matter most if something major happened. For example, my family has a furnished rental, and I chose replacement cost coverage because I’d want to replace everything quickly if the home were damaged. Actual cash value only covers what your items are worth today, which is usually a lot less than what it would cost to buy new. Replacement cost has a higher premium, but for me, the peace of mind is worth it."

-Beth Swanson, Insurance Analyst at The Zebra

Insurance for a second-home condo

If your second home is a condo, you should consider a condo insurance policy. This policy type differs from standard homeowners policies in that it only covers the internal portion of a home: interior walls, floors, and built-in features such as cabinets. Otherwise, condo insurance is similar to standard homeowners coverage in that it provides protections such as personal property coverage and liability. Condo owners must typically be members of a homeowners association (HOA), which provides coverage for common areas such as shared hallways, elevators, and stairways.

How to save on insurance for a second home

The insurance costs of covering a second home can be influenced by a number of features. This includes location, the age of the property, the building materials used, and how long the property goes unoccupied.

Below are a few ways to save on second home insurance premiums.

Security: A home with an alarm system or regular security patrols can be cheaper to insure.
Location: Homes built in areas prone to natural disasters will lead to higher rates.
Insurance quotes: Shopping around for the best rates can lead to big savings.
Bundling: Getting your home insurance and auto policies from the same company can often lead to a discount.

The best insurance companies for second homes

Owning a second home may influence your choice of home insurance company. Many standard home insurers may offer multi-property bundling options, but you’ll need to consult each company to gauge eligibility. Some companies, however, are more receptive to policyholders with multiple properties and the unique needs that come along with them.

Chubb Insurance, for instance, provides a Property Manager Service for clients with homes in hurricane-prone regions. Chubb's program sends professionals to the impacted property to evaluate damages. AIG is another provider accustomed to working with clients who own multiple homes.

Ready to protect your second home? Get quotes today.

Finding coverage for a vacation home

When buying a second home, don’t forget to factor in insurance. Start by checking with your current insurer to see what coverage options they offer. Then, compare quotes from other companies to make sure you’re getting the right protection and the best rate for both your property and belongings.

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Second home insurance FAQs:

Is it more expensive to insure a second home?

Yes, insuring a second home is usually more expensive because it may be unoccupied for long periods and can carry higher risks like theft, fire, or damage. You also might want additional endorsements or replacement cost coverage, which can increase premiums.

What kind of insurance do I need for a second home?

You need a second-home insurance policy that covers the dwelling, personal property, liability, and potentially additional living expenses if the property is damaged. Consider what the property is mainly used for, and discuss this with an agent to see if there are endorsements you might need.

Can I add a second home to my insurance policy?

Some insurers allow you to add a second home to your existing homeowners policy, but often it requires a separate policy tailored to the specific risks of that property.

About The Zebra

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