
Protecting your holiday let is a top priority, and the right insurance can give you peace of mind. You can't afford to be without it, especially if you're renting out a property that's not your main residence.
Accidents can happen to anyone, and if you're not properly insured, you could end up losing thousands of pounds. According to the article, a single claim for theft or damage can cost you up to £20,000.
You'll want to make sure your insurance policy covers the full value of your contents, including any high-value items like electronics or artwork. The article suggests that you should aim to insure your contents for at least 80% of their total value.
Don't assume that your standard home insurance policy will cover your holiday let - it's essential to get a separate policy that's specifically designed for short-term rentals.
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What is Holiday Let Contents Insurance?
Holiday let contents insurance is a type of policy that provides compensation for claims related to damage or loss caused by guests. It's a must-have for property owners who want to protect their valuable items from accidental or intentional damage.
A comprehensive policy should cover fires caused by guests, escape of water caused by guests, and accidental or malicious damage caused by guests. This type of damage can be devastating, and the cost of replacing valuable items can be substantial.
The policy may also include cover for third-party property damage caused by guests, which can be a major concern for property owners. Theft and lost keys are also typically covered under a holiday let contents insurance policy.
Here are some of the key benefits of having holiday let contents insurance:
- Fires caused by a guest
- Escape of water caused by a guest
- Accidental or malicious damage caused by a guest
- Third-party property damage caused by guests
- Theft
- Lost keys
If your rental is pet-friendly, it's essential to check that your insurance covers any potential damage that dogs may cause. This will give you peace of mind and protect your property from costly repairs.
What is Covered?
Holiday let contents insurance is designed to protect your personal belongings and assets in the event of damage or theft. It's essential to understand what's covered so you can choose the right policy for your needs.
Your holiday let contents insurance should cover personal belongings such as kitchen appliances, furniture, electricals, and soft furnishings in the event of damage or theft. This can include items like TVs, computers, and valuable artwork.
Here's a breakdown of what your holiday let contents insurance should cover:
This type of insurance is crucial for holiday lets, as it can help you recover from unexpected losses and maintain a good reputation with your guests.
Protection
Protection is a top priority when it comes to holiday let insurance. Holiday let insurance covers your holiday home and protects you and any paying guests against losses caused by theft, fire, burst pipes, water or storm damage.
You can get cover for properties abroad, even if your property's overseas, insurers specialising in cover for UK-based holiday homes may still insure overseas holiday homes. This is a big plus, especially if you have a holiday home in a foreign country.
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Accidental damage is a common occurrence in holiday lets, and holiday let insurance can help cover the costs of minor incidents such as a broken television, liquid spilt on a carpet, or broken windows.
Theft and malicious damage are also major concerns when it comes to holiday lets. Insurers typically cover theft or malicious damage inside a home in scenarios where there has been forced entry, but guest-related theft or malicious damage may be excluded by other holiday let insurers.
Here are some examples of guest-related claims where this would be relevant:
- Items stolen from your home.
- Parties where the guests trash your home.
- Criminal damage.
Having comprehensive insurance in place can give you peace of mind that you have the same cover regardless of where you list your property.
Coverage
Coverage is a key aspect of holiday let insurance, and it's essential to understand what's included in your policy. Contents insurance, for example, protects your household goods, fittings, and personal property from loss or damage due to fire, flood, or storm, as well as theft or malicious damage.

You'll also want to consider public liability cover, which is crucial for holiday lets. This type of cover protects you from legal costs and expenses if a guest is injured while staying at your property.
To give you a better idea of what to look for in a holiday let insurance policy, here are the minimum cover requirements:
In addition to these minimum requirements, some policies may also offer extra cover for loss of holiday letting income, including alternative accommodation, emergency travel expenses, and loss of rental income. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unexpected disruption to your holiday let business.
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Pest Infestation
Pest infestation can cause serious disruption to your business and guests. It's a health hazard that can be time-consuming to fix.
Check that pest infestation is included in your insurance. If not, you may have to pay for the cost of fixing the issue yourself.
Incur further damages if more invasive solutions like fumigation were required, which can result in damage to your contents.
This can lead to further disruption to your business and guests, causing more stress and financial loss.
Here are some potential consequences of not having pest infestation coverage:
- Have to pay for the cost of fixing the issue yourself.
- Incur further damages if more invasive solutions were required.
- Incur further disruption to your business and guests.
Do I Need It?
You might be wondering if you really need holiday let contents insurance. The truth is, some parts of the UK now require a short-let licence, which may include insurance, especially in Scotland.
Mortgage providers typically require some form of insurance in place, so it's essential to consider this when deciding whether to get holiday let contents insurance.
Some areas, like Scotland, require insurance as part of the short-let licence, and England may follow suit.
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Loss of Income
Losing out on potential income can be very costly and stressful if you have to cancel bookings as a result of making a claim. Depending on the type of damage being repaired, it may take some time to put your home back into action.

Managing a holiday let business takes up considerable time and effort, so losing income can be a significant blow.
You may want to consider purchasing insurance that also provides loss of income cover for pre-existing bookings following a buildings or contents claim against the policy.
The first 14 days following an incident that resulted in a claim are usually excluded from loss of income cover.
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Escape of Fluid
Escape of Fluid is a type of insurance claim that can cause significant damage and disruption to your property. Claims of this type can be particularly tricky to deal with, especially if the source of any leak is difficult to identify.
The damage caused by an escape of fluid can be extensive, including buildings damage, contents damage, and even damage caused as a result of identifying the leak.
You should check your policy booklet to see if your insurance policy covers escape of fluid incidents. This type of coverage usually protects against specific incidents.
Here's a breakdown of what's typically covered under escape of fluid insurance:
- Buildings damage caused by escape of water or heating oil from water tanks, equipment or pipework.
- Contents damage that occurred as a result of this.
- Damage caused as a result of identifying the leak.
Do I Need Property Protection?

If you're considering renting out your property to paying guests, you should know that some areas in the UK require a short-let licence, which often includes the need for holiday let insurance as part of the requirements.
In Scotland, having some form of insurance in place is mandatory, and England may follow shortly.
Mortgage providers typically require some form of insurance in place, so it's essential to check your mortgage agreement to see what's required.
Having holiday let insurance protects you against serious out-of-pocket expenses that you may struggle to pay if something goes wrong.
Holiday let insurance covers your holiday home and protects you and any paying guests against losses caused by theft, fire, burst pipes, water or storm damage.
Whether your property is furnished or not, holiday let insurance gives you crucial protection.
The minimum your holiday let insurance should cover are building cover, content cover, and public liability.
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Building cover protects the main structure of your holiday let and its permanent fixtures and fittings, like roof, ceilings, walls floors and any fitted appliances.
Content cover protects personal belongings such as kitchen appliances, furniture, electricals, and soft furnishings in the event of damage or theft.
Public liability covers the legal costs and expenses if a guest is injured while staying at your property.
Renting out a property on a short-term basis to paying guests exposes you to unique risks that standard home insurance wouldn't cover.
Holiday let insurance is designed to protect you and your property against these risks, including theft, damage, and accidents involving guests.
The nature of short-term rentals means that your property is more likely to be left unoccupied for periods of time, increasing the risk of unfortunate events like theft and damage.
Renting a holiday home commercially also increases the risk of injury to visiting guests, which is why public liability coverage is essential.
Here are the key types of cover your holiday let insurance should have:
Won't Airbnb Cover Me?
Airbnb provides some protection, but this is limited and isn't a replacement for having proper insurance in place.
Most platforms, including Airbnb, provide no protection at all.
Having comprehensive insurance in place can give you peace of mind that you have the same cover regardless of where you list your property.
You can find out more about Airbnb's insurance coverage by checking out our Airbnb insurance guide.
Who Are Pikl?
Pikl Insurance is a company that specializes in insurance for holiday lets. They were founded in 2016.
Their team has a wealth of industry experience, which is reassuring when it comes to getting the right insurance for your holiday home.
Pikl is an FCA registered company, with the registration number 773457. This means they're regulated by a reputable organization that ensures they operate fairly and transparently.
You can compare insurance quotes through their panel of leading UK insurers, including household names like Allianz and AXA.
Their UK-based call centre is staffed by experts who can answer your questions and help you tailor your insurance policy to your specific needs.
Pikl Insurance Services Limited is a private limited company registered in England and Wales, with the company number 10449346.
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Choosing the Right Policy

Choosing the right policy for your holiday let contents insurance is crucial to ensure you're adequately covered in case of unexpected events.
First, consider the type of property you're renting out. If it's a furnished property, you'll need to insure the contents, which can include items like furniture, appliances, and electronics.
The value of your contents will also play a significant role in determining the right policy for you. For example, if you have a high-value item like a piano, you'll need to ensure it's covered with a sufficient policy limit.
Your policy should also cover accidental damage, which can happen unexpectedly. For instance, a guest might accidentally break a vase or spill something on the carpet.
You'll also need to consider the level of cover you need, which can range from standard to premium. Standard policies typically cover basic risks, while premium policies offer more comprehensive coverage.
It's also essential to review your policy regularly to ensure it remains relevant to your changing needs. For example, if you've added new high-value items to your property, you may need to adjust your policy limits.
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Policy Details
Holiday let contents insurance policies typically have a minimum annual let period of 90 days, which means you'll need to rent out your property for at least 90 days a year to qualify for coverage.
This is because insurers want to ensure that your property is being used as a business, rather than just a second home.
The policy excess is usually a fixed amount, around £500, which you'll need to pay towards any claims you make.
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What's the Typical Cost?
Holiday let insurance can be a bit pricey, but it's worth considering the factors that affect the cost.
Your excess amount can significantly impact your premium. The higher your excess, the lower your premium, but you'll need to pay more out of pocket if you make a claim.
The level of cover you purchase also plays a role in determining your premium, including any optional add-ons you might choose.
Having a no-claims bonus can help lower your premium, as it suggests you're a lower-risk policyholder.
Your property type and location can also influence your premium, with different types of properties and locations having varying levels of risk.
Here are some key factors that affect your holiday let insurance premium:
- Your excess.
- The level of cover purchased (including optional add-ons).
- Your no-claims bonus.
- Property type.
- Location.
How Much Cover?
Calculating the right amount of holiday let insurance cover can be a daunting task. You need to consider your specific circumstances and the property you're renting out.
To start, think about your own circumstances, such as how often you rent out your property and what kind of cover you need. A simple contents only policy may be sufficient for a flat that's only occasionally rented out.
You should also assess whether any existing cover you have is suitable for your needs. This will help you determine how much additional cover you need.
To ensure you get the right level of insurance cover, compare like for like cover when shopping for a quote. Each insurer provides different levels of cover, so it's essential to find one that meets your needs.
Here are some factors to consider when calculating your holiday let insurance cover:
- Your cover needs
- The property rebuild cost
- Your total contents sum insured
- Additional cover features selected, such as optional extras
- The amount of cover your insurer is able to provide
To get a better understanding of your cover needs, consider the following: a large holiday let that's rented all year round may require more extensive cover than a smaller property that's only occasionally rented out.
Calculating Content Value

Calculating Content Value is a crucial step in determining the right amount of coverage for your holiday let contents insurance. It's essential to think about how much your items are worth and what it would cost to replace each item.
You'll need to make a list of all your possessions, including electrical items like TVs and kettles, valuables like watches and jewelry, and furniture like sofas and beds. Consider the value of each item, as insurers typically set a single article limit, which is a ceiling on the total value you can claim for an individual item.
Some items, like high-value electronics or valuable jewelry, may need to be listed individually on the policy to be covered. It's also important to note that cash is not typically covered by holiday let insurers, so it's best to keep it off the premises.
To get an accurate estimate, research the current market value of each item and consider factors like depreciation and obsolescence. You can also use online tools or consult with an insurance expert to help you determine the correct values.
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Here's a simple table to help you get started:
Remember to review your policy details and check the level of excess on your policy, as some contents claims can be minor and may not be worth making.
Home Policy Information
Home policy information is essential for homeowners to understand their rights and responsibilities.
The average homeowner's insurance policy typically covers damages to the home and personal property, with a deductible of around $1,000.
Homeowners are usually responsible for maintaining their property, including regular inspections and repairs.
A standard homeowners policy may also provide liability coverage, protecting against lawsuits up to $500,000.
Insurance Providers
Insurance providers offer a range of holiday let contents insurance options, with some specializing in short-term rentals.
Some popular insurance providers for holiday let contents insurance include LV=, Direct Line, and Aviva.
These providers often offer customizable policies that can be tailored to your specific needs, including coverage for high-value items and additional living expenses.
What's Different About Direct Line Home Insurance?

Direct Line holiday home insurance stands out from the crowd with its tailored approach to second home owners. It offers a build-your-own policy option, allowing you to customize your coverage.
No admin fees are charged if you need to make changes to your policy, which can be a big relief for those who like to stay on top of their insurance needs. This means you can make adjustments without worrying about extra costs.
Direct Line also offers interest-free instalments in the first year, with 0% APR for over 18s who meet the eligibility criteria. This can be a helpful option for those who want to spread the cost of their insurance.
You can start a Landlord claim without needing to make a phone call, which can be a convenient feature for those who prefer to manage their claims online.
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Why Choose Intasure for Home Insurance?
Choosing the right insurance provider for your home is a crucial decision, and Intasure is definitely worth considering. They offer building insurance up to £1 million.
One of the standout features of Intasure is their understanding of local rules and regulations, which is essential for holiday let insurance. This expertise ensures that you're protected and compliant.
Intasure's policies are flexible and tailored to customers, with optional extras available to suit your needs. This flexibility is a big plus, especially for holiday home owners who need to adapt to changing circumstances.
Public liability cover up to £5 million is included as standard with Intasure, giving you added peace of mind. This level of protection is a must-have for any property owner.
You'll always deal with an English-speaking representative at Intasure, no matter where your property is located. This makes communication seamless and stress-free.
Here are some key benefits of choosing Intasure for your home insurance:
- Building insurance up to £1 million
- Public liability cover up to £5 million included as standard
- Property cover whether occupied or unoccupied
- Flexible policies tailored to customers through optional extras
- Experienced English-speaking customer service staff
Don't Forget the Extras
Don't forget to work out what cover you need for your holiday let.
To find the right policy at the best price, use our comparison tool.
Other Benefits

Holiday let contents insurance can provide you with a sense of security and peace of mind. It's essential to consider the benefits of such insurance, especially if you're letting out a second home.
Many holiday let insurance policies offer additional protection as standard, like cover for properties abroad. This means that even if your property's overseas, you can still get insurance to cover you.
Emergency travel cover is another benefit of holiday let insurance. If your home's damaged, you may be able to claim back the cost of a return flight to inspect the damage.
Theft is a significant risk when letting out a property, and holiday let insurance can help protect you against it. Cover for items in the property that have been stolen by guests or visitors is often included in the policy.
Here are some of the key benefits of holiday let contents insurance:
- Cover for properties abroad
- Emergency travel cover
- Theft cover for items stolen by guests or visitors
Sources
- https://www.pikl.com/holiday-let-insurance/
- https://www.coastandcountry.co.uk/blog/holiday-let-insurance-guide
- https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/landlord-insurance/holiday-home-insurance
- https://intasure.com/holiday-home-insurance/holiday-lets/
- https://www.money.co.uk/home-insurance/holiday-let-insurance
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