Insuring Your Secondary or Seasonal Home: What You Need to Know

If you own a vacation home or seasonal property, the insurance coverage it needs may differ from your primary residence. Learn what to look for, how to stay protected, and which carriers offer strong options in Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.

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Owning a secondary or seasonal home—whether it’s a cozy cabin in Missouri, a lake house in Texas, or a ski retreat in Colorado—is a dream for many. But with that dream comes the responsibility of protecting it properly with insurance. A second home brings unique risks, and it’s important to understand how coverage works and what makes it different from your primary residence.

Here’s what you need to know about insuring a seasonal or secondary home.

1. It’s Not Just a Duplicate Policy
You might think you can just copy the coverage from your primary home—but that’s not always the case. Insurance carriers underwrite secondary homes differently based on how often they’re occupied, their location, and their exposure to risks like theft, wildfire, or weather-related damages.
If your second home is only used during certain months (or left unoccupied for long stretches), insurers may limit or exclude certain coverages unless you take specific steps.

2. Vacancy = Risk
Homes that sit vacant for more than 30–60 days are considered higher risk. Empty properties are more vulnerable to vandalism, water damage, and even unnoticed fires. Many standard homeowners policies won’t cover claims if the home is deemed “vacant” and not properly disclosed.

To avoid this, talk to your agent about whether you need a vacant home endorsement or specialty policy. Carriers like Foremost and Safeco offer flexible options for properties that are only occasionally occupied.

3. Common Coverages to Include
Here are the main coverages you’ll want to consider for your seasonal property:

• Dwelling Coverage – Protects the structure of your home from covered perils like fire, wind, and hail.
• Other Structures – For detached garages, fences, or sheds.
• Personal Property – Covers furniture, appliances, or belongings kept at the second home.
• Liability Coverage – Protects you if someone gets injured on the property.
• Loss of Use – Covers living expenses if your seasonal home is damaged and uninhabitable during a repair.

Depending on where the home is located, you may also need flood insurance or wildfire coverage, which are typically not included in standard policies.

4. Rental Use Adds a Layer
If you rent out your seasonal home (even part-time through Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms), you’ll likely need a rental property endorsement or a landlord policy. This changes the risk profile and may void claims if you haven’t disclosed rental use to your insurer.

Some companies offer short-term rental coverage specifically designed for owners who rent their vacation homes part of the year. This includes protection for guest damages, loss of rental income, and liability coverage.

5. Bundling and Carrier Options
You may be able to bundle your second home with your primary home or auto insurance to receive a discount. Carriers like Allstate, Safeco, and Progressive often offer bundling options—though not all companies will insure seasonal homes, especially in high-risk areas.

Be sure to compare deductibles, exclusions, and perils covered to get the best value.

6. Tips to Reduce Premiums and Risk

• Install monitored security systems or smart home devices to reduce theft risk.
• Schedule regular check-ins if the home is left vacant.
• Weather-proof your property with storm shutters or sump pumps.
• Maintain heating during winter to avoid frozen pipes.
• Document all valuables and keep a digital home inventory.

Some carriers may also offer premium discounts for fire alarms, security systems, or updated roofing and plumbing.

7. Working with an Independent Agent
An independent insurance agency like Corin Insurance can help you compare rates across multiple carriers to find the right fit for your second home. We can also help ensure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need—or leaving gaps that could cost you later.

Final Thoughts
Insuring a secondary or seasonal home isn’t just a copy-paste of your primary home policy. From occupancy risks to location-based hazards and potential rental income, there are several factors to consider when building your coverage.
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If you're in Texas, Kansas, or Missouri and own (or are planning to buy) a vacation property, let our team at Corin Insurance help walk you through the options and find the protection that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Disclaimer: Coverage varies by policy and carrier. Always review your specific policy documents or speak with a licensed agent to confirm what’s covered and what’s excluded.