A second home can be empty for weeks or months at a time, which is exactly when standard home insurance can become less straightforward. Second home insurance: what to know about squatter insurance starts with one key point – not every policy treats an unoccupied property in the same way.

Second home insurance and squatter insurance

In Spain, the term ‘squatter insurance’ is often used for cover that helps owners deal with unlawful occupation. It is not always a separate policy. More commonly, it may be an optional extra or part of a home insurance policy’s legal defence section.

This support can help with legal advice, solicitor costs and the process of recovering possession of your property. However, cover varies widely. Do not assume it pays for every cost, lost rental income or damage caused during an occupation. Check the limits, exclusions and waiting periods before relying on it.

It is also worth knowing that you must follow the proper legal route. Trying to remove occupants yourself can create a far bigger problem than the one you started with.

The vacancy rule catches many owners out

A policy may define your home as unoccupied after a set number of consecutive days – often 30, 60 or 90. Once that limit is passed, theft, water damage, escape of water and vandalism cover may be reduced or excluded unless you have told the insurer.

Ask specifically about the maximum unoccupied period, whether someone must inspect the property, and what security measures are required. An alarm, secure locks, shutters and regular checks can all matter when making a claim.

Cover worth checking before you leave

For a holiday home, look beyond the headline price. You want to understand buildings and contents cover, water leaks, storm damage, public liability, legal defence and emergency assistance. If you rent the property out, you may also need a policy that permits holiday lets rather than private use only.

The right cover should fit how you actually use the property, not how you hope to use it. Compare In Spain can explain the options in plain English, so you can leave your second home with fewer worries and more cash in your pocket.