Billions left in holiday homes

Back

Britons are leaving more than £6.3 billion worth of personal goods unattended in holiday homes across the UK and abroad, a survey has shown.

UK holiday property owners have an average of £15,200 worth of contents named on their second home insurance policies.

Some have a habit of leaving as much as £100,000 worth of personal belongings in their get-away retreats, often for months on end, according to insurer Zurich Private Clients.

Of those surveyed, two-thirds of those with holiday homes admitted to visiting their property no more than every three months, and one in 10 put in an appearance only once a year.

While family and friends are often encouraged to use second homes, 52% of properties are still left completely unoccupied for a month or more at a time.

Research shows many second homeowners do not have home insurance. One in 10 admitted they do not have home contents insurance, while another 11% do not know if their insurance is adequate.

And many are not even taking basic steps to protect their vacant homes. Just 48% have window locks on their property and only 22% have bothered to fit an alarm.

But even more worrying is the 6% who admit to having no security measures whatsoever.

Get a car insurance or home insurance quote now.