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Q: Intasure - Specialist insurance for your holiday home
A: Download guides from Intasure for tips about insuring your holiday home in Europe:



 
For further information on Intasure's insurance policies visit www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/intasure or call 0845 111 0680 and quote reference number: 202742.

Check the small print of your holiday home insurance policy to ensure it covers your rental property adequately, advises Mary Jane Pittilla.  On the subject of public liability make sure your policy gives cover to employees or those engaged by you to carry out domestic duties in your holiday home - such as the pool man or change over staff.

The insurance industry is not widely known for its use of plain English - understanding exactly what a policy includes even in English can be a feat in itself. Add to this the complication of an unfamiliar language and the stress associated with making a claim, and the whole process can be doubly hard. So consider using a UK-based specialist insurer, which offers policies written in plain English where all claims are handled by a UK-based English-speaking team. Under the terms of such a policy, if you are a UK resident, UK law applies, and because of the European Union cross-border trading laws, these policies are legal in Europe.

According to overseas home insurance expert Mike Farley, Managing Director of UK-based specialist insurer Intasure, it is often the language that causes problems if there is a claim. "In Spain for example, often the policy documents are in Spanish and if there is an English version, claims are settled according to the Spanish wording and not the English version of the cover," he says. "In addition, if there are problems with a Spanish loss adjuster or builder, our English claims department will sort it out."

If your home is situated in a newly built complex, you are likely to be offered a "community" insurance policy. Farley of Intasure warns that this may not offer adequate cover. "Community policies frequently cover only the common parts of a complex, such as the walkways and the swimming pool, so individual apartments or houses wouldn't be fully covered. I would liken it to buying third party motor insurance. For complete peace of mind, you really need fully comprehensive cover," he says.

There are many other advantages of a fully comprehensive policy from a UK-based specialist insurer. Wider cover is just one. Ask yourself this question: if there is a claim and items need to be replaced, does the policy cover new for old as standard? Look at the small print, because that is additional cover on some foreign policies. Similarly, some foreign policies do not cover damage by falling branches unless additional cover is purchased. Are you sure the policy covers explosion? Collision by cars or aircraft is sometimes not covered on Continental policies.

Other issues you should consider when taking out insurance include:

  • What are the security arrangements - do you have to fit mortice locks, grilles or shutters to doors and windows?
  • What is the excess (amount payable by you if there is a claim)? Can you opt for a higher excess in order to reduce the overall cost of your cover?
  • In the event of a major claim, such as extensive fire damage, is the cost of emergency travel and accommodation covered?
  • If you rent out your property, is loss of rent included following a claim?
  • Does the policy cover your swimming pool as well as buildings?

If you choose a policy with such wide cover, your investment abroad will be as safe as houses.

For further information on Intasure's insurance policies visit www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/intasure or call 0845 111 0680 and quote reference number: 202742.