Getting an Insurance Quote? 7 Questions Every Holiday Let Owner Should Ask

Owning a holiday let comes with plenty of moving parts — maintenance, bookings, cleaning schedules, and so on. But when it comes to protecting your property and income, insurance is where things can get a bit messy. It’s not just about ticking a box. Getting the wrong policy or missing something in the fine print can lead to expensive problems down the line.

So if you’re getting a quote or reviewing your current cover, here are the key questions to ask, because guessing what’s covered is never a good strategy.

1. What exactly does this policy cover?

You’d be surprised how many owners don’t ask this upfront. It’s not enough to be told your property is “protected.” When you get a holiday let insurance quote, you want to know exactly what you’re paying for.

A good holiday let policy should cover the building, the contents you’ve provided for guests, public liability, and ideally some loss of income. But not every policy includes all of these as standard. Some will exclude key bits or bundle them into vague clauses that are easy to miss. Make sure you’re clear on what’s included and what isn’t — in plain terms, not just insurance jargon.

2. Are short-term lets included, or not?

This is one of the easiest ways to fall into a trap. Not all insurers treat short-term lets the same as residential properties, and some won’t cover them at all.

Be direct. Ask whether short-term holiday lets are fully covered, and check whether any restrictions apply. Some policies limit how often you can let the place out, while others might have rules about minimum stay lengths or who can book. And if your property is left empty for long stretches during off-season, that can trigger different terms too.

If you’re operating in a grey area without knowing it, you could find your claim rejected when it matters most.

3. What security measures do I need in place?

Insurers don’t just want to know what your property looks like; they want to know how secure it is. And if you don’t meet their requirements, your policy might not pay out even if a break-in happens.

They might expect things like key safes with specific ratings, deadlocks on doors, or burglar alarms for higher-value properties. But here’s the catch: those expectations aren’t always clearly listed in a quote unless you ask. So you should. And if you’ve upgraded or changed anything since your last policy, tell them. Even small updates can make a difference.

4. Am I covered if a guest causes damage?

You’re probably assuming you are, but it’s not always that simple. Some insurers will cover accidental damage by guests. Others won’t. And in some cases, they only include damage caused by the property owner or non-paying family and friends. If someone spills red wine on the carpet or breaks a lamp, you don’t want to find out after the fact that it’s not covered.

Ask specifically about both accidental and malicious damage caused by guests. Also, find out what the excess is for those claims and if there are exclusions for high-value items. This is especially important if your property is furnished to a higher standard or includes tech, artwork, or specialist equipment.

5. Is loss of income included, and how long does it last?

If your holiday let is out of action after a storm or a fire, the loss of earnings can hit hard. Even if you’re insured for the rebuild or repair costs, your bookings might disappear overnight.

That’s why it’s worth checking whether loss of income is included — and if it is, how long the cover lasts. Some policies will only provide income protection for a few weeks. Others might cap the payout at a fixed figure that doesn’t reflect peak season bookings.

You’ll also want to ask how the payout is calculated. Is it based on your previous year’s bookings? Will you need to provide proof of lost income? The more clarity you have upfront, the easier it’ll be if you ever need to claim.

6. What if I need to renovate or carry out repairs?

Plenty of owners forget to ask this until they’re knee-deep in a refurb and something goes wrong. If you’re doing anything more than basic maintenance, like updating a kitchen or installing a new bathroom, your cover might be affected. Some insurers will pause or restrict cover during works. Others might ask you to notify them in advance or prove that contractors have their own insurance.

Even short-term disruptions can create risk. Think water leaks during plumbing updates or fire hazards from electrical work. Always ask if the policy remains valid during renovations or improvements, no matter how small they seem.

7. What’s excluded, and what does “reasonable care” actually mean?

Every policy has exclusions. Some are obvious, like general wear and tear. Others are far more open to interpretation. Ask for a full list of what’s not covered, and press for clarification on anything vague. Terms like “negligence” or “failure to take reasonable precautions” can be frustratingly unclear. What does reasonable care look like when it comes to guest behaviour, or winter frost protection, or ventilation?

This is also a good time to ask about anything specific to your property. If you have a wood burner, a hot tub, or allow pets, make sure there are no hidden restrictions that could catch you out later. Don’t leave it to chance or assume something is fine because it’s common.

Make Your Policy Work for You

You don’t need to be an insurance expert to get this right. But you do need to ask the right questions and push for answers that make sense. The goal isn’t just to get insured, it’s to get properly protected in a way that reflects how your holiday let actually operates.

Quotes are just the starting point. What matters is what sits behind the numbers. Get curious. Get clear. And don’t be afraid to walk away from policies that feel vague or incomplete.