Insuring Your Seasonal Home: What Rhode Island Property Owners Should Know
Your Vacation Home Deserves the Right Coverage
Owning a seasonal or vacation home in Rhode Island—whether by the beach in Narragansett or tucked away in the woods of Exeter—is a dream. But it also comes with risks that require specialized insurance. At The Slocum Agency, we’re here to help you protect your second home, whether it’s a quiet family getaway or an income-generating Airbnb.
What Is Seasonal Home Insurance?
Seasonal home insurance is designed for properties that aren't occupied full-time. Since these homes are vacant for extended periods, they’re more vulnerable to risks like theft, vandalism, and undetected damage—making standard homeowners insurance inadequate.
What’s Typically Covered?
A seasonal home policy generally includes:
Dwelling coverage for damage to the structure
Personal property protection for items kept at the home
Liability insurance in case someone is injured on the property
Coverage for detached structures like garages or sheds
Optional add-ons include flood insurance, water backup coverage, and vacancy endorsements—especially important in Rhode Island’s coastal or rural areas.
Renting Your Seasonal Home? You’ll Need Extra Protection.
If you rent your property through Airbnb, Vrbo, or other platforms, standard seasonal home insurance likely won’t cover guest-related damages or liability. In that case, you’ll need a short-term rental endorsement or a dedicated landlord policy. We also recommend adding loss of rental income coverage in case a covered event makes your property temporarily uninhabitable.
How Seasonal Insurance Differs from Primary Home Insurance
While both types of policies cover property damage, liability, and personal belongings, seasonal home insurance is designed for homes that are only occupied part-time. Because these homes are often vacant, they are considered higher risk by insurance carriers and usually come with higher premiums.
Additionally, many seasonal policies do not automatically cover rental activity, while primary home insurance typically excludes any form of short-term rental. You’ll need to let your insurer know how you use the home to ensure the right endorsements or specialized policies are in place.
How to Lower Risk and Save on Premiums
To reduce insurance costs and protect your seasonal home, consider:
Installing a monitored security system
Adding water sensors or smart thermostats
Scheduling regular visits or hiring a caretaker
Bundling your seasonal and primary home insurance
Notifying your agent if you plan to rent it
Why Choose The Slocum Agency?
For over 75 years, The Slocum Agency has been helping Rhode Island homeowners protect what matters most. As an independent agency based in Warwick, we offer tailored seasonal home insurance for vacation properties, lake houses, and coastal homes across the state. Whether your second home is for relaxing weekends or earning extra income, we’ll make sure it’s properly insured.
Get a Quote for Your Seasonal or Rental Home
Let’s make sure your seasonal home is covered—no matter how you use it. Call us at 401-738-3366 or visit slocumins.com to request a personalized quote today.
