THE SHORT ANSWER
If you own a house, distinguish two things: cover for the building, and cover for you and your possessions. A combined house and home policy brings them together. A buildings-only policy does not.
A holiday home has its own documents. Having home insurance for your usual residence does not confirm that the holiday home's building is included. Start with the property you actually own and how it is used. [1][2]
Keep these points in mind
- Buildings and contents are different parts of the cover.
- Check every building against the policy document.
- Tell the insurer if the property's use changes.
STEP BY STEP
How to check your cover
Read the policy's name and scope
Look for combined house and home insurance, buildings insurance or holiday home insurance. Check the property designation and address. If your home insurance comes through a membership, the building may be insured separately. Gather both documents before trying to establish what is included.
[1]Count buildings, not documents
Check the main building, garage, shed and other buildings against the policy document. A new building is not necessarily included just because it stands on the same plot. Also check that the document describes the correct size and use after any alterations.
[1]Read amounts, excesses and age deductions
Full-value cover and a chosen maximum amount are different ways of insuring a building. Full-value cover does not mean every loss is paid without deductions. Read which causes of damage are included, how the excess is calculated and what deductions may apply to older materials.
[4][1]
Insurance is not a maintenance agreement
A policy covers specified events, not every cost associated with the house. Water entering through a roof or facade, for example, normally has different restrictions from a leaking pipe. Read the cause of damage and care requirements, not just the words water damage.
[2]Bring the different parts together
In My Forsio, you can add your insurance documents and see the information that can be read from them. Open the policy's detail view to reach the documents. If a building is not mentioned, the insurer needs to confirm its cover; its absence from the overview is not an insurance statement.
Fictional example
The cottage is listed. The shed needs checking.
One policy document for a holiday property.
- Main building
- Listed in the policy document
- Belongings in the cottage
- 150 000 kr
- New shed
- Unverified
The information here does not establish the shed's cover. The current agreement needs to answer that question.
Common questions
Does holiday home insurance replace my usual home insurance?
No. It does not provide the same personal protection, such as travel cover, as home insurance. If the property is your permanent home, the insurance needs to reflect that use. [2]
Could my belongings already be covered by home insurance?
There may be limited cover for belongings away from your usual home. That does not mean the building or all the belongings in a holiday home are included. Check both agreements. [2]
MY FORSIO
Start with the policies you already have.
Bring your documents together in My Forsio and see what the information shows. Free for individuals.
Sources and references
Sources checked
This guide explains general principles of Swedish insurance. Your policy schedule and terms set out what applies to you.