Insuring your cottage holiday

Don't take risks and insure your cottage holiday in this uncertain economic climate. You could become unemployed, fall ill or the cottage company could go out of business; there have already been a few casualties. With the unemployment rate expected to rise, don't take any risks and take out insurance.

Do read the terms and conditions of booking before making that booking so that you are aware of penalties should you need to cancel. There is great variation in booking practices. Some cottage owners exact a non refundable deposit that you lose in its entirety if you  cancel. This could be as much as 50%. Most will try to re-let that period but depending on the length of time they have remaining to do that, it may prove impossible.

Some general purpose travel insurance may cover your holiday in the UK so do check the details. There are also specialist companies dealing with cottage holidays in the UK.