We own two properties in Corralejo/Fuerteventura.

One property was purchased as an investment/rental property, it is a 2 bed apartment on a complex with pools and supermarket, very close to the harbour and old town. It is fully, but not expensively, furnished (Ikea). We visit Fuerte 6 or 7 times per year, but are not resident and therefore the rental property has to be managed by an agent on a long-term let basis (very few agents being willing to manage holiday lets). In the past 18 months we have achieved just 50% occupancy with the rental property, had the tv and various household items stolen and many things broken or abused. We have switched agents recently. The property is in a wonderful location (in our opinion) but we have decided to sell it as we cannot manage it ourselves.

Our other property is a new villa with private pool, purchased as a holiday home for ourselves/family & friends. We have considered renting our villa for occasional short term holiday lets to generate some income, but have been put off by the bad rental experience at our apartment.

How do other owners insure against potential damage caused by holidaymakers? Obviously, the odd broken plate or glass is to be expected but what about damage to expensive furniture? We have checked many websites but can't find reference to 'damage deposits' - we do not permit smoking in the villa but what happens if a guest disregards this rule and burns a hole in one of the leather sofas, or smashes the glass dining table top? Tour operators can obviously take out a blanket insurance policy and just pass on a percentage of the premium cost to the client (we have seen £20 per person per week quoted on several holiday sites) but what can the private owner do? To quote, say, £500 (even as a refundable deposit) must be offputting to most potential holidaymakers?

Any ideas? Do you know of an insurance company willing to cover contents of an overseas holiday home whilst occupied by holidaymakers, at a reasonable premium as we would anticipate no more than 6 bookings per year?

Sue C