We’d live year-round at the lake if we could, but for most cottagers, closing up for the winter is part of the drill. Beyond the seasonal rhythm of opening and closing your cottage, your vacation property could be empty for other reasons. Maybe you’re selling, and it’s still on the market. Or maybe your vacation property is in another province, and you can visit it only sporadically.
In any case, protection is paramount when a property is unoccupied, and that means ensuring your insurance policy fits your cottage’s unoccupied status. It also means understanding the difference between “unoccupied” and “vacant”—and how that can affect your insurance needs.
Vacant vs. unoccupied
When is a property considered “unoccupied” vs. “vacant”? As long as there’s an intent to return, the cottage or vacation property is considered “unoccupied.” Keep in mind, however, that many policies will limit how long that status lasts. That’s because the longer you go without anyone visiting your vacation property, the more likely it is that a loss could occur. Whether it’s damage from a storm or a fire caused by mice chewing through wires, a vacant property poses a higher risk.
Comprehensive cottage insurance
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your coverage, call a Wawanesa Insurance broker to chat about your insurance needs. Wawanesa offers comprehensive property coverage for your seasonal residence that’s similar to your home insurance policy, but built specifically for the needs of your cottage.
Protecting your unoccupied cottage
Whether you’re closing up for the winter or leaving your property unoccupied for other reasons, maintaining your coverage starts with a conversation. After you’ve called your broker to notify them that your property will be unoccupied for a given time, follow this handy checklist of other steps to keep your cottage safe.
1) Enlist a neighbor. A regular walkthrough can mean the difference between minimal damage and a massive headache when you return to the lake in the spring. Ask a local friend or year-round neighbor to check in on your place while you’re away. And if your vacation property receives mail in an unlocked mailbox or flyers on your doorstep, ask for them to be retrieved.
2) Mind your plumbing. Depending on how your vacation property is heated—and on whether your pipes are exposed or insulated—you’ll need a plan in place to protect your plumbing during the winter months. Your best bet is to consult a qualified local plumber to determine the best way to keep your pipes from freezing and develop a complete plumbing-winterization plan.
3) Deter break-ins. If you leave electronics, tools, or a stocked cottage bar behind for the winter, your cottage is a jackpot for off-season burglars. A video security system is a safe bet, and even a simple chain or barrier at the end of your cottage lane can help dissuade thieves.
4) Check your alarms. As part of your closing-up walkthrough, make sure your fire alarms and water-detection alarms are in working order. Newer smart alarms can notify you at home if anything is awry while you’re away, so ensure they have fresh batteries.
5) Curb the critters. A mouse can squeeze through a quarter-inch hole, so seal up any critter access points before you leave for the season. Damage caused by vermin is excluded from insurance policies, so the last thing you want is mice living in your walls and chewing on wires. If critters are a concern, a consultation with a local pest-control specialist can help you create a plan to keep them out.
Before you go …
Once you’ve taken the appropriate steps to close up your cottage property, talk to your insurance broker about your unoccupied status. That way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about while you wait out another Canadian winter. Learn more about your cottage insurance options at wawanesa.com/seasonalhome.
