Canadian winters have always been unpredictable, but recent years have brought a dramatic shift. Ice storms, extreme cold snaps, and record snowfalls are putting unprecedented pressure on homeowners and cottage owners across the country. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Canadian insurers paid out a record $8.5 billion in claims in 2024, largely driven by extreme weather events.
For many Canadians, the question is no longer if winter will cause damage, but when. The good news? There are proactive steps you can take to protect your property before the next storm hits. We spoke with Natalie Simms, VP, Executive Product Owner, Claims Journey at TD Insurance, to learn what homeowners and cottagers need to know about winter risks, prevention strategies, and the coverage options that can help safeguard their properties.
Water damage: The silent threat
When most people think of winter damage, they picture broken tree limbs or collapsed roofs under heavy snow. But the reality is more insidious. “According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage is the top reason for property damage in this country,” explains Simms. “Last year, 120,000 home and business owners filed claims for insured damage following multiple catastrophic flood and water damage events across the country.”
Though many think that only large amounts of water can cause damage, but in reality, you don’t need five feet of water in your basement to face serious problems. “It often starts small and a lot of it can happen quietly behind walls, under floors, or in your basement,” says Simms. “When you think of winter weather—melting snow or ice, and freezing rain—all of that has the ability to seep into your home through cracks or openings in your roof, around windows, even your foundation. This is why it’s important to keep these areas sealed and properly maintained, so the water stays outside your home where it belongs.”
The climate is changing, and so are the risks
If you feel like winter storms are getting worse, you’re not imagining it. “Industry-wide climate change is putting pressure on insurance,” says Simms. “Hurricanes, ice storms, heavy snow or blizzards, and extreme cold temperatures are happening more frequently and with more force.”
For cottage owners, this shift creates a unique challenge. Properties that sit unoccupied for stretches of time are particularly vulnerable, and small issues can escalate quickly when no one is around to notice them early.
Prevention starts with a walkthrough
The best defense against winter damage is a thorough inspection before the cold sets in. Simms recommends starting with the exterior. “Walk around your cottage regularly if you visit all year round or before you close it up for the winter and scan it from the roof down for any visible signs of damage. Have a professional look at the roof if you have any concerns.”
What should you be looking for? “Missing shingles, loose siding, cracks around windows, and signs of water pooling close to your foundation,” says Simms. “It’s best to repair these before winter hits. If it’s safe to do so, also check eavestroughs or gutters for any blockages or debris.”
Inside, focus on your pipes. “Wherever necessary, wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping, which will help protect them against extremely cold temperatures and decrease the chances of them freezing and bursting,” Simms advises. “As well, if possible, carefully check your attic and crawlspaces for frost accumulation or moisture build-up.”
Check beyond your cottage
With so much focus on the structure itself, it’s easy to overlook what surrounds your property. But Simms warns that external hazards can be just as damaging. “If safe to do so, trim down and clear away tree branches that may fall on electrical wires, phone lines, or cause damage to structures in an ice storm or heavy snowfall,” she says. “A small bit of forward thinking can prevent damage to power cables and electrical lines and help prevent blackouts.”
The ice dam problem
A common winter threat for homeowners is the ice dam, a build-up of ice on the eaves of sloped roofs that prevents meltwater from draining properly. “An ice dam is caused by melting snow reaching the eaves and freezing there,” explains Simms. “This freezing then impedes meltwater drainage, both adding to the dam, and causing meltwater to back up, leading to water entering the house.”
If you own a cottage, Simms recommends checking in after sudden freezes or thaw-freeze cycles. “That’s a good time to make sure ice dams haven’t formed,” she says. And while there are preventative measures you can take, it’s worth noting that TD Insurance offers add-on coverage specifically to cover loss or damage caused by water entering your home because of an ice dam,
Preparing for power outages
Winter storms don’t just damage property; they knock out power. “Being prepared for a winter power outage means having heat, light, and non-perishable food on hand,” says Simms. “Make sure your emergency kit is cold-weather-ready with items like blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and water, and keep portable power banks fully charged.”
For those in areas prone to frequent outages, Simms suggests considering a generator or backup heat source. “If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages during the winter, you might also want to consider getting a CSA/ULC-certified generator or a properly installed and vented gas fireplace. Always follow safety instructions and keep any backup heat sources away from flammable materials.”
Understanding your coverage
Not all cottage insurance is created equal, and whether your property qualifies as a “secondary property” or a “seasonal property” makes a significant difference in what’s covered.
“For example, a secondary property you use all year round could be eligible for an all-risks policy, which covers your cottage and your belongings against all types of loss (except those excluded by your policy),” explains Simms. “A seasonal property – such as one that you close up in Fall and open back up in the Spring— would likely be eligible for a more limited form of coverage, such as a named perils policy, which only provides coverage against risks that are listed in the policy, such as fire, explosion, and smoke”.
“Speaking to a TD Insurance licensed advisor can help you understand your policy and ensure you have the right coverage for your property,” says Simms.
When it comes to protecting your home or cottage from winter damage, Simms’s advice is clear. “Your home insurance is there to support you when things go wrong, but prevention is the best way to be claims-ready,” she says. “And yes, there will be times when damage is unavoidable, but the more you know about what causes the different types of damage that lead to common claims, the more you can do to help prevent them.”
Winter may be unpredictable, but being prepared doesn’t have to be. A little proactive maintenance, the right coverage, and a solid emergency plan can make all the difference when the next storm hits.
Ready to winterize your property? Visit tdinsurance.com to learn more about coverage options and connect with a licensed advisor.
TD Insurance personal lines residential and automobile insurance policies are underwritten by Primmum Insurance Company, and TD General Insurance Company in Ontario. They are distributed by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc.
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The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Program for members of employer groups is underwritten by Primmum Insurance Company. It is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc., Damage Insurance Agency in Québec, and by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc. in the rest of Canada.