Cottage Insurance for Beginners
As we are in the midst of cottage season, getting away from the big city for a quiet getaway is a great time but insurance is likely the last thing on your mind. Although it helps to review your cottage insurance in the off-season when you have more handy time, below is a beginner’s guide to cottage insurance.
What is cottage insurance?
Cottage insurance is a policy that covers your seasonal dwelling. Like all other insurance policies, it is customized to meet your needs.
What are the different types of cottages that can be insured?
- A 2 or 3 season cottage – It is only used part of the year (typically not during the winter months)
- A 4-season cottage – Used all year-round with winter road access; and
- A rental cottage – It is available to rent by the public.
What are the coverages automatically included in a cottage policy?
- Liability – Protects you against third party claims where you are held liable either directly or indirectly due to your negligence.
- Contents – Includes personal items you own in the cottage; and
- Damage – Includes any damage to the structure.
What are the different types of cottage insurance policies?
- Named Perils – Only covers a specific type of damage or loss that’s stated by “name” in your policy.
- Broad Form – Extends beyond the basics to include rare events that may be of serious risk to the insured. In this policy your structure is covered under “all risk” but your contents are covered only by “name”.
- Comprehensive – Covers both your structure and contents for “all risk”.
What are the recommended coverages to add to your policy?
- Septic backup
- Overland water coverage; and
- Theft and vandalism.
As an insurance brokerage, we can provide assistance for cottage insurance. For more information contact Tommy Porteous at [email protected] or call 613-226-6590. Tommy is a RIBO licensed Ontario Insurance Broker and can guide you through the process.
This information is to be considered a guide only and does not represent every situation possible. You are strongly advised to speak with your broker to discuss your specific situation.