Cottage/Seasonal Insurance
Protect the place you escape to.
Your cottage is where the pace slows down, the lake is always a little calmer, and the weekend somehow turns into a week.
It’s also a property that may sit empty for stretches of time, face some pretty serious Manitoba weather and have a few features your primary home doesn’t.
Garriock Insurance helps Manitoba cottage owners find insurance coverage designed for seasonal properties, so you can spend more time enjoying the place and less time worrying about it.
Your Cottage
Coverage can help protect your seasonal home against covered losses such as fire, certain types of water damage, wind and other unexpected events.
Your Belongings
Your furniture, appliances, electronics, sporting equipment and other personal belongings can all be part of the cottage experience. Coverage can help protect your belongings against covered losses, subject to your policy’s terms and limits.
Personal Liability
Cottage season comes with guests, campfires, docks, boats and plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong. Personal liability coverage can help protect you if you’re responsible for injury to someone or damage to someone else’s property.
Other Structures
Cottages often come with more than a main building. Garages, sheds, boathouses and other detached structures may require coverage depending on the property and your policy.
Coverage varies by policy and property. Your Garriock broker can explain what’s included and what additional coverage may be available.
A cottage isn't just another home.
Seasonal properties have their own quirks.
Maybe your cottage is closed up for the winter. Maybe there’s a wood stove, detached garage, boat house or other outbuildings on the property. Maybe it’s down a gravel road, surrounded by trees and a long way from the nearest fire department.
These things can affect your insurance needs.
Garriock can help you understand the risks associated with your seasonal property and find coverage that makes sense for how you actually use it.
Your Cottage Has Its Own Set of Rules.
A seasonal property isn’t used the same way as your primary home, so your insurance shouldn’t be approached exactly the same way either.
How often you visit, whether the property is winterized, how it’s heated and what you keep there can all be important considerations.
Whether you’ve owned your cottage for years, just bought your first seasonal property or inherited one from family, we’ll help you understand your options and make sure your coverage reflects the property you actually own.
Getting Ready for Cottage Season?
Before you load up the boat and head to the lake, make sure your insurance is ready too.
If you’ve renovated, added a structure, installed a new heating system or made other changes to your property, it’s worth checking whether your insurance coverage still reflects what you own.
And if you’re buying a cottage, it’s a good idea to talk to a broker before you take possession.
FAQ: Cottage or Seasonal Insurance
Do I need different insurance for my cottage?
A seasonal property can have different insurance needs than your primary residence. Factors such as seasonal occupancy, heating, location, accessibility and the features of the property can affect the coverage required.
What does cottage insurance cover?
Coverage can include the seasonal dwelling, personal belongings, detached structures and personal liability, depending on your policy. Your specific coverage, limits and exclusions will depend on your property and policy.
Is cottage insurance required?
Cottage insurance isn’t generally required by law, but your lender may require insurance if you have a mortgage on the property. Even without a mortgage, insurance can help protect a significant investment from unexpected losses.
Does cottage insurance cover my dock or boathouse?
Coverage for docks, boathouses and other structures depends on your policy and the specific property. If you have these features, tell your broker so they can make sure your coverage reflects what you own.
What happens if my cottage is unoccupied?
Seasonal properties are often unoccupied for extended periods, which can affect insurance requirements and coverage. Your insurer may have specific conditions around how the property is checked, heated or winterized while you’re away.
Does cottage insurance cover water damage?
Some types of water damage may be covered, while other risks may require additional coverage. The location of your cottage and its proximity to a lake, river or other water source can also be important considerations.
Does cottage insurance cover my boat?
Your cottage insurance doesn’t necessarily provide the same coverage as a dedicated boat insurance policy. If you keep a boat at your seasonal property, talk to your Garriock broker about the appropriate coverage.
Can I rent out my cottage?
If you rent your cottage to other people, let your insurance broker know. Short-term or seasonal rentals can change the insurance requirements for the property, and additional coverage may be needed.
What if I use my cottage year-round?
Some seasonal properties are used throughout the year, while others are strictly summer properties. How you use your property can affect the type of insurance coverage that’s appropriate, so it’s important to tell your broker how and when you use it.
What if I've made renovations or additions to my cottage?
Let your broker know about significant renovations, additions or upgrades. Changes to the property can affect its replacement cost and may require your insurance coverage to be updated.