Cottage & Seasonal Home Insurance

At Oegema Nicholson and Associates, we know there’s nothing more valuable than spending time with loved ones at the family cottage or any other seasonal residence. That’s why our brokerage specializes in high-quality insurance products to protect your home away from home. Whether you own a lakeside cabin in the woods or a trendy condo down south, you can rely on our expertise to cover all areas of your investment. If you’re interested in learning more about seasonal home insurance, read on to discover how Oegema Nicholson can help protect you. So sit back and relax this season knowing you have high-quality coverage that suits you and your family’s needs.

What areas does seasonal home insurance cover?

Seasonal home insurance operates much like traditional home insurance in that it covers many areas pertaining to your residence. These areas include the following:

Your seasonal home

Designed to protect your cottage and other outdoor structures on the property, this insurance can cover things like theft, vandalism and weather-related damage. Many Canadians also choose to include coverage for sheds, decks and hot tubs as these are also costly to replace on your own.

Your belongings

Because seasonal homes contain many valuables, adequate insurance is necessary to protect your belongings. Damage or loss to furniture, clothing and family heirlooms can be devastating. Have peace of mind knowing your personal items are well insured whether you’re at the cottage or hundreds of kilometres away.

Liability claims

Liability protection covers you if someone is injured on your property. Should a landscaper hurt themselves while mowing your grass or a visiting relative slip and fall on your riverside dock, you could be held liable as the owner of the seasonal home. This is the case even if you didn’t intentionally cause the incidents. Liability insurance will cover property damage, medical expenses and even legal fees should the injured party decide to sue.

How can I determine how much insurance is necessary?

A trusted insurance broker like Oegema Nicholson can help you avoid being over or under insured. There are many factors that can determine how much seasonal home insurance you actually need. Your answers to the following questions will be a good indicator as to how much coverage is necessary:

How much time do you spend there?
Do you rent it out at some point in the year?
Will you insure your recreational home as a secondary residence on your regular home insurance policy, or as a standalone property?

Premiums will also fluctuate based on the risk associated with part-time occupancy. Many cottages are insured under a named perils policy as opposed to a comprehensive or all-risk policy. With named perils, you will have coverage for specific risks such as fire, smoke damage or gas explosion. Coverage for things like vandalism or water damage may be harder to arrange due to part-time occupancy. That’s because damage for these things may be more severe since it will take longer for the damage to be discovered.

Does seasonal home insurance allow me to rent out my property?

Renting out your cottage could void your insurance policy if not permitted by the insurer. That’s why it’s best to work with a trusted insurance broker to determine exactly what is and isn’t allowed under the current rules. If you do decide to rent out your property for parts of the year, Oegema Nicholson can help you find an insurance product that covers you adequately should your renters cause any damage.

Will I need to check in on my property regularly?

It’s certainly true that seasonal homes must be checked on regularly for safety and security. However, many insurance providers have a maximum number of days you can be away before coverage can be denied. If, for example, you haven’t checked on your cottage all winter and heavy snow collapses the roof, you may have to cover the cost of damages on your own. Oegema Nicholson can help you understand all aspects of your policy to ensure none of your claims are ever denied.

Why trust Oegema Nicholson?

At Oegema Nicholson, we believe clients should be treated like family. Our friendly team is committed to ensuring your best interests, which means we work hard to represent you. Whether you require additional insurance on your brand new beach house or basic coverage for your rustic summer retreat, rely on our expertise to help protect your most valuable assets. For more information on seasonal home insurance, call us at 613-224-1455 or contact us here.

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