ECONOMICAL
SIMPLE
Cottage insurance
Owners of a new cottage should think about taking out insurance for this type of home. In general, this coverage is referred to as seasonal home insurance or cottage insurance. To better understand the level of coverage and the type of protection it offers, here are some clarifications on this subject as well as advice and answers to questions from owners wishing to take out cottage insurance.
Second or seasonal home insurance, but how?
Before subscribing to cottage protection, it is important to define whether it is a second or seasonal residence. It would therefore be appropriate to discuss it with the insurance broker or representative. Here are some points to clarify with an insurer:
- Seasonal residence
It is important to know the criteria for deciding whether the cottage is a seasonal or secondary residence. It is necessary to ensure that the residence is accessible at all times or seasonally with 2 to 3 visits scheduled each year. Such information makes it possible to classify the habitat as a seasonal or secondary residence.
- Second home
When we talk about a second home, it is a home that is regularly occupied during the year. This is the case, for example, with a chalet used on weekends or several days a month.
What insurance coverage do I need?
It is essential to ask the insurance broker or representative about the appropriate coverage for each type of residence.
Seasonal Home Insurance
Generally speaking, insurance for a seasonal residence can be less expensive than insurance for a second home. This is because the hedge is tied to only a certain number of risks. These include fires, windstorms, lightning and hail. Since the habitat remains unoccupied for a good part of the year, some risks are not covered. This is precisely the case with theft, vandalism and freezing of pipes.
In view of this particularity in the roof, it is important to take sufficient precautions with such a residence. Indeed, it is necessary to be vigilant by avoiding leaving valuable goods and equipment there when it is unoccupied. It is also advisable to drain the water from the pipes before winter. And if necessary, do not hesitate to add additional guarantees to better cover the seasonal residence.
Second home insurance
In the event that the owner regularly occupies his chalet, he can take out insurance with the same coverage as a main residence, with the possibility of customising the guarantees according to the second home. There is even the possibility of subscribing to a more comprehensive protection commonly known as “all risks”, provided that the eligibility conditions required by the insurer are met. These include the regular and year-round occupation of the chalet, compliance with building standards and the non-rental of the home to a third party.
It is very common for insurers to require the insured to take out primary home coverage before covering a second or seasonal residence. This constraint can prove to be a blessing in the end, especially in the event of a complaint.
Renting your cottage
Renting a cottage, whether as part of a seasonal or secondary residence, is not acceptable for many insurers. Still, it’s not impossible. The trick is to inform the insurer to adjust the coverage according to this situation.
Special features of the chalet
It is important for any homeowner to specify the specific characteristics of their cottage when shopping for seasonal or secondary home insurance. Among the particularities to be specified there are:
- Proximity to a lake or river
- The presence of neighbors in the vicinity and how far away?
- The geographic area where the cottage is located and the environment surrounding the habitat, in this case, forest, village, etc.
- The level of use of the habitat
- The regulations in force in the surrounding area, especially with regard to fire, animals, etc.
- Ease of access
- Activities in the surrounding area such as fishing, swimming, skiing, among others.
- The heating system and the equipment used.
By informing the insurance broker or representative about the particularities of the residence, this will allow him to offer coverage that is more adapted to the needs of the home and prevent any unforeseen events.
Equipment coverage
It is important to insure the equipment present in the chalet. These can be equipment that can be used for the functionality of the premises or for leisure. Among these amenities are a rowboat, a pontoon, a spa, a kayak, a pedal boat, skis, an outdoor fireplace, among others. By informing the insured of these equipment and belongings, the owner can benefit from more appropriate coverage to protect the objects within the residence.
Expensive but important
It should be noted that coverage for second or seasonal residences costs more than insurance for a primary residence. This is because chalets are more exposed to different risks, as they are not always occupied and are often located in remote areas.
Transportation of goods to the second or seasonal residence
Many people choose to carry several pieces of equipment and belongings each time they go to the cottage. These items are covered by primary home insurance. However, it is advisable to talk to the insurer to be reassured.
