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Insuring your cottage: points to consider

Having a country home is an idea worth considering, especially when you have the means to acquire one. There are many advantages to owning a second home, not least of which is the opportunity to stay in one. However, we mustn't forget that a new home comes with responsibilities and paperwork, one of which is insurance.

In the case of a residence or cottage, inclement weather or other unforeseen climatic variations can cause unsuspected damage. If the cottage is only lived in seasonally, it may not be in the condition you'd hoped for. This kind of unpleasant surprise can result in substantial repair costs. That's why it's a good idea to take out cottage insurance. But first, you need to determine the criteria for good coverage. Do you have a high-value chalet we have the right products for your situation.

Is the residence occupied on a seasonal or non-seasonal basis?

When it comes to second homeOne of the questions you need to ask yourself concerns the length of your stay. The choice of insurance coverage will depend on this period. So it's important to take this factor into account. In the case of a residence that meets construction standards and is occupied frequently, it is possible to take out insurance similar to that for the main residence. Safety criteria are also taken into account when taking out insurance. For example, proximity to a fire hydrant or fire station.

For a much longer period of occupancy, the right insurance policy will be seasonal. For that matter, home insurers This is a much more appropriate option. In this type of contract, coverage is more targeted. For example, seasonal cottage insurance would include protection against fire, as well as climatic hazards such as hail, lightning, high winds, etc. Note that damage caused by criminal acts such as vandalism, burglary or damage caused by animals, are not covered. Valuable items and equipment, on the other hand, require an additional section on the insurance contract to be covered. This is the case for fishing equipment. To avoid increasing the premium, simply don't leave these items at the end of your stay at your holiday home.

Given these variables, it's best to take the time to discuss the various terms and conditions with your insurance company, before opting for one of their offers.

What insurance do I need for a rental chalet?

Unlike a property, insuring a second home for rent is more expensive for the insurance company. The reason for this is that the insurance company will claim an allowance proportional to the risks it has estimated. The bottom line is that insurance for rented cottages is always more expensive.

In some cases, insurers require a combination with home insurance before accepting insurance coverage for the rental cottage. Nevertheless, an insurance policy is an essential prerequisite for renting out your holiday home with complete peace of mind.

If the chalet is to be occupied periodically, the change of season must also be taken into account. In other words, it's advisable to carry out the necessary work in preparing for winter to come. This also applies to the rest of the year, whether summer, spring or autumn. This preserves the condition of the house and maintains its level of comfort.

What other factors influence the cost of cottage insurance?

There are many different risk factors that can affect the cost of insuring your cottage, some of which vary by region and/or insurance company. Here are a few things your insurer can evaluate:

• Access to services such as fire stations, hydrants, hospitals and emergency medical services.
• Special cottage features, such as hot tubs and pools, fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplaces.
• The type of road access to your cottage (summer only, year-round, none).
• If you have fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, a security system, etc., we can help you.
• Type of electrical wiring.
• If you rent your cottage (and how often and for how long).
• How often your cottage is unoccupied.

Fires are a major cause frequent complaints insurance rates for cottages. Your property's heat source and access to fire services will therefore have a major impact on your insurance rate. L'year-round occupancy is another key factor, as cottage owners are expected to check their property and carry out preventive maintenance as required.