Cottage insurance

Insuring your cottage, points to consider

Having a country residence is an idea that deserves consideration, especially when you can afford it. The advantages of owning a second home are numerous, the possibility of staying there is one of them. However, it should not be forgotten that a new house comes with responsibilities and paperwork, one of the documents of which should not be omitted is insurance.

In the case of a residence or cottage, bad weather or other climatic hazards can cause unsuspected damage. Since the chalet is only inhabited seasonally, it may not be in the state we had hoped for. This kind of unpleasant surprise can result in quite substantial repair expenses.

Hence the interest in taking out cottage insurance. But before that, you must first determine the criteria for good coverage. You have a high value chalet , we have products adapted to your situation.

Is the occupancy of the residence seasonal or not?

When it comes to second homes, one of the questions to ask yourself is the period of 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 the occupancy period is frequent, it is possible to take out insurance similar to that of the main residence.

Security criteria are also taken into consideration when taking out insurance. For example, there is the proximity to a fire hydrant or a fire station.

Period of Occupancy

For a much longer period of occupancy, the appropriate insurance policy will be seasonal. Moreover, home insurers would guide the choice towards this much more appropriate option. In this type of contract, the coverage is more targeted. Seasonal cottage insurance would include, for example, protection against fire as well as weather hazards such as hail, lightning, strong winds, etc.

Please note that damage caused by criminal acts such as vandalism, burglary or other damage caused by animals is not covered. Valuable things and materials must be covered by an additional section of the insurance contract. This is the case for fishing equipment. In order not to increase the allowances, it is sufficient not to leave these belongings when the stay in the second home is over.

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

What insurance for a rental chalet?

Unlike a property, insuring a rental second home is more expensive with the insurance company. This is because the latter will claim an allowance proportional to the risks it has estimated. It is therefore important to remember that insurance for rented cottages is always more expensive.

Insurers may also require a combination with home insurance before accepting insurance coverage for the rental cottage. Despite this, an insurance policy is one of the essential criteria to be able to rent out your second home with peace of mind.

For a periodic occupation of the chalet, the change of season must also be taken into account. In other words, it is advisable to do the necessary work in preparation for the coming winter . This is also valid for the rest of the year, whether it is for summer, spring or autumn. This helps to preserve the condition of the house and maintain the level of comfort.

What other factors affect the cost of insuring a cottage?

There are a lot of different risk factors that can impact the cost of insuring your cottage, and some of them vary by region and/or insurance company. Here are some things your insurer can assess:

• Access to services such as fire stations, fire hydrants, hospitals, and emergency medical services.
• The special features of the cottage, 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.
• The type of electrical wiring.
• If you rent out your cottage (and how often and for how long).
• How often your cottage is unoccupied.

Fires are a common cause of cottage insurance claims. The heat source of your property and access to fire departments will therefore have a significant impact on your insurance rate. Year-round occupancy is another key factor, as cottagers are expected to check their property and perform preventative maintenance as needed.