Heading Somewhere Warm for the Winter? A Few Insurance Tips Before You
If you’re one of the many Canadians who escape winter for a few months, good for you!
Before you lock the door and take off, there are a few simple insurance-related things worth checking. They don’t take long, but they can make a big difference if something unexpected happens while you’re away.
Make Sure Someone Is Checking on Your Home
When a home is empty for an extended period—especially in winter—it’s more at risk for things like frozen pipes, water leaks, or heating problems.
Most home insurance policies require that vacant homes be checked regularly, often every 24 to 72 hours. If damage happens and those checks weren’t done, insurance coverage could be reduced or even denied.
Having a neighbour, friend, family member, or house-sitter stop by regularly can prevent a small issue from turning into a major claim.
If Someone Is Looking After Things, Let Us Know
If someone is looking after your home, vehicle, or other insured property while you’re away, it’s a good idea to let us know ahead of time.
Why is this so important? For privacy and security reasons, we can’t discuss your insurance or make changes with anyone else unless we have your permission on file. If something happens while you’re on a beach or in a different time zone (i.e. 12 hours difference), not having that authorization can cause frustrating delays.
A quick call to authorize a trusted person can save a lot of stress later. Call us at 705-325-4461 or use our contact form.
Lending Your Car or Parking It Somewhere Else?
If you’re lending your vehicle to a family member or friend, or parking it somewhere different for the winter—like at a relative’s home or in long-term storage—tell us.
Who is driving the vehicle and where it’s usually parked can affect your auto insurance coverage. If a claim happens and your policy doesn’t match the real situation, it can complicate things. Even temporary changes are worth mentioning. Better to be safe, than sorry.
Before You Go…
A quick check-in with us before a long winter getaway helps make sure everything is set up properly while you’re away. It’s usually a short conversation, but it can make a big difference if the unexpected happens.
If you want help reviewing your coverage, reach out to us 705-325-4461 or through the Contact Us page — we’re here to help you travel with peace of mind.
Safe travels—and enjoy the sunshine.