Start Your Personalized Cottage Insurance Quote
Types Of Seasonal Use Properties
We know that there is more than one type of property that needs coverage. This is why we have multiple insurance options available to suit your specific needs. See below for types of Seasonal Use Properties covered, as well as discounts and additional coverage available.
Year-Round Cottage
This type of property is characterized by complete access through a year-round, fully maintained roadway, which fire protection services can use to access the property. Year-round cottages have fully winterized construction, including central heat, running water, and similar amenities to a principle residence
Seasonal Cottage
This type of property is characterized by access through a year-round fully maintained roadway or seasonally maintained roadway. Access to seasonal cottages can often also be made by snowmobiles in the winter months. The construction of the cottage can vary between rustic and fully winterized, with heating sources ranging from a wood stove, fireplace, space heater, electric or any combination of these.
Cottage Rental
This type of property is characterized by holding a Year-Round or Seasonal Cottage that could be rented out on a weekly or monthly basis. Rental properties require different coverage to account for the risks associated with renting.
Vacant (Recreational) Land
This type of recreational property consists of acreage that has no permanent structures on the property and is used for recreational purposes. These purposes can include a site for a seasonal vacation trailer, or activities like snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, or camping.
Condominium
This type of property is usually part of a recreational complex, such as a ski resort, golf course, or general vacation property. It also includes trailers located on rented lots in seasonal trailer parks, as well as mobile homes that are used for recreational purposes.
Coverage Offered
The insurance protection available for a seasonal residence varies according to a few characteristics, including:
- Access available for fire protection services (open & maintained roads)
- Construction quality
- Use of the dwelling or property. The heating source if any will have an impact on the insurance coverage available for the property.
Coverage is offered as required for the dwelling, outbuildings, personal contents permanently located at the premises, as well as the Personal Liability Insurance Protection for the property owner and their family. If the property is rented to others, Loss of Rental Income coverage can also be obtained.
If the seasonal property is part of a Condominium Complex then the following coverage would be offered
- Improvements & Betterment to the Unit
- Condominium Contingent Coverage
- Loss Assessment Coverage
Homeowner Specific Discounts
Claims free
New construction
Age related discounts
Renewal discounts
Optional Coverage
Replacement Cost on Contents
Sewer Backup
Vandalism & Malicious Acts
Glass Breakage Coverage
Burglary Damage
Theft of Contents
Earthquake
Key Considerations for Cottage Insurance
Your cottage is your home away from home, your special sanctuary, your seasonal getaway. It’s wonderful to have a place to enjoy the summer months, but do you know if you are properly protected?
Seasonal dwellings, like cottages, are different than your permanent home. There are different considerations that must be taken into account when determining your cottage insurance coverages. Key questions include:
- Is your cottage used seasonally, or year-round?
- Is your cottage situated along a body of water?
- Do you have outbuildings (bunkies, sheds, etc.)?
- Do you have watercraft?
- Does your home insurance provide adequate coverage for those items you bring back and forth from the cottage, or do you need to increase it?
- Is your cottage regularly checked on by someone in your absence?
- Do you rent out your cottage?
There are many types of coverages, and conditions may vary depending on your plan. Give us a call to learn more about the specifics of your insurance coverage.
Increased Risks For Cottages
There are additional risks with owning a seasonal property, as compared with your permanent residence. These include:
- Access available for fire protection services: This includes both open and maintained roads, and water access only cottages.
- Vacancy: There are periods of time, sometimes lengthy, when no one inhabits the cottage. This increases the risks of robbery and/or vandalism.
- Weather: Cottages tend to be located in areas that can suffer great temperature fluctuations and more intense weather. This increases the risks of pipes bursting, ice damage, etc.
- Natural Hazards: Cottages are often situated in wooded areas and near water. This exposes the dwelling to natural hazards like falling trees, flooding, etc.
- Heating Sources: Often, cottages feature wood stoves and oil or propane heating. The heating source will need to be taken into consideration when determining your coverage.
Coverages For Seasonal Properties
Coverage is offered, as required, for the dwelling, outbuildings, personal contents permanently located at the premises, as well as the Personal Liability Insurance Protection for the property owner and their family. If the property is rented to others, Loss of Rental Income coverage can also be obtained.
If the seasonal property is part of a condominium complex, then the following coverages would be offered:
- Improvements & Betterment to the Unit
- Condominium Contingent Coverage
- Loss Assessment Coverage
There are also optional coverages that may be available. Examples include:
- Guaranteed Replacement Cost on the Dwelling
- Replacement Cost on Contents
- Sewer Backup
- Vandalism & Malicious Acts
- Glass Breakage Coverage
- Burglary Damage
- Theft of Contents
- Earthquake
Seasonal Property Discounts
The discounts available will vary depending on the type of seasonal property but can include:
- Multiple policies
- Claims-free
- New construction
- Age-related discounts
- Renewal discounts
There are many questions to ask and issues to consider, contact The Ostic Group and we’ll help make sure you are properly protected.