Most Canadians Skip Home Insurance Check Before Vacating Properties, Survey Finds
A recent survey reveals that a small share of Canadian homeowners review their insurance coverage before leaving their homes unoccupied for extended periods, exposing many properties to potential gaps in protection during vacations, snowbird trips, or seasonal absences.
What happened
A new survey indicates that few Canadian homeowners take the step of reviewing their home insurance policy before leaving their properties empty for an extended period. The findings highlight a widespread gap in pre-departure insurance planning, even among owners who travel frequently or maintain secondary residences.
What it means for consumers
Most standard home insurance policies include vacancy clauses that restrict or void coverage after a home has been unoccupied for a set number of consecutive days, often between 30 and 60. Homeowners who leave a property unattended without confirming these terms may find themselves underinsured or entirely uninsured if a loss occurs during the absence, including damage from burst pipes, fire, theft, or vandalism.
What it means for premiums
No direct premium change has been announced.
Coverage considerations
Before leaving a property empty, homeowners should review their policy's vacancy period, ask their insurer about unoccupied-home or seasonal-property endorsements, arrange for someone to periodically inspect the home, and keep records of the property's condition at the time of departure. Installing smart thermostats, monitored alarms, and water-leak sensors can also help satisfy insurer requirements and reduce the risk of a denied claim.