Let’s go to the lake.
It may be five of our favourite words. What about you?
Whether you are in a camp on Lake Nipissing, a boathouse in Muskoka, a family cottage in Haliburton, or a hunting cabin in Tobermory, we have you covered. Cottage in Quebec, Manitoba, or on the East Coast? Ski cabin in the great Canadian Rockies? We cover out of province too! Licensed across Canada, we have locations across Ontario, to serve you. As an independent, community-oriented insurance firm, we work for you. Enjoy the season, with the peace of mind your trusted Gifford Carr broker has your summer retreat, covered.
Our team is familiar with the priorities of cottage life. And the seasonal property, lake life that goes with it. Let us take care of the details to ensure your cottage property is properly protected, allowing you to spend time on what matters most, enjoying the moment, and making everlasting lakeside memories.
Put your trust in Gifford Carr Insurance Group, your local broker.
We cover cottage country.
Factors considered in your Seasonal Property insurance:
- Proximity to waterfront
- Property value
- Age and size of the property
- Value of contents
- Heat source, electrical, roof, and plumbing (age, type, and updates)
- Outbuildings or detached structures (ie, boathouse, bunkie, shed, dock)
- Shared property (ie, communal areas with neighbours)
- Shared ownership (ie, shared ownership of the property with friends or family)
RECENT EVENTS
Discover insights from our panel of experts in Insurance, Real Estate, and Finance from our recent “Bonfire” chat featuring:
Jason McDowell | The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group
Peter Bastedo | RE/MAX Affiliates Boardwalk
Peter Trevisan | Mortgage Broker with TD Bank
Moderated by our President, Matthew Carr, CIP
Questions for the panelists? Connect with us at hello@giffordcarr.ca
FAQ
I rent out my cottage, do I need different insurance?
When renting out your cottage you need to talk to your broker. Not every insurance provider will allow you to rent out the seasonal property under your current policy. But, when you are updating coverage to rent out your property, factors considered include:
- Who is renting the property
- Period of time (length and frequency) of the rental
- What is included with the rental (ie, use of kayaks, boats, and other recreational equipment)
I use my property year round, does that matter?
Yes.
Seasonal property packages are typically quoted with seasonal use in mind (and the expectation or terms included that you are checking on the property in the offseason). However, for regular use of the property in the winter months you would want to consider questions like:
- Is the road to access the property maintained (ie, snow removal)?
- If there is a heat and water source, have the proper prevention steps been taken (for example, heating water lines) to prevent potential losses?
What do I need to know when closing my cottage for the winter?
There are so many resources and tips to help you close your seasonal retreat for the winter season. Some of the big ones include:
- Winterizing your water and heat sources
- Putting away and storing your outdoor furniture and recreational equipment (ie, loungers, patio sets, paddleboards, and kayaks)
Find more resources in our blog: A step-by-step guide to closing your cottage for the winter.
