cottage - The CommonwellThe Commonwell

1. I leave my cottage unattended every winter. It's too cold and I'm not a snow bunny. Is it covered while I'm away?

Don't worry - it will be fine. What's the worst that could happen?

It's covered in snow - that's the only sure thing. Every policy is different and some policies will have check-in guidelines where someone must visit on a schedule.

Only if you have satellite-controlled cameras and on-premises security guards.

You won't really know until something happens.

2. I'm rebuilding my damaged island cottage. Why isn't the insurance covering the extra costs?

Because the expenses of barging away old materials or bringing in new materials are considered additional (for example) and should be factored in when looking at and insuring island property. Building costs are typically higher.

Because insurance agents typically aren't good swimmers.

Because water levels are more unpredictable on island shorelines than they are on mainland shorelines.

Because all your trades-people have to be certified amphibious, and that increases their hourly rates.

3. I couldn't believe how much damage one squirrel caused when it fell down my cottage chimney and got trapped inside for a week. Is the damage covered?

Only if you don't include the fine print and exclusions in your policy. Everything is covered until you realize it's not.

Moose damage may be covered. Squirrel damage is not covered unless you can prove the squirrel was similar in girth to a moose. Those kinds of squirrels can wreak havoc.

Most policies exclude damage caused by wildlife intrusions (like rodents, squirrels, etc.). Always understand the exclusions in your policy.

It's just one squirrel. A little gnawing here, some scratching there - do you really need to be compensated for that?

4. I have a huge septic tank. But I also get a lot of company and they can't seem to follow the washroom rules. Am I covered if the septic backs up?

Only if you can prove the back-up is caused by the owners of the property as opposed to the guests. Good luck with that.

Outhouses are a much better idea than septic systems in the context of deterring guests from coming.

Yes - septic system back-up is covered whether it says so in the policy or not.

No - most policies do not offer sewer back-up on seasonal or cottage properties. Understand the exclusions in your policy.

5. If my cottage burns down, can I just get a cheque for the value and whistle while I walk away?

Your policy will include a value calculation formula which is almost impossible to understand unless you are a designated Canadian Professional Accountant.

Yes and no. Most policies will offer the actual cash-value of the cottage in lieu of rebuilding - which will be less than the rebuild cost (due to depreciation rules).

Only if you can whistle the insurance company's favourite show tunes and not just top-40 pop songs.

Not a chance - you'll be lucky to get a dime.

6. Are my boats and permanent dock covered by my cottage insurance policy?

Only if they dont sink or break up in an ice-storm.

No. Watercraft requires specific insurance as an extension to your policy.

Only if they are not on the shoreline or in the water.

If you get your Ontario Boaters License, this covers everything.

7. I want to make some extra cash to help me buy a new boat, so I’m thinking of renting out my cottage on the weekends I’m not using it. Can I do that?

It depends on the boat you want to buy; most insurance brokers and agents would only suggest taking that kind of risk of letting strangers into your cottage if you’re buying a 1950s Peterborough powerboat.

No you can’t - not without a separate, Commercial insurance policy to cover your cottage-turned-business.

It depends on your policy, however most policies will allow you some period of occasional rental to others. Just check with your broker or agent to see what the requirements and limits are, as you also may be able to buy an endorsement to provide broader coverage.

Only if you give your broker or agent a steal of a deal to stay there themselves, complete with pure white towels and those little mints they used to put on pillows in hotel rooms.

8. What type of insurance are you looking for today? (Select all that apply)

FARM COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL AUTO WATERCRAFT

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Let’s say Carl here didn’t take the time to learn about ground water insurance clauses before his cottage basement became a swimming pool.

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