I do the odd handyman job on weekends. If I was sued, would my home policy respond to this?

No, it would not. In order to insure any commercial operations, it is important to have a commercial liability policy in place. Even if you are working for friends or family, it is always important to have a liability policy in place to protect you in the event of a lawsuit.

If I use my vehicle 50% for pleasure and 50% for business purposes, it is okay to have it rated for pleasure use?

No, it is not. If a vehicle is used for business purposes, whether it is sales, construction or any other occupation, it is important to have it rated this way to ensure proper coverage is in place.

Do I need to list my child on my auto policy or would they be covered automatically?

It is important that all licensed drivers living in the household are listed on your auto policy unless they have their own auto policy elsewhere. Failure to have all licensed drivers listed on your auto policy could result in denial of a claim.

Does my home policy cover my garden tractor?

If your garden tractor is over 30hp, it needs to be scheduled on your home policy. There is usually a limit of approximately $15,000 for garden tractors that do not exceed 30hp included in the special limits section of your home policy (please refer to your specific company wording for exact limits).

Am I covered if I rent a vehicle?

If your auto policy has the OPCF 27 endorsement then yes, you are covered if you rent a vehicle in Canada or the United States. However, specific limits and time frames apply to this coverage. Therefore, it is important to contact your broker to review this coverage with them.

What is the OPCF20/27 on my auto policy mean?

These Ontario Policy Change Forms provide you with the following; OPCF 20 – This change form provides coverage for transportation replacement. For example, if you have been in an accident and your vehiclecannot be driven, you will have coverage to rent a vehicle up to the limit on your policy. OPCF 27 – This change form provides you with comprehensive and collision coverage if you damage a rented vehicle. Your liability coverage and accident benefits coverage on your auto policy would apply to the rented vehicle. This coverage is only applicable while you rent or borrow a vehicle in Canada and the United States.

Is my jewelry covered under my contents on my homepolicy?

There is a section in your home policy called special limits. This will include some coverage for Jewellery. Limits vary by insurance company, but there is usually around $5,000 for Jewellery coverage. Any big items,such as watches, wedding bands, etc., should be scheduled on your home policy. If you have questions on your specific coverage, it is important to contact your broker.

Are my recreational vehicles insured under my homepolicy?

No, they are not. A recreational vehicle requires a separate insurance policy or in some cases, it can be added onto your auto policy.

Can I insure my friend’s car?

No, you cannot. To insure anything, you need to have insurable interest meaning your name must be on the ownership.

If I am renovating my house, do I need to let my broker know?

This depends on the size of the renovation. Cosmetic renovations such as new flooring, painting or updates to kitchens and bathrooms are not a material change in risk and therefore, do not need to be noted. However,if you are adding value to the house, such as finishing the basement, it is important to let your broker know, so we can ensure the limit on the house is sufficient. Any renovations that include additions to the house are important to let your broker know, so they can ensure proper coverage is in place, as this is a material change in risk.

Opening Your Cottage After Winter: A Spring Insurance Checklist for Cottage Owners

Spring brings sunshine, birdsong, and the excitement of returning to your cottage. But for seasonal property owners in Ontario, it also brings questions about what winter may have left behind. Before you start airing out linens and restocking the pantry, it’s worth taking a closer look at your cottage insurance policy.

Opening a seasonal home without reviewing your coverage can leave you exposed to costly surprises. This spring checklist will help ensure your cottage is covered and ready for another year of memories.

Key Insurance Considerations Before Opening Your Seasonal Home

Spring is the ideal time to reassess your cottage insurance policy. After months of being closed up, seasonal properties are vulnerable to a host of winter-related issues, from burst pipes to roof damage. Melting snow and thawing ground can also reveal problems you may not have noticed last fall.

Before you flip the breaker or fire up the water heater, revisit your insurance policy and consider these coverage details:

Vacancy clauses: Many seasonal policies include stipulations about how long a property can be left unoccupied before coverage is reduced or voided. If your cottage sat empty all winter, this is one clause you’ll want to double-check.
Sewer backup and flood coverage: Spring runoff can cause serious water damage, especially in low-lying or lakeside properties. Ensure your policy includes sewer backup and overland flood protection.
Liability protection for guests: Cottage visits often come with extra visitors. Check your liability limits and make sure you’re covered for slips, falls, and other guest-related mishaps.
Outbuildings and detached structures: Don’t forget about your shed, boathouse, or detached garage. Confirm that your policy includes coverage for these auxiliary buildings and their contents.

Your best move? Speak with an experienced insurance broker. They’ll help you review your current policy, identify any gaps, and recommend updates tailored to your property and usage.

Review Policy Exclusions That Affect Seasonal Properties

Cottage insurance isn’t just about what’s covered; it’s also about what’s not. Seasonal properties often come with unique exclusions that catch owners off guard.

Some common exclusions include:

Rodent or pest damage: Mice and other critters can do significant damage over the winter, but many policies exclude coverage for their mischief.
Long-term vacancy: If your cottage remains empty beyond the timeframe allowed in your policy, certain claims may be denied.
Wear and tear: Damage that results from gradual deterioration is typically not covered.

Before you open up for the season, ask your broker:

Are there exclusions specific to seasonal or vacant properties?
What happens if damage occurred during the winter but wasn’t discovered until spring?
Are there optional endorsements I should consider to fill any gaps?

Verify Coverage for Repairs and Emergency Service Calls

Spring is a popular time for repair work. Unfortunately, insurance rarely covers damage that’s deemed pre-existing or preventable.

If your roof leaks or pipes burst due to freezing, your claim may be questioned if the damage could have been avoided with proper winterization.

Look for the following in your policy:

Coverage for emergency repairs like plumbing, roofing, or electrical services
Definitions around “sudden and accidental” damage versus slow-developing issues

Understanding your responsibilities as a property owner is key. Your insurer expects reasonable care and maintenance, even during the off-season.

Check Liability Coverage for Spring Visitors

As the weather warms up, so do weekend invitations. Hosting friends and family means added liability. Even something as simple as a slippery deck or loose step can lead to injury.

Make sure your policy includes:

Adequate personal liability coverage for injuries or accidents on your property
Medical payments coverage for guest injuries
Umbrella liability options if you frequently host large gatherings or rent your cottage

Take a moment to walk your property and identify any hazards that could cause harm. Early repairs can help you avoid both injuries and claims.

Spring Maintenance and Inspection Checklist for Cottage Owners

Insurance aside, a thorough spring inspection is one of the best things you can do to protect your seasonal home.

Here’s a simple checklist to guide your first visit:

Check pipes and plumbing for leaks or cracks
Turn on the water slowly and monitor for issues
Test smoke and CO detectors, replace batteries
Inspect the roof, siding, and foundation for damage
Look for signs of pests or wildlife intrusion
Clean gutters and downspouts
Check electrical systems and breaker panel
Inspect docks, decks, and railings for wear
Examine outbuildings for structural integrity
Document everything with photos and notes

Keeping records of your inspections and repairs can streamline future claims and show your insurer that your property is well-maintained.

Why Seasonal Property Insurance Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

No two cottages are exactly alike. Whether yours is a cozy cabin you visit once a month or a waterfront rental you list every summer, your insurance coverage should reflect how you actually use the space.

Some policies are designed for part-time use, while others are tailored for seasonal rentals or properties left vacant for long periods. Factors like accessibility, heating source, and whether you rent it out all affect your insurance needs.

Working with a broker who understands these nuances ensures your policy matches your reality, not someone else’s.

Protect Your Seasonal Home with the Right Cottage Insurance

Opening your cottage is exciting, but without the right cottage insurance, it can also be risky. Reviewing your policy in spring is your best defence against costly surprises. James Campbell Insurance specializes in protecting seasonal homes across Ontario.

Reach out to James Campbell Insurance today at 1-833-459-1065 or click here to get in touch online.