MANITOBA SECONDARY COTTAGE INSURANCE SPECIALISTS

What Is Secondary Cottage Insurance?

Secondary cottage insurance is designed for a year-round residence that is not the owner’s primary home. It may apply to a house, condominium, cottage or cabin with permanent heat, reliable utilities and maintained access.

Secondary Cottage Versus Seasonal Coverage

A qualifying year-round second home may be eligible for broader protection than a seasonal property insured for named perils. Eligibility depends on its condition, location, heating, access, utilities and use.

Secondary and seasonal policies may have different rules for occupancy, vacancy, inspections, winterization and road access. Owners should disclose how often the property is used and whether it is rented to others.

A second home may be added to a primary home policy in some situations, while other properties need separate insurance designed around the residence and its risks.

What Can Secondary Cottage Insurance Cover?

Depending on the policy, secondary cottage insurance may cover:

• The dwelling, attached deck, fixtures and building systems
• Furniture, appliances, electronics and other belongings
• Garages, sheds, bunkhouses, docks and other structures
• Liability for eligible injuries or property damage
• Additional expenses after an insured loss

Condominium units may also need coverage for improvements, loss assessments and portions not insured by the corporation. Watercraft, vehicles and high-value property may require separate coverage or endorsements.

Water, Vacancy and Winter Protection

Sudden plumbing losses may be covered, but gradual leakage, rot, mould and poor maintenance are commonly excluded. Frozen-pipe protection may depend on maintaining heat, shutting off water, draining systems or completing required inspections.

Optional sewer backup, sump pump failure or overland water coverage may be available. Eligibility and exclusions vary by location, construction, drainage and flood exposure.

Owners should follow the policy’s vacancy, inspection and winter maintenance requirements and keep written records when the property is empty for extended periods.

Liability, Rentals and Risk Management

Liability coverage can address eligible claims involving guests, stairs, decks, docks, pools, hot tubs and recreational areas. Rental activity, renovations, businesses and other changes in use must be disclosed.

Alarms, water shutoff devices, property inventories and regular maintenance can reduce risk. Coverage, limits and deductibles should reflect the residence’s rebuild cost, contents, additional structures and actual use.

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