Your little getaway deserves the best protection, too.
What’s your idea of a great escape? Whether it’s a cottage by the lake or a cabin in the bush, Dawson & Keenan is proud to offer our customers a range of coverage options in Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Thessalon, and the rest of Algoma District.
Make sure your cottage is properly insured, so you can come back to enjoy it each season. Get protection for everything from boats to outbuildings with customizable plans. Are you an American who enjoys the Canadian cottage life? We’d be happy to find the best coverage for you as well.
What Defines a Seasonal Use Property
Make sure that you understand your type of season use property. At Dawson & Keenan, we offer protection for a wide range of cottages, including:
Year-Round Cottage
- Accessible via fully maintained roadway.
- Year-round fire protection access.
- Fully winterized construction (central heat, running water, etc.).
- Similar to a primary residence.
Seasonal Cottage
- Accessible via fully maintained or seasonally maintained roadway.
- Accessible by snowmobile as needed in winter months.
- Construction may vary between fully winterized and rustic (i.e. heat sources can be wood stove, fireplace, space heater, electric heater, or combination).
Rental Cottage
- Ownership of year-round or seasonal cottage with weekly or monthly rental arrangement.
- NOTE: Rental properties are covered differently due to the risks associated with renting.
Miscellaneous
- Usually located within a recreational complex, such as a ski resort, golf course, or general vacation property.
- Miscellaneous types can be defined as trailers located on rented lots in seasonal trailer parks, as well as mobile homes used for recreational purposes.
Vacant or Occupied Land for Recreational Use*
- Acreage used for recreational purposes with no permanent structures.
- OR
- Leased land used for recreational purposes with livable structures.
- OR
- Acreage used for recreational purposes with site for seasonal vacation trailer.
*Recreational use includes activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, or camping.
Coverage Considerations: Location, Usage, Dwellings
Not every cottage is insured the same. The type of coverage and the rate are determined based on factors related to location, usage, and dwellings on the property. Here are seven key factors to consider:
- Is it designed for seasonal or year-round use?
- Is it situated along a body of water?
- Any outbuildings on property (shed, barn, bunkies)?
- Any boats or other watercraft included?
- Would your primary home insurance cover items you bring with during your stay at the cottage?
- Do you ever rent out your cottage?
- Do you have anyone who regularly checks the cottage when you’re not there?
Want to learn more about insuring your cottage? Talk to the brokers at Dawson & Keenan for additional information.
Are You Covered for Your Cottage’s Unique Risks?
When our broker team reviews your needs, we ask a lot of questions in order to understand any detail that might affect your rates and options. When it comes to insuring seasonal property, there are some special considerations you should be aware of – ones that differ from insurance considerations we would have regarding your primary residence.
These considerations include:
- Ease of access by emergency services – Road types and maintenance, seasonable accessibility, water access only, etc.
- Vacancy periods – Length of time the dwelling(s) is unoccupied and vulnerable to burglary and/or vandalism.
- Exposure to weather extremes – Proximity to a major lake will expose dwellings to more intense weather patterns and temperature swings (pipe bursts, ice damage, etc.)
- Type of heating source – Sources such as wood stoves, oil, or propane can affect coverage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Insurance
Q: What additional coverages should I consider in my cottage insurance policy?
Every cottage insurance policy is different, so be sure to review it with your broker carefully. We may recommend a few additional coverage options, depending on your specific needs, to make sure you’re fully protected. These include:
Contents coverage – Any contents you permanently keep at your cottage will be covered by your cottage policy, while items you take back and forth are covered by your home insurance policy. Make sure you have adequate coverage for items that remain at your cottage.
Detached private structures – If there are private structures, such as a boathouse, detached garage, shed, or any other detached buildings on your cottage property, you may need to purchase additional coverage.
Watercraft – If you own power boats, jet skis, or other watercraft that are kept permanently at the cottage, make sure these items are covered in your policy, or purchase additional coverage for them.
Q: What is a named perils policy?
A: If you have home insurance, you will likely have a comprehensive or all risk policy. However, the part-time occupation of your cottage may only qualify for a named perils policy. This type of policy gives you coverage for specific risks, including fire, explosion, smoke damage, or water damage (excluding sewer backup or flood). Other risks like sewer backup, overland water, and vandalism may require additional coverage.
Q: Do I need to have home insurance in order to purchase cottage insurance?
A: No, you do not need a homeowners policy to purchase cottage insurance. At Dawson & Keenan, we can help you find the best policy for each property. Talk to one of our brokers to learn more about how this works.
Q: How does frequency of use affect my cottage insurance premium and the type of cottage insurance I need?
A: Cottages are typically second homes and how often you are there can impact your rates. Other factors that can affect rates are whether your cottage is equipped for year-round or only seasonal use, and if you ever rent out your cottage.
