An insurance pro answers your travel questions
A March Break getaway should feel carefree, but the moment you zip up your suitcase and lock the front door, a familiar thought creeps in: What happens to everything I’m leaving behind? Maybe you’re picturing frozen pipes or your car sitting at the airport for a week. Maybe you’re wondering whether your home insurance still applies if you’re gone for longer than a few days, or what happens if you rent a car, lend yours out or bring valuables on the trip.
Anne Marie Thomas, Director, Consumer and Industry Relations, for Insurance Bureau of Canada tackles these travel questions – and more!
Home Insurance
Do I need to tell my insurer that I’m going on vacation?
If you are only going on a short vacation, then typically, you don’t need to tell your insurer. However, if you are planning an extended vacation (over 30 days) you should definitely let your insurer know. There may be requirements that you have to meet, such as having a friend or family member occasionally check your home.
Will my home insurance protect my house while I’m away?
Yes. Most homeowner’s, tenant’s and condo insurance policies continue to protect your property while you’re on vacation. The key exception is if your home will be unoccupied for more than 30 days. In that case, you’re required to let your insurance representative know.
Are there special requirements for leaving my home in winter?
Individual insurance companies may answer this question in a slightly different way, but most require that during the winter months, you have someone visit your property to:
Ensure the heating is working so the pipes don’t freeze
Am I covered if a pipe freezes and bursts while I’m on vacation?
In the winter, you should have someone check your home every three days when you are away to ensure the pipes aren’t frozen – especially if you are planning on being away for an extended period of time. Failure to have someone check your home could result in a claim being denied if a pipe bursts and causes damage.
What happens if someone slips on my property while I’m away?
If someone slips on your property while you’re away, your home insurance liability coverage may respond up to your policy limits. If you’re going away, it’s always a good idea to have someone periodically check your home.
Will my home insurance cover theft or vandalism that happens while I’m away?
Yes. Most home insurance policies will cover you for theft or damage while you’re on vacation. Again, if you’ll be away for more than 30 days, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance representative.
Does my policy cover the belongings I take with me on vacation?
Yes. Most insurance policies cover the possessions you take with you on vacation. Check with your insurance professional to see what, if any, limit there is on what the company will cover. Not all policies will have the same limit.
If I rent out my home or cottage during March Break, am I still covered?
No. Standard home and seasonal (cottage) policies often restrict or exclude coverage if the property is rented to others. Once you generate income from your property, it is a commercial, not a personal, risk. Check with your insurance professional. You may be able to buy “short term rental” coverage for your policy if you rent your property out while you’re away on vacation.
Does home insurance cover the damage caused by a power outage while I’m gone?
If you’re away on a two-week vacation, your policy would likely provide coverage. If you are away for over 30 days and you haven’t let your insurance company know that you’re going away, you may not have coverage.
Auto Insurance
Will my auto policy cover me if I rent a car on vacation?
Maybe. Check with your insurance professional to see if you have “liability for damage to non-owned vehicles” coverage on your policy. To cover damage to a rental car, you typically need to add this optional coverage to your policy. Keep in mind that the purchased coverage is only valid for cars rented in Canada and the United States. It won’t cover you if you rent a vehicle overseas.
Am I covered if I lend my car to a friend or family member while I’m away?
Yes, if the friend or family member has a valid driver's license. If you permit someone who does not have a valid license to use your car will create serious coverage concerns. You will likely not have coverage for any physical damage resulting from their use of the vehicle. You would also likely be breaching your insurance contract. Keep in mind that when you lend your car, you are also lending your car insurance.
Does my auto insurance cover belongings stolen from my car while on vacation?
No. If items are stolen from your vehicle at any time, you need to make the claim on your homeowner’s, tenant’s or condo policy – not your auto policy.
If I’m flying and leaving my car at the airport, is it covered for theft or damage?
Yes, but only if you purchased the optional comprehensive coverage on your policy.
Should I update my insurer if I’m leaving my car unused for an extended period?
As long as the vehicle is parked somewhere secure (like your driveway or garage), you don’t have to let your insurance company know. Having said that, there is no such thing as too much information from an insurance company’s perspective. Depending on how long you are planning on keeping the vehicle parked and unused, your representative may have suggestions, such as temporarily removing some coverage.
These are just a few of the questions that may have sparked even more. Fortunately, our team has answers to all your general insurance questions. Explore our Insurance 101 and After Disaster Strikes playlists on YouTube for quick, easy-to-understand guidance from Anne Marie and our team of insurance experts.
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