What is vacant home insurance in Canada?

To the point Do you know what vacant home insurance is? In this article, we explain why and how to insure a vacant or unoccupied home.

What's the difference between an unoccupied house and a vacant house? Why insure a vacant home? How do I obtain home insurance for a vacant or unoccupied home? What to do if you have a vacant or unoccupied house? Bottom Line Frequently asked questions about vacant home insurance

Are you planning to go on vacation in another country for a few months, accept a temporary contract out of town, leave your home temporarily during major renovations? These are just some of the reasons why you should take out vacant home insurance to be covered in the event of a claim: vandalism, theft, fire, water damage. Otherwise, your homeowner’s insurance may deny your claim, as an empty house presents increased risks.

What's the difference between an unoccupied house and a vacant house?

An unoccupied or vacant home presents increased risks, such as vandalism and theft. To protect yourself, you need to take out vacant home insurance, which usually comes with coverage limits and additional fees.

Although the terms “vacant home” and “unoccupied home” have similar meanings, they are not the same when it comes to home insurance in Canada.

Vacant home: a home whose occupants have left and have no intention of returning. Utilities are cut off and most or all of the furniture has been removed from the house.
House unoccupied: this is a temporary absence, such as a vacation, and you intend to return. Household utilities and appliances are still working.

Why insure a vacant home?

There are many reasons to insure a vacant or unoccupied home.

The main reason is liability insurance. For example, if a deliveryman or letter carrier falls and injures himself on your unmaintained stairs during the winter, you’d be protected from a lawsuit. In summer, if a pool is left unattended, someone could get hurt or drown.

But that’s not the only reason. As mentioned above, an unoccupied or vacant home presents increased risks, such as vandalism and theft. Otherwise, faulty wiring could cause a house fire.

If you haven’t taken out vacant home insurance, your insurer may refuse to indemnify you. By informing your insurer, you can benefit from full coverage until your home is occupied again. At the same time, you’ll gain peace of mind.

How do I obtain home insurance for a vacant or unoccupied home?

When a house is empty and unattended for more than 30 consecutive days, the rule is that home insurance does not apply in the event of a claim. Your property is then considered “vacant” and your current home insurance policy may be cancelled. In addition, your claims will be denied. Note that the same rule applies to other types of dwelling: house, condo, apartment, cottage, vacation home, rental property, etc.

So, if you’re going to be away from home for a long time, it’s essential to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. You can discuss your options with your insurer.

However, you must understand that your insurer may refuse to insure your vacant home. If he agrees, he will add a rider or vacation permit to your current home insurance contract. Although you’ll have to pay an additional premium, you can leave your home vacant for an extended period and still be covered in the event of a claim.

If you have a problem with your current insurer, don’t hesitate to contact an insurance broker like YouSet. They have access to a number of insurers specializing in home insurance, and will generally present you with the best offer to suit your needs.

What to do if you have a vacant or unoccupied house?

Of course, the first step is to contact your insurance agent or broker. Then, if necessary, take out vacant home insurance.

Then, whatever the reason for your home being unoccupied or vacant, there are several precautions you can take. First, consider the daily, weekly and seasonal maintenance tasks you perform while living in your home before it becomes vacant.

Also, you can (should) turn off the water supply to your home and drain the pipes to prevent pipes from freezing over the winter. If you know someone you trust, ask him or her to visit your home regularly to check that the heating is working properly, clear snow from your driveway and stairs, retrieve e-mail from your mailbox, etc.

Bottom Line

In short, if your home is empty or unattended for more than 30 consecutive days, your home insurance does not apply and your claims will be denied. To protect your unoccupied or vacant home, you need to take out vacant home insurance, which comes with limits and additional fees.

To compare insurance quotes, use our home insurance comparison tool to find the right home insurance for your needs.

Frequently asked questions about vacant home insurance

What is the average cost of home insurance?

The average price of home insurance varies according to a number of criteria, such as place of residence, type of dwelling and type of coverage. The average cost of home insurance is $87 ($1044/year) for a house, $31/month ($372/year) for a condo and $23.50/month ($282/year) for a rental, according to our partner YouSet.

What's the cheapest home insurance?

The cheapest home insurance is basic home insurance. It offers coverage limited to the risks listed in your insurance policy. Although more affordable, you should be prepared to cover the cost of any damage not included. Otherwise, compare with an extended or comprehensive policy.

Is tenant's insurance legally required in Canada?

No, home insurance is not legally required for tenants in Canada. But your landlord may require it to rent one of his apartments. This situation is very common among landlords who rent out furnished accommodation.

Which is the best home insurance company?

Home insurance premiums vary from one insurance company to another, depending on a number of criteria (e.g., place of residence, type of dwelling, type of coverage, claims history), but also on the target customers (e.g., some insurance companies won’t insure homes in flood zones). So get several home insurance quotes and compare them before making a decision. Or contact an insurance broker like YouSet.