How To Protect Your Cottage From Any Damage
Whether it’s a cozy cabin tucked in the woods or a fully loaded chalet with all the bells and whistles, your cottage is your escape. It’s where cottage owners go to unwind, soak in the views, and enjoy the outdoors.
But no matter what time of year it is, there are many things that can happen to your cottage. Things like theft, vandalism, fire, and water damage are major risks for cottage owners. That’s why having the right insurance coverage matters. It means you can kick back and relax, knowing your home-away-from-home is protected.
But while insurance can help you recover after something happens, there are things you can do to help prevent events from happening in the first place. Here are some helpful tips on how to protect your cottage this summer.
Lock everything up when you’re away
A cottage is a great place to get away for a while, but it’s likely that you won’t be there for the whole summer. This means it may be sitting vacant for a good portion of the year. So, while it might seem obvious, we feel it’s worth repeating: lock up everything before you leave the cottage. That includes not just your front and back doors, but also windows, sheds, garages, and any outbuildings on the property. And if you have any outdoor furniture, be sure to put it into storage as well.
Thieves or vandals often look for easy targets, and an unlocked window or shed can be all it takes to invite trouble. While your cottage insurance may protect against things like theft and vandalism, preventing it in the first place can help you avoid having to deal with your insurance or risk an increase in your premiums.
Installing a basic alarm system or motion-sensor cameras can also add an extra layer of security and act as a strong deterrent when you’re not around.
Plus, locking up isn’t just about theft. A left-open window can invite in animals or pests, and it can ruin your belongings from weather damage.
Reduce your risk of fires
Fires can spread quickly, especially in rural or wooded areas where many cottages are located. While cottage insurance typically covers fire, it’s important to do your best to prevent it.
Start by testing your smoke detectors. It’s a good idea to replace the batteries at the start of each season. If you use a wood stove, fireplace, or fire pit, make sure you never leave a fire unattended and that you keep a fire extinguisher close by. Also, store any firewood away from the cottage.
It’s important to keep your property tidy, too. Things like dry twigs, piles of dead leaves, and tall, dry grass can all act as fuel if a spark from your bonfire lands on them. So make sure you maintain your yard by raking up debris after storms and mowing regularly, especially during hot, dry stretches.
Many cottage fires are caused by electrical issues, so make sure to inspect your electrical systems. Look for any exposed wiring, especially outside, where a squirrel may decide to nibble on it. Also, avoid overloading outlets and unplug small appliances when you’re not using them or are heading home.
Inspect your heating and plumbing
Even during summer, your cottage’s heating and plumbing systems need attention. Before your first visit of the season (and periodically throughout), you’ll want to check for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. Next, look over any exposed pipes for cracks and make sure your water heater is working properly. If your cottage uses a furnace or wood stove, make sure you inspect the vents and chimneys to ensure they’re clean and there aren’t any obstructions.
Small issues can quickly escalate if left unchecked, especially if your cottage sits empty for stretches of time. A cracked pipe can quickly turn into a flooded cottage. Regular inspections can help prevent costly repairs and unnecessary insurance claims.
Inspect your roof and foundation
Your roof and foundation are your cottage’s first line of defence against the elements. At the start of the season, and after any major summer storms, use a ladder to inspect your roof and look for signs of damage or wear, such as:
- Missing shingles
- Sagging areas
- Clogged gutters
For the foundation, take a walk around your property and look for signs of water pooling near the base of your cottage.
Inside, check for water stains on the ceiling or cracks in the walls or floors.
While cottage insurance can help cover the costs for water damage due to a leak in the roof or foundation caused by something like a severe storm, it does not cover damage due to neglect. That’s why it’s important to spot these signs early and have them taken care of.
Storm-proof your property
Speaking of summer storms, you’ll also want to storm-proof your property as much as possible. Start by trimming back overhanging or broken tree branches that could fall on your roof or power lines. Installing shutters can help protect your windows from flying debris. And speaking of flying debris, you may also want to secure any outdoor deck furniture, umbrellas, and other loose items that could become dangerous in high winds.
Check on your sump pump to make sure it’s working (if you have one), and check that your gutters and downspouts are clear so that they can properly direct water away from your foundation. While cottage insurance will protect your home from certain types of water damage, like a burst pipe, it may not cover flooding due to sewer backup or heavy rainfall.
It’s also a good idea to keep flashlights, extra batteries, and a basic emergency kit on hand, just in case the power goes out during a storm.
Review your cottage insurance coverage
Finally, another way to protect your cottage this summer is by ensuring you have the right coverage in place. While cottage insurance, like home insurance, isn’t legally required in Ontario, it’s essential for cottage owners. It can help cover you if your property is damaged by fire, storms, or theft, and it may also include liability protection if a guest gets injured on your property. It can also cover the contents inside, like your furniture, clothing, electronics, or seasonal gear.
So, if you already have a policy, now’s a great time to review it. For example, have you added new equipment or did you make any upgrades over the past year? If so, your coverage might need an update. And if you don’t have cottage insurance yet, contact the team at Oracle RMS for a free cottage insurance quote. We can help you find the right coverage at the right price for your needs.
