Travelling Soon? Ensure Home Insurance Stays Valid While Away
Planning a vacation is exciting, but the last thing you want is a claim being denied because you missed a critical policy requirement. Many homeowners don’t realize that their insurance policy imposes obligations when their home is left empty for an extended period, especially in the winter and spring months.
The central question isn’t just “How do I protect my home?” but “What must I do so that my home insurance coverage will react if there is a claim while I’m travelling?” Understanding your policy’s ‘Unoccupied Home’ clause is the key to protecting your financial peace of mind.
Policy Obligations: Understanding the Unoccupied Home Clause
The single most important action you can take to ensure your home insurance pays out while you are away is to comply with the terms related to your home being unoccupied. If you are away for more than a few days, your insurer needs to know the property is being monitored to prevent small issues (like a burst pipe or minor leak) from becoming catastrophic losses.
Important: You should always leave the heat on during the winter season, regardless of the insurance requirements below.
| Insurance Company | Away Limit (Consecutive Days) | Required Action to Maintain Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Portage Mutual | 4 Days or more | You must do ONE of the following:
|
| Aviva Canada | 8 Days or more | You must do ONE of the following:
|
| Sandbox Mutual | 10 Days or more | You must do ONE of the following:
|
| SGI Canada | 10 Days or more | You must do ONE of the following:
|
| Red River Mutual | 14 Days or more | You must do ONE of the following:
|
| Peace Hills | 30 Days or more | You must do ONE of the following:
|
| Wawanesa | 0 Days (Must maintain heat) | Heating must always be on. Coverage is excluded for freezing during the usual heating season if the heat has been intentionally turned off by you or at your direction. |
Note: We derived this information from the Home Policy wording booklet for Comprehensive coverage on November 18, 2025. In the case of any discrepancy, the official documentation always prevails.
Vacation vs. Vacancy
Please note that these definitions in the chart above apply to being temporarily away (e.g., on vacation) with the full intention of returning to live at your premises.
Mandatory Check-in Rules
If you decide to go the ‘have a responsible person check on your home’s current state’ route, please note that those check-ins are most likely required to be daily, during the heating or melting season.
This is not a suggestion, it’s a contractual obligation. Failing to follow this requirement can be grounds for denial of a claim, particularly those related to freezing or water damage.
The Check-in Must Include:
- A physical walk-through of all areas of the home, including the basement.
- Checking that the heat is still functioning correctly.
- Recording the dates and times of the visits (keep a log!).
Unoccupied vs. Vacant:
It is crucial to know the difference between ‘unoccupied’ and ‘vacant’ in insurance terms, as the latter carries significant restrictions, often requiring a special endorsement:
Unoccupied
- The property is furnished.
- The homeowner intends to return.
- Example: You are away on a two-week vacation.
Vacant
- The property is without occupants.
- The property is without furniture.
- Example: You have moved out, and the house is listed for sale.
If your home will be vacant for 30 days or more, you must inform your broker immediately, as your policy will likely require a Vacancy Permit endorsement to maintain any coverage.
Mitigating Major Risks: Water Damage Prevention
Water damage from freezing pipes is one of the most common and costly claims that occur while a home is unoccupied. Here are some tips to help prevent the freezing of your pipes while you are away from your home:
1
Maintain Heat
Set your thermostat to a minimum of 15°C throughout the entire house. You must prove the heat was maintained in the event of a claim.
2
Shut Off Water
Shut off the main water supply and drain all pipes and plumbing systems, or arrange for a responsible person to check the home daily.
3
Test Backup Systems
If you have a sump pump, test the backup battery. Sump pumps rely on electricity, so a power outage leaves you vulnerable.
The Pre-Travel Home Security Checklist
While maintaining your insurance policy is priority number one, minimizing the risk of a break-in or theft should follow closely behind. These combined actions deter criminals and protect your home:
Deterrence and Physical Security
Reviewing Your Coverage and Valuables
Beyond the risk of water damage or break-ins, a vacation is the perfect time to review your policy limits, especially if you recently received valuable gifts or possessions:
Understanding Limits on High-Value Items
Standard policies place “special limits” on specific types of items like jewelry, watches, art, and collectible goods. The coverage provided may be lower than you expect, so before a trip or leavings for the holidays, confirm the coverage for your most expensive possessions.
Before You Go:
- If your collection exceeds policy limits, consider purchasing an Endorsement (Floater) for adequate protection.
- Maintain a solid record of special belongings, including pictures or copies of receipts, stored securely off-site.
- Ensure your policy reflects the current value of your home and possessions.
Next Steps and Staying Connected
Taking the few minutes before your trip to address these insurance obligations can make all the difference if the unexpected happens. Here’s what you should do next:
Action 1
Call Your Broker
Confirm the exact check-in interval required by your policy.
Action 2
Delegate Responsibility
Establish a trusted neighbour to perform and log the mandatory checks.
Action 3
Prepare for Emergencies
Leave emergency contacts and a key with your chosen contact.
Ready to review your policy before you travel? Our team is here to help you understand the requirements and ensure your policy is up-to-date.
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1.
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2.
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Posted in Home & Tenant on December 6, 2018 by Harvard Western Insurance
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