Leaving your home empty for an extended period can affect your insurance coverage, whether you’re spending the winter somewhere warmer, renovating or preparing to sell. For example, a frozen pipe could cause extensive water damage if nobody is home to notice the leak, and failing to meet your policy’s requirements could affect whether the damage is covered.
For insurance purposes, a vacant home isn’t necessarily the same as an unoccupied home. Insurers generally distinguish between properties where residents are temporarily away and those where nobody is living or expected to return. The distinction matters because different coverage conditions may apply depending on your circumstances and policy.
This guide explains the difference between vacant and unoccupied homes in Ontario, how extended absences may affect your home insurance, and when additional coverage or a vacancy permit may be needed.
In This Article
- How long can a house be unoccupied in Ontario before insurance is affected?
- Vacant vs. unoccupied homes: What’s the difference?
- What does vacant home insurance cover?
- Snowbird checklist: Keeping your Ontario home insured while you’re away
- How different situations can affect your home insurance
- Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a house be unoccupied in Ontario before insurance is affected?
There isn’t one rule that applies to every home insurance policy in Ontario. Most policies continue to cover your home during short vacations, but longer absences may come with additional requirements. The Insurance Bureau of Canada advises homeowners to notify their insurance representative before leaving their home unoccupied for more than 30 days.
Winter absences require particular attention, even for shorter trips. The IBC’s winter safety guidance recommends leaving the heat on and arranging for someone to check your home while you’re away. Failing to meet your policy’s requirements could affect coverage if a pipe freezes and bursts.
Before leaving, confirm any heating, plumbing and property inspection requirements with your broker. Ask how frequently someone needs to check the home and whether your insurer requires notification or other arrangements for the length of your absence.
Vacant vs. unoccupied homes: What’s the difference?
Home insurance policies generally distinguish between vacant and unoccupied properties. The difference can affect which losses are covered and whether additional insurance arrangements are needed.
- Unoccupied home: A property where residents are temporarily away but intend to return. The home is generally still furnished and maintained for regular use. A snowbird spending the winter in Florida or someone away on an extended work assignment may fall into this category.
- Vacant home: A property where nobody is living and there are no immediate plans for regular occupancy. Examples may include an empty house awaiting sale, a rental property without residents or a home undergoing major renovations.
The distinction is particularly important for water damage. The Insurance Bureau of Canada explains that most home insurance policies exclude damage from frozen pipes when a property is vacant, even when the insurer has permitted the vacancy. Temporarily unoccupied homes may retain this protection if the policy’s heating, plumbing and inspection requirements are met.
Definitions and coverage conditions vary by insurer. Before leaving a home empty for an extended period, confirm how your insurer classifies the property and whether your existing policy needs to be adjusted.
What does vacant home insurance cover?
If your insurer considers your property vacant, your regular home insurance may not provide the same protection. Depending on the circumstances and your insurer, you may be able to adjust your existing policy through a vacancy permit or endorsement. In other cases, a separate policy designed for vacant properties may be necessary.
Coverage for vacant homes is often more limited than standard home insurance. Depending on the policy, certain risks may be covered, such as fire, wind or explosion, while others may be excluded or restricted:
- Water damage: Particularly damage caused by frozen or burst pipes.
- Theft and vandalism: Coverage may be limited or unavailable while the property is vacant.
- Poor maintenance and wear and tear: Damage caused by gradual deterioration or neglected maintenance is generally excluded from home insurance.
The available coverage and conditions depend on factors such as the property’s condition, how long it will be vacant and how it will be maintained. Before leaving a property vacant, speak with your broker about your existing home insurance coverage and whether any changes are needed.
Seasonal properties have different insurance considerations. If you own a cottage that sits empty for part of the year, our cottage and seasonal home insurance page explains the coverage options for these properties.
Snowbird checklist: Keeping your Ontario home insured while you’re away
Before leaving your home for an extended winter trip, take these steps to help protect your property and meet your insurance requirements. Check your policy or speak with your broker to confirm what applies to your home.
- Contact your broker before leaving. Provide your departure and expected return dates. Ask whether your insurer needs to be notified and whether any additional conditions apply during your absence.
- Arrange regular property checks. Ask a trusted neighbour, family member or property management service to inspect your home as often as your policy requires. Make sure they check inside, including the basement, for heating problems, leaks or other signs of damage.
- Keep a record of inspections. Ask the person checking your home to record the date, indoor temperature and any problems they notice. A simple log or dated photos can help document that inspections took place.
- Maintain adequate heating. Keep your heating system running during the winter and confirm whether your insurer specifies a minimum temperature.
- Check the plumbing requirements. Ask your broker whether you should shut off the main water supply and drain the plumbing before leaving. If necessary, arrange for a plumber to prepare the system properly.
- Arrange snow clearing and basic upkeep. Keep walkways and entrances clear of snow and ice. Have someone collect your mail and consider using light timers to make the property appear occupied. Our guide to preparing your home for a vacation covers additional precautions.
- Leave emergency contact information. Give the person checking your home your contact details, your broker’s information and instructions for locating the main water shut-off valve.
How different situations can affect your home insurance
Whether your home is vacant or temporarily unoccupied depends on your circumstances and your insurer’s policy definitions. These examples can help you identify what to discuss with your broker.
| Situation | Insurance considerations | What to do |
| Two-week winter vacation | Regular home insurance generally continues, but winter heating and inspection requirements may apply. | Keep the heat on and arrange property checks as required by your policy. |
| Three to six months away for the winter | The home may be considered temporarily unoccupied rather than vacant, but an extended absence can affect coverage conditions. | Notify your broker and confirm whether written approval, inspections or other arrangements are needed. |
| House emptied and listed for sale | The insurer may consider the property vacant, which can change the available coverage. | Notify your broker and ask whether a vacancy permit, endorsement or separate coverage is necessary. |
| Family member moves into long-term care | A home left without residents may be treated as vacant, depending on the circumstances. | Tell the insurer about the change in occupancy and review the coverage requirements. |
| House sitter or family member stays in the home | Someone living in the property may affect how the insurer classifies its occupancy. | Confirm the living arrangement with your broker and whether any policy changes are needed. |
| Cottage closed for the winter | Seasonal properties have different insurance conditions and may be covered under a separate policy or an existing policy. | Review winterizing, inspection and maintenance requirements under the applicable coverage. |
For seasonal properties, our guide to closing your cottage for the winter explains the steps you can take to prepare the property for colder weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you insure a vacant home?
Yes. Depending on the insurer and the property’s circumstances, coverage may be available through a vacancy permit or endorsement on an existing home insurance policy, or through a separate policy for vacant properties. Coverage options and exclusions vary, so speak with your broker about what may be available for your situation.
How long can a home be vacant before insurance coverage changes?
There’s no universal deadline that applies to every Ontario home insurance policy. Some policies restrict coverage after a specified period of vacancy, often around 30 days, while others have different conditions. A vacant property is also different from a temporarily unoccupied home, so confirm how your insurer classifies the property and when coverage restrictions may apply.
What does vacant home insurance cover?
Coverage for vacant properties may include risks such as fire, wind or explosion, depending on the policy. Water damage, frozen pipes, theft and vandalism may be excluded or restricted. Review the coverage and exclusions with your broker before leaving the property vacant.
Is vacant home insurance more expensive?
Coverage for vacant properties can cost more than standard home insurance because damage or break-ins may go unnoticed for longer. Pricing depends on the property’s condition, location, length of vacancy and available coverage. A temporary absence doesn’t necessarily mean you need a separate vacant home policy.
Does a smart home system or security camera count as someone checking my home?
Not necessarily. Some insurers require someone to physically inspect the property, particularly during winter. Security cameras, leak detectors and temperature monitoring can provide additional protection, but they don’t automatically replace required inspections. Confirm what’s acceptable under your policy.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I'm going away for the winter?
The Insurance Bureau of Canada advises notifying your insurer before an absence of more than 30 days. Winter heating and property inspection requirements may also apply during shorter trips. Contact your broker before leaving to confirm what your policy requires.
Review your home insurance before an extended absence
Whether your home will be vacant or temporarily unoccupied, it’s important to understand how your insurance applies while you’re away. Confirming your insurer’s requirements before leaving can help you avoid unexpected coverage gaps.
At Oegema, Nicholson & Associates, we’ve helped Ottawa-area homeowners with their insurance needs since 1961. We can help you review your existing home insurance coverage and understand what conditions may apply during an extended absence. Contact us for a free consultation.
