How often does a vacant house need to be checked for insurance purposes in Canada?

When you close your suitcase and lock the door behind you, nothing should stand between you and a worry‑free getaway. But leaving your home unoccupied, even temporarily, comes with its own insurance implications.

In Canada, most standard home insurance policies require someone to physically inspect your property both inside and out every 48 to 72 hours to ensure there’s no unexpected damage, undetected leaks, or signs of a break‑in.

It’s especially important in Canada, where more than 1.35 million property crimes were reported in 2023, highlighting the vulnerability of unoccupied homes. Of those, more than 130,000 were reports of breaking and entering, according to Statistics Canada.

How often should someone check on your home while you’re away to maintain insurance coverage?

The answer depends on the type of property it is:

Primary residence

If it’s your primary residence and you’re heading out for a week or two to relax in the sun, many home insurance policies in Canada require you to have a friend or family member check your property every 48 to 72 hours. It’s all about making sure things like water leaks, storm damage, or break-ins are caught early. That said, the exact timeframe can vary by insurer, so it’s a good idea to double-check your policy before you go.

Vacation property

Do you own a cottage or a cabin that you only visit a few times a year? Generally, these types of secondary homes don’t need to be checked as frequently, as your vacation property insurance is written knowing that the property will be vacant regularly.

That being said, most insurance companies want someone to check in every 30 to 60 days, while some might even allow 90. Again, it comes down to your specific policy, so take a look or talk to your provider to avoid any surprises if you ever need to file a claim.

Vacant property

If you own a property that’s just sitting empty, not your cottage or main residence, the rules are pretty similar to vacation homes. Insurance companies often require checks every 30, 60, or even 90 days.

But in this case, you may also need something called vacant home insurance. Empty homes are seen as higher risk for things like break-ins, vandalism, and unnoticed damage, so insurance companies treat them a bit differently.

Do I need to tell my insurance company if I’m going away for a while?

Yes. If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period, it’s important to let your insurance company know. As you now know, most home insurance policies have specific rules about how long your home can sit empty before it affects your coverage.

Letting your insurance provider know isn’t just a formality. Some policies also require you to take specific steps while you’re away, like having someone check on the property regularly or keeping the heat on in the winter to prevent pipes from freezing and then bursting, to maintain coverage. If you don’t follow those rules, and something goes wrong, your insurance claim could be denied.

What happens if a pipe bursts while you’re away?

If a pipe bursts while you’re away on vacation, the damage can escalate quickly, especially if no one’s there to catch it. Water can soak and damage floors, walls, and belongings, leading to costly repairs.

That's why insurance companies want you to have someone checking on your property, generally every 48 to 72 hours, so that they can notice something like this and notify you right away. Plus, they may be able to stop it from getting worse by shutting off the water or calling in a professional on your behalf.

At what point is a home considered vacant?

In most cases, a home is considered vacant for insurance purposes if no one has been living in it for more than 30 consecutive days.

But it’s not just about being away. It also depends on whether the home looks lived-in. For example, your insurer may view it as officially vacant, instead of just unoccupied, if:

• The utilities are shut off

• Your personal belongings are gone

• There are no signs of regular activity

Every insurance provider has their own definition and timeline, so it’s always a good idea to check the fine print in your policy or call your insurance broker directly. Remember, leaving your home empty for too long without notifying your insurance company can put your coverage at risk.

So, whether your investment property is between tenants, you're selling your house, or you're planning an extended trip, make sure you know where your insurance policy stands. Also, if needed, ask about whether you'll need a vacant home insurance policy.

How to protect your property while you’re away

Whether it’s your main home, a cottage, or a rental property, leaving it empty can feel a little nerve-wracking because you never know what might happen while you're away. Burglars and other intruders frequently target unoccupied properties, so taking the necessary steps to protect your property while you’re away is essential. Here are some steps you can take:

Lock everything up

According to SGI Canada, a home is broken into every 90 seconds across Canada, with most intruders gaining access through ground-level or basement doors and windows. So, before you leave, make sure that all doors and windows are locked. Don't forget to double-check your:

• Basement windows

• Garage doors

• Side entrances

• Backyard gates

If you have sliding windows or doors, consider adding sliding window locks or a wooden dowel to prevent them from being slid open.

Instal security measures

Have a monitored alarm system installed, and make sure to always activate it before you leave. Not only does a monitored alarm system help protect your home, but it can also help lower your insurance premiums with an insurance discount. Also, don't forget to let the security company know you’ll be away for a while and give them an emergency contact just in case.

Shut off your water

If you’re gone for a while, consider turning off your water supply to avoid surprise leaks or water damage. If you want to leave it on, consider installing a smart water leak detector so that you'll receive a notification if it detects any leaks while you're away.

Unplug electronics

If you don't have any surge protectors, consider unplugging things like TVs, computers, heaters, and chargers to save energy and avoid any risk from power surges.

Test your smoke alarms

Before you leave, double-check that your smoke alarms are working. You may also consider installing smart smoke detectors or alarms so that they can notify you immediately if they detect any smoke while you're away.

Pause deliveries

Put your mail and subscriptions on hold, or have someone collect them daily. A pile of packages or mail sticking out of a mailbox is an obvious sign that no one’s home.

Protect your valuables

Don’t leave expensive items in plain sight. If you don’t have a safe, tuck valuables into a locked drawer or cupboard, or even store them off-site.

Hold off on social media

The RCMP says to avoid posting your vacation plans on social media networks. As tempting as it is to post beach pictures in real time, it’s safer to wait until you’re back. Public posts can signal to potential burglars that your home is empty.

Learn more with BrokerLink

Contact BrokerLink for a free home insurance quote today. At BrokerLink, we go above and beyond to provide personalized coverage options, whether over the phone, via email, or in person at any of our several locations throughout Canada. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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Home insurance while on vacation FAQs

What home insurance discounts are available?

Home insurance can be costly. However, there are ways homeowners can save money on their premiums, including several discounts they might qualify for. Here is a closer look at some deals that may be available to you that can allow you to comprehensively protect your home while staying within your budget:

• Multi-policy discount

• Multi-product discount

• Home security system discount

• Loyalty discount

• Higher deductible discount

Why is my home insurance changing?

How home insurance is changing can have a direct impact on how much insurance is each year. There are a couple reasons why this is happening. The first is because Canada's weather is becoming more extreme as time goes on due to global warming and climate change. This means that the likelihood of catastrophic natural events occurring, such as wildfires, heat waves, severe cold snaps, and more, has increased, which in turn increases the number of insurance claims.

Why do I need a house sitter when I am on vacation?

When you leave your home vacant for a prolonged amount of time, you increase your risk of damage or theft. Without constant surveillance, an insignificant issue, such as a leaking pipe or an unsafe electrical outlet, can quickly become a major one. Sadly, many homeowners' insurance policies exclude coverage for houses that are vacant, leaving homeowners susceptible to potentially expensive repairs.

Do I need to pay a broker if I choose to work with them for my home insurance?

No, if you choose to work with a broker for your home insurance, you are not required to pay them. Brokers are typically compensated by the insurance company with which they place your policy rather than by you. Therefore, you can have help shopping around for the best insurance plan for your needs without a fee!

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.