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Secondary residences
Insurance for secondary residences, seasonal properties, and cottages in Quebec
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Information to have on hand
To receive your quote quickly, here is the information that will be useful to have ready.
For all types of insurance
- Effective date
- The name of your current insurer, if you already have coverage.
- The date of signing before the notary, if known
For your secondary residence, seasonal property, or cottage
- Property type and year of construction
- Living area, excluding the basement
- Number of units in the building
- Presence of a business in the building and its type, if applicable
- Exterior finish
- Primary heating system
- Type of electrical wiring and panel amperage
- Condition of the roof and plumbing type
- Nearest fire hydrant
- Alarm system, if applicable (type of protection)
- Major renovations completed, if applicable
Cottage and secondary residence insurance in Quebec, tailored to how you use your property
Your secondary residence has its own characteristics, whether it is occupied year-round or used as a hunting camp. The coverage you choose should reflect how you actually use the property.
Your primary home insurance does not automatically cover your second property. An important distinction applies based on the contents you keep there.
Contents you bring during your stays are generally covered under your primary insurance policy. Contents that remain permanently at your cottage require separate coverage. How often the property is occupied, year-round or for a few months each season, also affects the type of coverage needed.
Your coverage takes into account your actual situation:
- Location and accessibility of the property
- Presence of equipment such as a dock, a spa, or a shed
- Occasional rental to third parties
A La Turquoise broker will assess your profile to recommend cottage insurance suited to your real needs.
Contact us for a quote
Recommended coverage
A loss can occur at any time, even when the property is unoccupied. Here is the coverage available for your secondary residence, seasonal property, or cottage in Quebec. The coverage described below applies fully to a secondary residence that is regularly occupied. For a seasonal property, some coverage may be more limited. A La Turquoise broker can clarify what applies to your situation.
General liability
If someone is injured on your property, or if you damage someone else’s property, this coverage may help cover legal fees and any amounts owed. It applies to all profiles, whether you occupy your property year-round or seasonally. It also covers members of your family.
Coverage includes:
- Injuries caused to a visitor or a third party
- Property damage caused to neighbouring properties
- Legal fees and amounts owed if you are sued
Examples:
- A visitor is injured on your dock and your liability is engaged.
- A fire spreads from your cottage and damages a neighbouring property.
- A lawsuit results in significant legal fees
Loss of rental income
If your property becomes uninhabitable following a covered loss, rental income stops while expenses continue. This coverage compensates for lost rental income during the repair period, until normal conditions are restored.
- Major water damage forces the evacuation of one or more units
- A fire makes the building inaccessible for several weeks
- Extended repairs following a covered loss prevent re-renting
Additional living expenses
If your secondary residence becomes uninhabitable following a covered loss, this coverage pays for certain expenses during the repair period.
This coverage applies to owners who occupy their secondary residence year-round. It does not apply to seasonal properties that are unoccupied for most of the year.
- Major water damage forces you to vacate your property for several weeks
Building protection
Your cottage, shed, and other structures are insured in the event of a covered loss. The most common causes include fire, lightning, vandalism, and falling objects.
For a secondary residence occupied year-round, coverage is comparable to that of a primary residence. For a seasonal property, certain restrictions apply based on the length of the vacancy period.
- A tree falls on your roof during a storm
- A fire damages your main building
- Vandalism affects your exterior finish during a vacancy period
Water damage
Water damage is among the most common losses in cottages and secondary residences. Basic coverage applies to certain situations. Endorsements are available to extend coverage based on the source of the damage.
For a secondary residence occupied year-round, options are more extensive. For a seasonal property, extended coverage may be available by endorsement and is strongly recommended.
Basic coverage includes:
- A pipe bursts and causes damage
Endorsements may be available to cover:
- Sewer or septic tank back-up
- Surface water in the event of flooding
- Groundwater entering through the foundation
- Water infiltration through the roof, walls, or windows
Additional coverage options
Some situations fall outside the scope of basic insurance coverage. These optional coverages allow you to extend your protection based on your property’s characteristics and how you use it.
Theft and vandalism
Your cottage may be unoccupied for extended periods. This coverage protects against damage caused by break-ins or acts of vandalism during your absence.
This coverage is available to all profiles, subject to the vacancy conditions set out in your policy.
- A theft occurs during the off-season
- Vandals cause damage to your building or its contents
- A break-in damages doors or windows
Identity theft
This coverage pays for certain costs related to restoring your identity following fraud or a cyberattack. It also gives you access to an assistance service.
- Costs to replace cards or identity documents
- Assistance to take the necessary steps following fraud
- Lost income during the process of restoring your identity
Equipment and outbuildings
Your dock, spa, shed, or other exterior structures are not always covered under a basic policy. Specific coverages are available to include these elements based on their value and nature.
- Frost damage affects your outdoor spa
- Your dock is damaged during a storm
- Your shed or garage is affected by a covered loss
Legal fees
Certain disputes can result in significant costs. This coverage pays for a portion of legal fees and gives you access to a legal assistance service.
- Legal consultation to understand your rights in a dispute
- Reimbursement of certain fees in an eligible dispute
Rental to third parties
Renting your cottage or secondary residence changes your risk profile. Basic insurance generally does not cover damage that occurs during a rental period. A specific endorsement is required.
This coverage applies to both annual rentals and short-term rentals on platforms such as Airbnb.
- Damage occurs during a tenant’s stay
- A visitor of the tenant is injured on your property
- A loss makes your property unavailable for rental during repairs
Earthquake
Basic insurance does not cover damage caused by a seismic event. This endorsement protects your property if an earthquake occurs.
- Ground movement damages the foundation of your cottage
- Tremors cause cracks in the walls or structure
Save on your premium
A La Turquoise broker can help you identify the discounts that apply to your situation. Savings vary depending on your profile and the coverage you choose.
Bundling your coverage
Bundling multiple policies with the same insurer can reduce your premium. Your La Turquoise broker identifies the most advantageous combinations based on your profile and your needs.
Fire and theft alarm system
Installing a fire or theft alarm system in your property can reduce your insurance premium. This type of device lowers the risk of a loss and may qualify you for a discount with certain insurers.
Water damage prevention system
A water damage detection or prevention system installed in your cottage or secondary residence may qualify you for a discount. This type of equipment reduces the risk of significant damage and is recognized by certain insurers.
Affiliated associations and partners
La Turquoise collaborates with several associations, professional groups, and organizations to offer benefits to their members. Browse the list to see the associations and programs currently available.
Affinity programs and discounts
- Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)
- Association des éducatrices et éducateurs spécialisés du Québec (AEESQ)
- Association des hôteliers du Québec
- Quebec Professional Home Builders Association (APCHQ)
- Association des propriétaires de salons de quilles du Québec (APSQQ)
- Association pour entrepreneurs en construction au Québec (ACQ)
- Fédération des producteurs forestiers du Québec
- NAPA Autopro
- Harnois (essence), Détaillant carburant
- Professionnels de l’esthétique et soins de beauté (APESEQ)
- Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés (RQRA)
- Arboriculteurs (Société internationale d’arboriculture Québec – SIAQ)
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Your questions about insurance for secondary residences, seasonal properties, and cottages in Quebec
Do you have questions about insurance for your cottage or secondary residence in Quebec? This section answers the most frequently asked questions. It is designed to help you better understand the coverage available, what influences your premium, and the right steps to take before choosing coverage.
These two property types are not insured in the same way.
- A secondary residence is regularly occupied, at least once or twice a month throughout the year. A waterfront cottage, a home in a rural area, or a country property can all fit this profile.
- A seasonal property is used only during certain periods of the year. A three-season cottage or a hunting camp are common examples. This type of property is often unoccupied for several months, which represents a higher risk for the insurer.
Available coverage and policy conditions vary depending on the profile.
Not necessarily. In some cases, basic coverage is similar. Optional coverages and policy conditions vary based on how often the property is occupied and its type.
A secondary residence occupied year-round generally offers options comparable to a primary residence. For a seasonal property, certain coverages are limited or may be available by endorsement only.
It depends on the vacancy conditions set out in your policy.
Water damage may be excluded if:
- Heating was not maintained during your absence
- Pipes were not drained before the cold season
- No regular inspection of the property was carried out
Meeting these conditions is essential to maintain your coverage. Endorsements are available to extend protection based on the source of the damage.
Yes, but you must notify your insurer before you begin.
Short-term rental changes your risk profile. Failing to declare it can result in a claim being denied. Depending on your situation, short-term rental may involve:
- A surcharge on your premium
- The need for a specific endorsement for rental activity
- Exclusions if the rental is not declared in your policy
Several characteristics of your property influence your premium:
- Type and age of the building
- Location, proximity to water, or isolated area
- Winter accessibility
- Heat source: wood, propane, or electric
- Presence of a surveillance or alarm system
- Frequency of occupancy and upkeep of the property
Properties that are isolated or located near a body of water are generally more expensive to insure.
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