Are you closing your cottage for the winter in the Laurentians, Charlevoix or Eastern Townships ? Without the right precautions and the right endorsement, simple water damage or theft while you are away can be excluded from coverage. Our AMF-certified Assur360 brokers explain in 2026 what conditions to respect, the role of minimum heating, alarm and plumbing draining.
Closed cottage insurance for the winter
Close with peace of mind
Our brokers adjust your policy and check the Extended Vacancy Endorsement before freezes.
Free chalet quoteThe 3 key conditions to be respected
Minimum heating 10-15 °C
Keep the central heating on at all times. Otherwise, frost-related water damage = excluded from the roof.
OR complete plumbing drain
Alternative to heating: empty the water system completely (drains, tank, valves). Proof required in the event of a claim.
Mandatory regular inspection
Depending on the policy, weekly or 10-day visit by a third party. Recommended visit log.
How to prepare your cottage for winter
Contact your broker 2 weeks before closing
Our Assur360 brokers add the extended vacancy endorsement and check all the coverage conditions.
Choose minimal heating OR drain
Minimal heating is simpler but costs electricity. Complete emptying is free but irreversible without spring recovery.
Install or activate the alarm
Alarm connected to a central monitoring station. 5-15% savings on premium and real protection against theft.
Organize weekly check-ins
Neighbour, professional caretaker or cottage management service. Proof to keep — photos, invoices, journal.
Our broker’s advice
If you are not sure if you can meet the minimum heating (power cut, broken freezer), opt for a complete drain + replacement cost endorsement on the contents. Comparable annual cost, maximum peace of mind.
Indicative prices for chalet insurance 2026
| Type of Cottage | Annual Premium Value | * | Extended Vacation Rider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rustic 3-season cottage | $200,000 | $900-$1,500 | + $100-200 |
| Standard 4-season cottage | $400,000 | $1,500-$2,500 | + $150-300 |
| 4-season luxury cottage | $700,000 | $2,500-$3,800 | + $250-500 |
| Cottage + Airbnb rental | $400,000 | $2,200-$3,500 | + $200-400 |
*Indicative rates 2026. Get your exact price in 3 minutes.
Airbnb: Never lie to your insurer
If your cottage is rented out as an Airbnb even occasionally and you have not declared it, any claim related to a tenant (breakage, fire, injury) may be denied. Additional annual cost: 20-40%. Cost of a lie discovered: the total loss not covered.
Fall 2026 closure
Get your cottage policy checked
Our Assur360 brokers compare extended vacation options with several insurers.
Free quote Call a brokerCottage, second home and short-term rental insurance
4-season cottage insurance
Personal second home with extended holiday rider for the winter.
Chalet + Airbnb rental
Adds tenants’ liability and the risk of damage per tenant.
Primary + secondary residence
Multi-Residence Discount Combo Policy — 10-20% savings.
Assur360 covers all of Quebec
Whether you are in Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay or Thetford Mines, our AMF-certified brokers compare cottage and second home policies with several partner insurers in Quebec.
Related articles
Seasonal vehicle storage
Motorbike, RV, snowmobile and quad in the off-season.
Water damage: preparing your home
Drains and prevention before the first frosts.
Wood stove and chimney sweep
Home insurance compliance for wood heating.
Insurance rate increase 2026
What awaits the owners this autumn.
Frequently asked questions about winter cottage insurance
Why trust Assur360?
Chalet ready for winter 2026-2027
Free quote in 3 minutes
Our AMF-certified brokers compare your cottage policy with several partner insurers.
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