Assur360, an AMF-certified firm, protects your cottage and your second home in Quebec. Our independent brokers compare more than 9 insurers to cover the specific risks of a cottage: frozen pipes, extended vacation, off-season burglary, damage to the dock, well and septic tank. Free quote in 3 minutes.
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Quebec Cottage Insurance 2026
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IN BRIEF
Your cottage is not covered as a principal residence
Cottage insurance (second home) in Quebec requires specific coverage: extended vacation, frozen pipes, seasonal access, dock and boat, artesian well, septic tank. A standard home policy does not cover these risks.
Important: in winter, your cottage must be emptied OR monitored every 12 to 72 hours depending on the insurer, otherwise freezing pipes may be refused. Have your maintenance plan validated by your broker as soon as you sign it.
Why your cottage needs separate insurance
A cottage is not a primary residence: it is often uninhabited for several months of the year, exposed to harsh weather conditions and sometimes located in an isolated area. Most traditional home insurance policies do not adequately cover these particularities. A cottage policy takes into account seasonal vacancy, specific infrastructure (well, septic tank, dock) and the increased risk of frost, burglary and forest fire.
Freezing of pipes
In winter, an unoccupied cottage risks the pipes freezing. Water damage due to burst pipes is one of the most common causes of loss (average cost $15,000 to $45,000).
Burglary out of season
Chalets are a target in the off-season. Adapted policies cover theft even when the home has been uninhabited for months.
Forest fires
With the rise of forest fires in Quebec, fire coverage is crucial for cottages in wooded areas.
Dock, shed, outbuildings
Secondary buildings (wharf, boathouse, shed, detached garage) must be explicitly declared and covered.
Well and septic tank
Private sanitation infrastructure is expensive to replace. Insure them by name.
Civil liability
Guests, short-stay tenants, neighbours: the civil liability of at least $2 million is essential.
Included Protections Key Options
Main building (all risks)
Fire, lightning, wind, hail, theft, vandalism, water damage: the basis of a solid chalet font.
Movable
Furniture, appliances, decoration: declare an inventory and an appropriate amount (generally 40% to 70% of the value of the building).
Outbuildings and secondary buildings
Dock, shed, detached garage, boathouse, outdoor sauna: to be declared individually.
Liability $2 million (minimum)
Injury to a guest, fall on the dock, damage caused by your dog: essential coverage.
Important optional endorsements
Sewer backup, roof infiltration, earthquake, replacement replacement, guaranteed value.
Assur360 broker advice
Install a connected surveillance system (frost sensors, cameras, Wi-Fi smoke detectors): many insurers offer a 10% to 20% discount on the cottage premium. Also drain the pipes if the cottage is left unoccupied for more than 30 days in winter.
Extended vacation: the 30-day rule
Most cottage insurance policies require a minimum visit every 4 to 7 days in the winter when the heating is on. If the cottage remains unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days, many insurers require: 1) draining of the water pipes, 2) closing of the main water inlet, 3) minimum heating to 10°C, OR 4) an “extended vacancy” endorsement. Otherwise, water damage due to a burst pipe will not be compensated.
Warning: false declaration
Declaring a cottage as your principal residence to pay less = false declaration. The insurer can refuse any compensation in the event of a claim and cancel the policy. Be honest with your Assur360 broker about actual usage.
How much does cottage insurance cost in Quebec in 2026?
| Type of chalet | Insured | ValueAnnual | premiumNotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-season cottage | $150,000 | $650 – $950Use | May–October |
| 4-season cottage | $250,000 | $1,100 – $1,600Heated | in winter |
| Waterfront cottage | $400,000 | $1,700 – $2,500Dock | + shed included |
| Airbnb rental cottage | $300,000 | $1,900 – $2,800Commercial | endorsement required |
| Isolated/roadless cottage | $200,000 | $1,400 – $2,100Firefighter | access surcharge |
*2026 indicative rates for a chalet with no history of claim. Get your exact price in 3 minutes.
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Start my quoteTypes of chalets we insure
🏕️ 3 season chalet
Used May to October, not insulated in winter, pipes drained at the end of the season.
🏔️ 4 seasons chalet
Second home habitable all year round, permanent heating.
🌊 Waterfront cottage
Lake, river, river: dock, boat and shed to be included in the policy.
🏠 Short stay rental chalet
Airbnb/Chalets Quebec rentals: commercial use endorsement mandatory.
🛶 Secluded / roadless cottage
Access by forest road, boat or snowmobile: specific risks to be assessed.
🌲 Condominium Cottage
Resort condo: group building insurance + private insurance for your belongings.
How to reduce your cottage insurance premium
Connected Monitoring
Frost sensors, cameras, Wi-Fi smoke detectors: 10 to 20% off.
Font grouping
Insure cottage + home + car with the same insurer: up to 25% overall discount.
Higher deductible
Going from $500 to $2,000 deductible can reduce the premium by 15%.
We insure your cottage anywhere in Quebec
Our Assur360 brokers cover second homes in all Quebec resort regions: Laurentides (Mont-Tremblant, Sainte-Agathe, Val-David), Lanaudière (Saint-Donat, Rawdon), Mauricie (Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, Grandes-Piles), Estrie (Magog, Orford, Lac-Mégantic), Outaouais, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Charlevoix and Chaudière-Appalaches (Thetford Mines, Beauce). No matter the region, we compare for you.
Related Articles and Pages
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Coverage for your watercraft and dock.
RV Motorized Insurance
Trailer, motorhome, tent trailer.
Disaster Emergency
What to do in the event of a disaster at your cottage?
Frequently asked questions – Cottage insurance
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