1. Cottage Opening

• If the warming weather takes you out to your seasonal cottage property, we suggest you take a look at our notes regarding opening the cottage. There are several things to consider to help mitigate the risk of future losses

2. Summer Cars

• For many, the rising temperatures mean it is time to pull their favourite vehicle out of storage. If your summer ride is a seasonal car that has been away for the winter, be sure to give us a call to add road coverages before you hop in the driver’s seat.
• Always be sure that your car is fully prepared prior to driving. Ensure all fluids are fresh and full and that the car is properly insured and licensed. Remember, if you have removed road coverages from your insurance policy for the winter, there is no insurance protection on this vehicle until your broker confirms it has been added back. Be sure to contact us before driving.

3. Boats

• As with your summer cars, make sure that boats are properly prepared and serviced before putting them back in the water.
• Check for any visible signs of damage that may have taken place over the winter and take out-of-water photos for your records.
• If you have replaced an engine, hull, or added significant equipment to your watercraft, be sure to contact us so that we may ensure coverage is adequate prior to your boat going back in the water.

4. Eavestroughs

• As winter and spring melt away, significant debris can collect on your roof, eavestroughs, and other parts of your property. Be sure to clear away any of this debris and any other obstacles that may prevent water from flowing away from your home

5. Renovations

• If the warmer weather signals your opportunity to finally make those home improvements you have been planning for so long, be sure to let us know. Certain coverages in your home insurance policy may not apply while under construction unless the policy is properly endorsed. Always be sure to advise your broker prior to beginning any work that is structural in nature or that may increase the rebuilding value of your home by more than $10,000.

6. Landscaping

• If the summer includes new landscaping for your home, be sure that any plans include good drainage routes that encourage water to flow away from the home and the foundation.
• If the exterior brick or wood siding of your home continues at or below the level of the soil, it can cause moisture to enter the material over time, eventually destroying it and allowing water into the home. This exterior material should be monitored frequently for signs of deterioration. At the first sign, a contractor should be called to provide alternative weather proofing solutions.

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1. Woodstoves & Fireplaces
Opening weekend can be chilly! Before you fire up your wood stove or fireplace, make sure to follow these important steps

• Inspect your chimney and flue to ensure that all coverings have been removed and no blockages have built up over the winter
• Ensure your fire extinguisher is fully charged and nearby, and that your tools for handling fires, such as pokers and fireproof gloves, are close at hand
• Check all visible parts of your stovepipe and inspect for any signs of shifting, rust, or other deterioration
• Light a very small, controlled fire and test the flow of smoke through the chimney

Over time, burning wood causes a build-up of creosote in your chimney or stove pipe. Creosote is a highly combustible substance that, if left untended, can lead to a chimney fire. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned once every year or two to ensure the ongoing safety of your heating apparatus.

2. Eavestroughs and Water Flow

• Build-up of debris on your roof over the winter can lead to packed eavestroughs and other areas that assist with moving the flow of water away from your home.
• Be sure to clear out the eaves and remove any obstacles that may prevent water from safely flowing away from your home

3. Trees and Brush

• Any fallen branches and brush that has accumulated near the cottage should be cleared away
• If any trees are looking especially suspect for potential falls in the future, it may be time to have an arborist in to inspect the tree and advise on the best way to bring it down safely

4. Septic System

• Septic systems are less likely to cause back-up into your cottage than a municipal system. Regardless, it is important to have your septic system pumped and checked out every 2-3 years. Not only does this minimize potential future loss, but is also an important element of the management of your waterfront property and the impact of your cottage on the natural balance of the environment.

5. The Drive

• Opening weekends usually mean long hours of driving with cars full of people and cargo. Always exercise your best and safest driving practices. Be sure not to overload your car and to minimize distractions in the vehicle. If you are hooking up a trailer, be sure that the trailer lights are in full working order and that you are well aware of blind spots. As always, no texting and driving!

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