09/10/2025
Do you know the difference between a vacant home and an unoccupied home?
🏠 Unoccupied: A home where the residents are temporarily away (e.g., vacation, hospital stay) but intend to return.
🏠 Vacant: A home that is empty with no intent to return (e.g., after moving out, between tenants, or awaiting sale).
Insurance companies treat these situations differently because vacant properties carry higher risks — such as undetected water leaks, vandalism, or break-ins.
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬
🔹Most Ontario home insurance policies have a clause stating that if a property is left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days without notifying the insurer, certain coverages may be restricted or voided.
🔹If you are away during colder months that require the home to be heated, there may be the need to turn your water off completely and have a capable individual check on the home regularly.
🔹Requirements may vary for each point depending on your insurance company - speak to your broker for clarification.
☎️ If you find yourself in either of these situations, call us for more information! 😊