Oct 13, 2026
Leaving for a winter jaunt is something many Canadians look forward to as the weather gets colder and sunlight hours become shorter. But there are some things that even the most astute person may not be aware of before making a trip.
A new TD Insurance survey found that 48% of Canadians intend to leave their primary residence unattended for more than a day this winter or fall. However, roughly two in five (39%) don’t know what their insurance policy requires during an absence, and just 15% say they would check their policy before leaving.
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That knowledge gap could become costly if a problem develops in an empty home. A burst pipe, power outage or break-in can cause significant damage, and some insurance policies have conditions you must meet while your property is unattended.
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Does home insurance cover damage while you’re away?
Home insurance doesn’t automatically stop covering a property when the owner travels. However, policies may include conditions that apply when a home is left unattended for an extended period.
In his guidance on insurance coverage during extreme cold, Rob de Pruis of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) explains that standard home insurance policies typically cover damage caused by freezing and burst pipes when the pipes are in the heated portion of the home and reasonable steps have been taken to maintain heat.
However, most policies also specify how frequently a home must be checked by a competent person during an absence to ensure heat is maintained. De Pruis warns that many policies exclude frozen-pipe and water damage when a home is considered vacant for insurance purposes.
That makes it important to understand your policy’s requirements before leaving, rather than assuming that leaving the heat on is enough.
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What to check before leaving home this winter
1. Find out how often someone must check the property
Check your policy for any requirements around inspections during an extended absence. If regular visits are required, arrange for a trusted person to monitor the home at the specified intervals.
Make sure they know what to look for, including signs of leaks, heating problems or damage. Leave them your contact details and instructions for reaching you if something needs immediate attention.
2. Keep the home warm enough to protect pipes
Frozen and burst pipes are a major winter concern. IBC recommends maintaining heat in the home and taking reasonable precautions to prevent pipes from freezing.
Before leaving, confirm that your heating system is working properly and check your policy’s heating requirements. Pay particular attention to pipes near exterior walls, in basements and in crawl spaces, which are most prone to damage.
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IBC also recommends insulating vulnerable pipes, sealing drafts and knowing where the main water shut-off is located.
3. Have a plan for power outages and heating failures
A power outage or broken furnace can leave a home vulnerable to freezing temperatures while nobody is there to notice.
Consider how you’ll learn about an outage and who can check the property if the heating stops working. If your furnace or heat pump fails, IBC recommends taking immediate steps to prevent pipes from freezing, including shutting off the water supply and draining pipes where appropriate.
IBC notes that a standard home policy typically covers water damage from frozen pipes under the conditions described above, but not the cost of repairing the furnace or heat pump itself.
4. Do a final walkthrough
Check for leaks, running taps, open windows and unlocked doors. Arrange for mail or deliveries to be collected; a pile-up can signal to burglars that nobody is home.
Do you need to notify your insurer before leaving?
It depends on your policy. Some include conditions tied to how long a home is left unattended, so review yours and ask your insurer or broker whether your plans affect your coverage.
The TD survey found that only 7% of Canadians would notify their insurance company before leaving their property unattended. Just 33% consider whether failing to meet certain requirements could affect their coverage.
A little preparation can help protect your home and reduce the risk of costly damage while you’re away this winter.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and U.S. brands.
