As temperatures drop, winter brings new risks for homeowners, drivers, and travellers across Ontario and Alberta. From freezing temperatures and icy roads to seasonal vehicle storage and holiday getaways, understanding how these changes may affect your insurance can help you prepare for the months ahead.
Whether you're staying home or heading away, here are a few things worth keeping in mind.
1. Protect Your Home Against Winter Weather
Heavy snowfall, ice buildup, and freezing temperatures can cause unexpected property damage. Common winter-related risks include:
- Frozen and burst pipes: Water inside pipes can freeze and expand, potentially causing pipes to burst and resulting in costly water damage.
- Ice dams: Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes along the edges of a roof, preventing water from draining properly. This can cause water to back up beneath roofing materials and potentially enter your home.
- Heavy snow accumulation: Excessive snowfall can place additional stress on your roof and, in severe cases, cause structural damage.
Taking preventive measures, such as maintaining adequate heating, insulating exposed pipes, and safely addressing excessive snow buildup, can help reduce these risks.
Does home insurance cover winter damage?
Home insurance may cover certain types of winter-related damage, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage, your policy, and any applicable exclusions or conditions. For example, sudden water damage from a burst pipe may be treated differently from damage caused by gradual deterioration or maintenance issues.
Not sure what your policy covers? Learn more about home insurance options available through MIB.
2. Winter Driving and Your Auto Insurance
Snow-covered roads, freezing rain, and reduced visibility can make winter driving more challenging. Along with adjusting your driving habits to match road conditions, it's worth reviewing your auto insurance before winter arrives.
Are you receiving a winter tire discount?
Many insurers offer a discount for winter tires, and in Ontario, private passenger auto insurers are required to offer one to eligible policyholders. Eligibility requirements vary by insurer, including when winter tires must be installed and how long they must remain on your vehicle.
If you've installed winter tires, check with your broker to see whether your insurer offers a winter tire discount and if you're eligible.
What happens if you're involved in a winter collision?
Poor weather conditions don't automatically determine fault in an accident. Insurers assess responsibility based on the circumstances of the collision and the rules that apply in your province.
If you're involved in an accident, prioritize safety, document the incident when possible, and contact your insurer or broker for guidance on the claims process.
3. Storing a Vehicle for the Winter?
For many drivers, winter means putting motorcycles, convertibles, classic cars, or recreational vehicles into storage until warmer weather returns.
Depending on your insurer and policy, you may be able to adjust certain coverages while your vehicle isn't being driven. However, removing coverage without understanding the implications could leave your vehicle exposed to risks such as theft, fire, or other damage.
Before storing your vehicle, consider the following:
- Speak with your broker about available seasonal coverage options.
- Review any financing or leasing requirements that may affect your coverage.
- Confirm what protection remains in place while your vehicle is stored.
If you've adjusted your insurance for storage, remember to contact your broker before returning your vehicle to the road to ensure the appropriate coverage is in place.
Storing your motorcycle for the winter? Explore MIB Moto to learn more about motorcycle insurance and your coverage options.
4. Planning a Winter Getaway?
Whether you're visiting family, travelling abroad, or spending an extended period somewhere warmer, reviewing your insurance before departure can help avoid unexpected surprises.
Leaving your home unattended?
Some home insurance policies have specific requirements for extended absences, particularly during freezing temperatures. These may include maintaining adequate heating, arranging regular property inspections, or taking other precautions to prevent damage.
Check your policy requirements before leaving, especially if you'll be away for an extended period.
Don't forget travel insurance.
If you're travelling outside your home province, including elsewhere in Canada, it's important to understand what your provincial health plan covers and where additional travel medical insurance may be beneficial.
Depending on your policy, travel insurance may cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, and other unexpected travel-related costs.
Review your coverage limits, exclusions, and any applicable pre-existing medical condition provisions before departure.
Planning a trip? Get a travel insurance quote through MIB's self-serve platform, or contact your broker for assistance.
Stay Prepared This Winter with My Insurance Broker
Winter can bring unexpected challenges, but understanding your insurance can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential coverage gaps.
Whether you have questions about winter-related property damage, auto insurance, seasonal vehicle storage, or travel coverage, the team at My Insurance Broker is here to help.
Ready to review your coverage? Connect with an MIB broker to discuss your insurance needs before winter arrives.
Insurance coverage, eligibility, discounts, exclusions, and conditions vary by policy and insurer. This article provides general information and does not replace the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.