Prep yourself for peak cabin season this summer
After an even cooler and wetter than usual May long weekend, a summer of hot and dry weather has been predicted. And Albertans were treated to even more good news this week, which came in the form of the announcement of the government’s three-stage Open for Summer Plan, which could possibly see the province reopening enough to host the Calgary Stampede. At the rate of vaccination the province is currently at, the province believes that by mid-June 70% of those eligible will have received their first dose. Two weeks after that, all restrictions will be lifted.
That means this summer will be a time to gather with friends and family you haven’t seen for a long time in all of your favourite places. It’s going to be peak cabin season this summer. The best way to enjoy yourself responsibly is to plan ahead and prepare.
Before you leave for your cabin
An annual review of your cabin insurance, along with all your other policies, is always in order. That’s what insurance brokers such as us at Lane’s are here for. We can help you review your policies to ensure you are getting the most value you can from your premiums. If you don’t already have your cabin insurance (or seasonal property insurance), bundled in with your home insurance, this can be a place to start for savings.
Other considerations for your cabin insurance include:
- Checking to make sure you have replacement value coverage
- Ensuring all structures on the property, such as boat houses and sheds, are properly accounted for
- Raising your deductible for potential lower premiums
We also advise to check on the special limits for your seasonal property insurance. Lots of people keep a number of high-value items at their cabin, ranging from sports equipment and watercraft to old family heirlooms and art pieces. These types of items commonly have “special limits” for the overall value placed on them, which many find to be too low.
Take the time to review your boat insurance, too, to ensure it represents the type of boat you have and how you use it. Also make sure that all drivers are properly licensed with a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Give your boat a good once-over to take note of its overall condition before taking it out – check the oil, motor, and connections. If you store your boat outside, regular wear and tear from the weather can be expected. But, if you are paying for storage and you notice damage, you should make a note of it with the facility.
Replenish your emergency and first aid kits
When you make that big trip to your favourite bulk food and discount store, get what you need to refill your home emergency and first aid kits along with the other necessities. The Government of Canada suggests including enough water and non-perishables for several days in your home emergency kit, as well as:
- Flashlights
- Battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Candles
- Matches or a lighter
- Copies of important family documents
- A fully-stocked first aid kit
The Canadian Red Cross suggests lists comprehensive contents for a home first aid kit, at least one of which should be a first aid manual. It’s also not a bad idea to have at least one person in the family undergo first aid training, especially if you have young children.
Arrange for your primary residence to be attended to
Most home insurance policies require that someone come by to check your home periodically if you are going to be away, but the details vary. Some insurers continue to offer full coverage for up to 30 days after you leave, others introduce exclusions after as little as four days of absence.
Even if you have up to 30 days to be away, it’s a good idea to have someone come by and check your place, or potentially even live there, while you are away. They can spot small issue before they turn into big problems.
Remind your family (and yourself) not to post to too much to social media alerting everyone where you are … and where you’re not. Letting the whole world know that your home is empty is not a good idea. You may even want to wait to post until you are back in the city, but at the very least, be judicious and have your privacy settings set so that only your friends can see your posts (not even friends of friends), and, of course, make sure you actually know the people you accept friend requests from.
Ask Lane’s your cabin insurance questions
Lane’s Insurance is a leading Alberta-based brokerage. Choosing a broker is a wise move for consumers looking to protect their interests when dealing with insurance providers. Brokers work for you, not the insurance companies, and look out for their clients’ best interests
Lane’s Insurance offers a complete range of policies and coverage options for just about every imaginable situation. We are pleased to serve homeowners and residents throughout Alberta. Contact us at:
- Our Calgary office
- Our Edmonton office
- Our Banff office
- Serving the rest of Alberta
