How to Winterize Your Home While Away (Complete Checklist Included)

Extended winter absences expose your home to some of the season's harshest risks, but the real danger isn't what happens; it's what goes unnoticed. You're leaving behind a property exposed to some of the season's harshest risks. For Ontario snowbirds heading south, cottage owners closing for the season, or anyone planning to be away for more than a week during the winter months. The question isn't whether to winterize your home, but how thoroughly you need to do it. 

The difference matters more than you might think. While a frozen pipe in an occupied home might be caught within hours, the same pipe in a vacant property could leak for days or weeks, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage before anyone notices. Many winter home insurance claims aren't denied because of what happened, but because of what wasn't done beforehand, or because policy conditions for vacant properties weren't met. 

This guide is designed for Ontario homeowners who need to understand both the practical winterization steps and the insurance implications of leaving a property unattended. Whether you're preparing your primary residence for a month-long vacation or closing your cottage until spring, you'll learn what winterized for vacancy or unoccupancy actually means and why it matters to your coverage. 

What Does "Winterizing a Home" Actually Mean? 

Winterizing your home means taking specific steps to protect your property from cold-weather damage when it is unoccupied or vacant for an extended period. But there's an important distinction many homeowners miss: winterizing a lived-in home is different from winterizing a vacant or unoccupied home. 

For a lived-in home, winterizing typically means: 

• Improving insulation and sealing drafts to maintain comfort and reduce heating costs 
• Servicing your furnace for efficient operation throughout winter 
• Preparing outdoor spaces for snow and ice 

For a vacant or unoccupied home, winterizing means: 

• Taking preventative measures to eliminate or minimize risks when no one is present to respond to problems 
• Meeting specific requirements that may be outlined in your insurance policy 
• Reducing the likelihood of damage that could worsen significantly before being discovered 

Insurance companies pay close attention to winterization because vacant homes face exponentially higher risks. A small leak becomes a flood. A power outage that goes unnoticed can lead to frozen pipes throughout the house. A minor roof issue becomes major structural damage when snow accumulates for weeks without anyone checking. 

The term "reasonable precautions" appears frequently in insurance policies, but what counts as reasonable isn't always obvious from policy wording alone. That's where understanding both the practical steps and the insurance expectations becomes essential. Your coverage may require specific actions, like maintaining heat above a certain temperature, shutting off water, or arranging regular property inspections, and these requirements can vary significantly between insurers and policy types. 

Complete Indoor Winterizing Checklist Before You Leave 

Before you head out for an extended absence, working through a systematic indoor checklist helps ensure you haven't missed critical steps. Here's what to address inside your home: 

Heating, Plumbing & Water Protection 

Thermostat Settings

Many policies require maintaining a minimum temperature in vacant homes. Failing to do so could affect coverage for freeze-related damage. 

• Set your thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) throughout your absence. 

• Never turn the heat off completely, even if you've drained the pipes. Condensation and humidity issues can still occur. 

• Consider a programmable or smart thermostat that alerts you to temperature drops 

Water System Management

Water damage from frozen or burst pipes is one of the most common, and costly, winter claims. The method you choose should align with your policy's vacancy requirements. 

• Decide whether to keep water on with heat, or shut off and drain completely 
• If keeping water on: Ensure someone will check the property regularly (typically every 3-7 days, depending on your policy) 
• If shutting water off:  
• Turn off the main water supply valve 
• Open all faucets to drain pipes 
• Flush toilets and drain tanks 
• Pour non-toxic antifreeze into all drains, toilets, and the toilet tank 
• Drain your water heater (or set to vacation mode if manufacturer permits) 
• Drain dishwasher, washing machine, and any other appliances with water lines 

Sump Pump & Drainage

• Test your sump pump before leaving 
• Ensure the discharge line won't freeze 
• Consider a battery backup system in case of power failure 
• Have someone check it regularly if you're relying on it during your absence 

Pipe Insulation

• Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics, exterior walls) with foam insulation 
• Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls 
• Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air circulation around pipes 

Appliances, Electricity & Fire Safety 

Furnace & HVAC

Furnace malfunctions in vacant homes can lead to both fire risks and heating failure that results in freeze damage. 

• Have your furnace professionally inspected and serviced before winter 
• Replace furnace filters 
• Clear area around furnace of any combustible materials 
• Ensure vents and air intakes are clear 

Electrical Appliances

Undetected electrical fires are a significant risk in vacant homes. Regular inspections help, but prevention through unplugging and circuit management is critical. 

• Unplug unnecessary appliances and electronics (except those needed for monitoring or security) 
• Turn off circuit breakers for non-essential circuits 
• Leave lights on timers for security purposes 
• Keep refrigerator running and set appropriately, or empty, clean, defrost, and leave doors propped open 

Water Heater

• If draining: Turn off and drain completely 
• If keeping on: Set to vacation/low mode if available 
• Ensure area around water heater is clear 

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test all smoke and CO detectors 
• Replace batteries even if they seem fine 
• Ensure they remain powered throughout your absence 

Outdoor Winterizing to Prevent Ice, Snow & Water Damage 

Ice dams. Frozen faucets. Snow-loaded roofs. Your home's exterior takes a beating in winter, and when no one's watching, small issues turn catastrophic. Here's how to protect the outside of your property: 

Roof & Gutter Preparation 

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, melting snow that then refreezes at the eaves. The resulting water backup can cause significant interior damage. This type of damage often develops slowly while properties are vacant. 

• Clean all gutters and downspouts thoroughly to ensure proper drainage 
• Check that downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your foundation 
• Inspect your roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles 
• Look for signs of wear around chimneys, vents, and skylights 
• Consider having your attic insulation inspected. Proper attic ventilation and insulation prevent ice dams 

Exterior Faucets & Hoses 

• Disconnect and drain all garden hoses 
• Store hoses indoors or in a shed 
• Shut off exterior water supply valves from inside 
• Open exterior faucets to drain remaining water 
• Consider installing insulated faucet covers for extra protection 

Landscaping & Tree Management 

• Trim back any dead or overhanging branches that could fall on your roof or power lines under ice or snow load 
• Remove any items from your yard that could be damaged by or cause damage during winter storms 
• Store outdoor furniture, grills, and decorative items 
• If you have a pool, ensure it's properly winterized 

Foundation & Drainage 

• Check that soil around your foundation slopes away from the house 
• Clear window wells of debris 
• Ensure all basement windows are secure and properly sealed 

Home Security, Monitoring & Regular Check-Ins 

Physical winterization is only part of the equation. When your home is vacant, having systems in place to detect problems early, and someone available to respond, can mean the difference between a minor issue and a major insurance claim. 

Security Systems 

• Activate your home security alarm system 
• Ensure monitoring services are active and have current contact information 
• Update emergency contact lists with neighbours or property managers who can respond 
• Consider adding window and door sensors if you don't already have them 

Smart Home & Environmental Monitoring 

• Install smart water leak detectors in high-risk areas (near water heater, under sinks, in basement) 
• Use smart temperature sensors to monitor indoor temperature remotely 
• Consider a smart thermostat that alerts you to heating system failures 
• Set up cameras or motion sensors for security and to detect issues like leaks or break-ins 

Arranging Regular Property Checks  

Most insurance policies have specific requirements about how often vacant homes must be inspected. Understanding and meeting these requirements is critical to maintaining your coverage. 

• Frequency: Many Ontario insurers require inspections every 3-7 days for vacant properties, though this varies by policy 
• Who can inspect: Typically a trusted neighbour, friend, family member, or professional property management service 
• What to check during inspections: 
  • Interior temperature is adequate 
  • No signs of leaks, burst pipes, or water damage 
  • Furnace and other systems are operating properly 
  • No signs of break-in or vandalism 
  • Roof and exterior appear sound (no visible ice dams, fallen branches, etc.) 
  • Mail and deliveries are being collected 
  • Property appears occupied from the street 
• Documentation: Consider having inspectors document their visits with photos and notes. If a claim arises, this documentation can be valuable. 

Regular inspections aren't just good practice, they're often a policy requirement. If damage occurs and you haven't met the inspection frequency required by your policy, coverage could be affected. 

How Home Insurance Works When You're Away for an Extended Time 

This is where many homeowners discover gaps in their understanding. Often at the worst possible time. Home insurance policies treat occupied homes differently from vacant or unoccupied ones, and these differences directly affect your coverage. 

Understanding Vacant vs. Unoccupied 

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, many insurance policies distinguish between them: 

• Unoccupied typically means a furnished home where residents are temporarily absent but intend to return, and where some activities (like mail collection or regular check-ins) continue 
• Vacant usually means a property that is empty of both occupants and their belongings, or where there's no clear intention to return soon 

For most snowbirds and homeowners on extended vacation, their property would be considered "unoccupied" rather than vacant, but your specific policy language matters. 

Why Coverage May Change After a Certain Number of Days 

Most standard home insurance policies begin to treat properties differently once they've been unoccupied for a specific period. Commonly 30 consecutive days, though this varies by insurer. After this threshold: 

• Certain types of coverage may be reduced or excluded 
• Additional requirements (like regular inspections) may kick in 
• Water damage coverage often faces restrictions 
• You may need a vacancy permit or endorsement to maintain full coverage 

These changes aren't designed to catch you out, they reflect the statistical reality that risks increase significantly in unattended properties. Without someone present to notice and respond to issues quickly, small problems become large ones. 

Why Assumptions Are Risky 

Many homeowners assume their standard home insurance will cover them exactly the same way whether they're home or away. This assumption can be costly. Consider these common scenarios: 

• A pipe freezes and bursts in week five of your absence. Your policy required inspections every four days, but you arranged weekly checks. Coverage may be affected. 
• You shut off your heat to save money, and freeze damage occurs. Your policy required maintaining minimum heat. The claim could be denied. 
• You didn't notify your insurer about a three-month absence. Your policy may have required notification for absences over 30 days. 

The specific conditions in your policy, combined with the actual steps you took (or didn't take), determine what's covered. 

The key takeaway: Don't guess. Before you leave for an extended period, review your actual policy or speak with someone who can interpret your specific coverage conditions. 

Types of Damage That May Be Treated Differently by Insurance 

Understanding potential winter hazards is only half the equation. Understanding how insurance responds to those hazards is equally important. Similar damage can receive very different coverage outcomes depending on the circumstances. 

Water Damage: The Biggest Winter Risk 

Water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims during winter, particularly in vacant or unoccupied homes. However, not all water damage is treated the same: 

• Frozen and burst pipes: Often covered, but coverage depends heavily on whether you took required precautions (maintained heat, shut off and drained water, arranged inspections) 
• Sewage backup: May require separate coverage or endorsement 
• Gradual leaks: Often excluded, especially if they developed over time without being noticed due to vacancy 
• Flooding from external sources: Typically requires separate overland flood insurance 

Why similar damage may be covered in one case and denied in another: Two neighbours both experience burst pipes during the same cold snap. One maintained heat at 15°C and had weekly inspections documented. The other turned heat down to 10°C to save money and had no inspection plan. The first claim proceeds normally. The second may face coverage challenges due to policy violations. 

Freezing & Burst Pipes 

This damage type faces the most scrutiny in vacant home claims because prevention is so closely tied to specific, verifiable actions: 

• Was minimum heat maintained? (Often verifiable through utility bills or smart thermostats) 
• Were inspections conducted as required? (Documentation matters) 
• If water was left on, was the property checked frequently enough? 
• If water was shut off, were pipes properly drained? 

Ice Storms & Snow Load 

Damage from ice storms and heavy snow accumulation is typically covered under standard policies, but: 

• Roof collapse from snow load: Usually covered, but may be questioned if the property wasn't inspected regularly and excess snow could have been removed 
• Ice dam damage: Often covered, but insurers may look at whether preventative maintenance (gutter cleaning, attic insulation) was done 
• Falling tree limbs: Generally covered, unless the tree was visibly dead or hazardous before winter and should have been removed 

Theft or Vandalism 

Standard policies typically cover theft and vandalism, but: 

• Coverage may be reduced or excluded after certain vacancy periods 
• Security measures taken (or not taken) may be considered 
• Documentation of the home's condition before the incident is helpful 

The consistent theme: Insurance responds to both the event AND the precautions taken beforehand. Taking the right steps isn't just about prevention, it's about ensuring your coverage responds as expected if prevention fails. 

How Long Does Home Insurance Cover You If You're Away? 

"How long can I be gone before my insurance changes?" This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask, and the answer depends on your specific insurance policy. 

Why There's No One-Size-Fits-All Answer 

Insurance coverage for vacant or unoccupied homes isn't standardized across the industry. The specifics depend on: 

• Your insurance company's policies 
• Your specific policy type and endorsements 
• The type of property (primary residence vs. cottage vs. rental property) 
• Your province (regulations vary) 
• The season (winter absences often face stricter requirements than summer) 

Typical Absence Thresholds 

While every policy differs, here are common patterns in the Ontario market: 

• 0-7 days: Generally, no special considerations or requirements under standard policies 
• 7-30 days: Some insurers begin to require basic precautions (maintaining heat, security measures), though standard coverage typically continues 
• 30+ days: This is a common threshold where coverage terms may change. Many policies require:  
  • Regular inspections (often every 3-7 days) 
  • Notification to the insurer about the absence 
  • Specific winterization steps 
  • Possibly a vacancy permit or endorsement 
• 60+ days: More insurers implement restrictions at this duration 
• 90+ days: Very few standard policies maintain full coverage without modifications at this duration 

Differences for Property Types 

Primary Residences: Ontario snowbirds who leave for the winter but maintain their primary residence are still typically treated as "unoccupied" rather than "vacant," which often means better coverage options. However, this doesn't eliminate vacancy requirements once certain time thresholds are crossed. 

Cottages and Seasonal Properties: These properties often have specialized insurance products that already account for seasonal vacancy. However: 

• Winter coverage may be more limited than summer coverage 
• Inspection requirements may be different 
• The property may need to be properly winterized according to policy specifications 
• Some cottage policies automatically reduce coverage during closed seasons 

FAQs About Winterizing Your Home While Away 

Do I need to tell my insurance broker if I'm away? 

It depends on your policy and the length of your absence. Many policies require notification for absences exceeding 30 consecutive days, especially during winter. Even if notification isn't strictly required, informing your broker allows them to: 

• Confirm specific requirements in your policy 
• Advise on necessary precautions 
• Recommend endorsements if needed 
• Ensure you're taking the right steps to maintain coverage 

When in doubt, a quick conversation before you leave can prevent complications later. 

How often does my home need to be checked? 

This varies by insurance company and policy, but common requirements for winter vacancy include: 

• Every 3-4 days for some insurers 
• Every 7 days for others 
• Daily checks if water is left on (less common) 

Your policy wording will specify what's required. If you're arranging someone to check your home, make sure they understand how often visits are needed and what they should actually inspect during each visit. 

What if something goes wrong while I'm away? 

If damage occurs to your property while you're away: 

1. Have your designated contact person notify you immediately 
2. Contact your insurance broker or insurer as soon as possible to report the loss 
3. Take immediate steps to prevent further damage (this is your responsibility even while away. Your contact person may need to arrange emergency services) 
4. Document the damage with photos and notes if possible 
5. Do not make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster assesses damage, unless necessary to prevent further loss 
6. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary measures 

Having a local contact person who can respond quickly is one reason why regular inspections by someone you trust is so important. They become your eyes, ears, and hands in an emergency. 

Does this differ for cottages? 

Yes, in several ways: 

• Insurance policies: Cottages often have specialized seasonal property insurance that already anticipates winter closure 
• Winterization expectations: Cottages are typically expected to be fully winterized (water drained, heat off or very low), whereas primary residences usually maintain heat and may keep water on with regular checks 
• Inspection requirements: May be less frequent or different for cottages since they're expected to be closed 
• Coverage periods: Some cottage policies automatically reduce coverage during closed seasons 
• Access: Winter access to cottages can be more challenging, affecting inspection feasibility 

The key is understanding how your specific cottage policy treats winter closure and ensuring you meet those requirements. 

Before You Leave: Make Sure Your Coverage Works When You Need It 

You've got your checklist. You know what to drain, what to set, what to check. But here's what matters most: understanding how these steps protect not just your property, but your coverage.  

The reality is that extended winter absences create unique risks, and insurance policies treat vacant or unoccupied homes differently than occupied ones. These differences aren't arbitrary, they reflect real patterns of what goes wrong when no one is home to notice problems early. 

Whether you're a snowbird heading south, a cottage owner closing for the season, or simply taking an extended winter vacation, taking the right precautions before you leave makes all the difference. This includes: 

• Physical winterization steps that prevent damage 
• Understanding your specific policy's vacancy requirements 
• Arranging regular inspections if required 
• Notifying your insurer if your policy requires it 
• Documenting the steps you've taken 

Getting these details right means that if something does go wrong while you're away, your coverage responds as it should. Getting them wrong can mean discovering too late that preventable policy violations have affected your claim. 

If you're uncertain about your coverage for extended absences, or if you want to review your policy before you leave, that conversation is worth having now, while there's still time to make any necessary adjustments. 

Call 1-800-463-8074 or request a quote online to speak with an Ontario broker who can help you understand your coverage and confirm what's needed for your specific situation.