Manitoba Cottage Owners: Essential Legal and Insurance Considerations for Winter

As autumn arrives in Manitoba, seasonal property owners are preparing their cottages and cabins for winter. Beyond the typical winterization checklist, there are critical legal and insurance considerations that could save you thousands of dollars and prevent family disputes.

Insurance Coverage for Seasonal Properties in Manitoba

Your primary residence insurance policy may not cover your seasonal property the way you would expect. Many standard policies have specific clauses for vacant properties during winter months, and some require regular occupancy to maintain coverage.

For example, a burst pipe discovered in spring could result in massive repair bills with no insurance coverage if your policy wasn’t structured correctly.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind as you look over your policy:

• Are there vacant property exclusions during winter months?
• Different coverage limits for seasonal vs. primary residences?
• Special requirements for winterization procedures?
• Liability coverage when property is unoccupied?

Cottage Estate Planning: Avoiding Family Conflicts

Seasonal properties often create unique challenges in wills and powers of attorney. Unlike primary residences, cottages frequently become sources of family conflict when:

• Multiple family members inherit shared ownership
• Ongoing maintenance costs aren’t clearly allocated
• Usage rights and scheduling aren’t documented
• One heir wants to sell while others want to keep the property

Here’s what you can do to prevent these issues:

• Document who gets what and how decisions will be made if multiple people inherit
• Create a clear plan for how ongoing costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance) will be split
• Establish usage schedules and decision-making processes before conflicts arise
• Consider whether one person should inherit with others receiving different assets instead

Year-Round Maintenance and Liability Issues

Even vacant seasonal properties require ongoing attention. Proper maintenance isn’t just about protecting your investment – it’s about maintaining insurance coverage and avoiding liability.

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

• Shut off water and drain pipes properly – insurance often requires specific winterization steps
• Arrange for someone to check on the property periodically during winter months
• Keep walkways and access points clear – you’re still liable if someone gets hurt
• Document your maintenance efforts in case you need to prove due diligence to insurers

Failing to maintain your seasonal property could void insurance coverage and create liability if someone gets injured on your property.

Protecting Your Manitoba Cottage Investment

Seasonal properties are wonderful assets that require year-round legal and financial planning. The unique challenges of cottage ownership – from insurance gaps to family inheritance disputes – are best addressed proactively.

Before winter arrives, review your insurance coverage with your provider and consider whether your current will and powers of attorney adequately address your seasonal property. Small investments in proper planning now can prevent costly legal and financial problems later.

For Manitoba cottage owners looking to protect their seasonal property investment and ensure smooth family transitions, consulting with legal professionals familiar with seasonal property issues can provide valuable peace of mind. Contact us if you need guidance or assistance.