OIP News - Winter Getaway Reminders

Do a couple of weeks in the sunshine sound like a great way to recharge your batteries? If winter travel is in your plans, whether you’re heading south, skiing, or travelling elsewhere, we would like to remind you of a few things that might impact your insurance coverage.

Your homeowner’s, condominium owner’s, or tenant’s policy will usually not cover damage caused by water pipes bursting in your home if you have been away for more than four (4) consecutive days during the usual heating season. This time period varies from company to company. Should your furnace stop working while you are away, the temperature inside your home can drop and freeze the water in your pipes. If these frozen pipes burst, you will not be covered for any damages. For coverage to continue, you can arrange for a competent person to enter your home each day to make sure all is well, or you may prefer to shut off the water supply to your home and drain the pipes before you leave.

Your automobile policy only provides insurance protection for you in Canada and the United States of America. If you are planning on driving your vehicle to warmer climates and take a day trip into Mexico, please be aware your automobile policy will not protect you once you leave the United States.

Are you planning to rent a vehicle while in Canada or the US? You may already have an endorsement on your auto policy that will save you the rental insurance cost. If not, we can add it at a very reasonable cost. In most cases, if you rent a car for more than one day, the additional endorsement will pay for itself. This endorsement only provides coverage in Canada and the United States.

Want to know more?

Call us toll free 1.888.681.2862, or via email at ovma@csib.org. The OIP is administered by Cornerstone Insurance Brokers, Ltd.