Before a long absence, check the actual wording of your policy with your insurance representative. A seasonal cottage, a temporarily unoccupied home, an empty property between tenants and a short-term rental may raise different coverage questions.
Questions for your insurer
- Must I tell you about the duration or nature of my absence?
- Does the policy distinguish vacant and unoccupied premises?
- Are there requirements for maintaining heat, isolating water or winterizing plumbing?
- Are visits required, who may make them and what must be checked?
- What evidence should I retain?
- Does a change to long-term or short-term rental use require different cover?
Keep a simple evidence file
Store your policy, the insurer's written instructions, servicing invoices and visit reports together. Record when the property changes use or occupancy and when the insurer was informed. Retain your own copy rather than relying solely on a service provider's records.
Do not assume a universal rule
An inspection every few days, a particular thermostat setting or a smart alarm may suit one policy and fail another. Obtain the requirements for your own property before choosing a service schedule. A property-care company cannot promise that an insurer will accept a claim.
Before letting the property
Discuss the proposed tenancy or guest use, liability cover and any specialist needs with an insurance professional. Revisit the policy when circumstances change.
Official resources
Related advice
Need a local contact while you’re away?
Discuss property check-ins, seasonal monitoring or coordination of agreed work with Annapolis Royal Property Care. Confirm the scope and availability for your property.
Prepared 21 October 2026. General information for property owners; official sources and individual policy or professional advice govern specific decisions. External links are independent of ARPC.