Insurance basics
Plan your best summer yet: A guide to cottage & recreational vehicle insurance
What you need to know about recreational vehicle and cottage insurance.
Summer means something different to everyone. For some, it's weekends at the cottage with family, the screen door slamming as kids run down to the lake. For others, it's hitching up the RV for a cross-country adventure or finally taking the boat out after a long winter in storage.
These aren't just things you own - they're how you spend your time off. They're the experiences you look forward to all year.
But here's the thing: a storm can damage your cottage in minutes. Your RV can break down far from home. Boats get stolen more often than you'd think. Most people don't think about these scenarios until they're standing in the aftermath, wishing they'd prepared differently.
The good news? The right insurance means you can actually enjoy your summer without worrying about the "what ifs."
Let's walk through what you need to know.
Key takeaways:
Why your cottage and recreational vehicles need their own insurance
What's included in your coverage
How to pick the right policy for you
Cottage Insurance: More Than Just a Second Home
Your cottage isn't like your regular home. It sits empty for weeks or months at a time, faces exposure to harsher weather, has fewer neighbours watching out for problems, and often has limited access to emergency services. That's why regular homeowners' insurance doesn’t cut it–cottages need their own specialized policy.
What cottage insurance covers
The structure and everything inside it
Fire, storms, theft, vandalism - the basics are covered. But your policy may also protect against things like falling trees, wayward watercraft crashing into your dock, and even wildlife damage. Yes, raccoons and bears can do surprising amounts of damage to an unoccupied cottage.
Beyond the basics: coverage you might not expect
A cottage insurance policy may also include:
Coverage if you rent out your cottage short-term (up to 30 days)
Coverage if someone gets hurt on your property
Protection for docks, sheds, and bunkies
Lock replacement after a break-in
Reimbursement for spoiled food during power outages
Help with upgrade costs if local by-laws change after a claim
What makes cottage insurance different:
Several factors specific to your cottage can affect your coverage: how many months it sits empty, how far it is from fire departments, whether it’s properly winterized, and what protective measures you’ve taken. These factors matter because they’re based on real patterns of what causes claims. Understanding this helps you see where investing in security or winterization might actually benefit you in the long run.
Adventure on Wheels (or Water, or Snow): Recreational Vehicle Insurance
Whether you're road-tripping in an RV, wakeboarding behind your boat, or exploring backcountry trails on your ATV, each type of recreational vehicle needs its own kind of unique coverage. Here’s what that looks like.
RV Insurance: Protection Built for Life on the Road
Think about what's inside your RV: appliances, electronics, furniture, camping gear, sometimes even irreplaceable family items. A typical auto insurance policy won't cover most of this.
What RV insurance can cover
While every policy is different, RV insurance may include:
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs after accidents—whether you're navigating tight campground roads or dealing with highway incidents
Comprehensive coverage protects against theft, vandalism, fire, hail damage, and weather events
Liability protection is crucial if you cause an accident that injures someone or damages their property
Emergency towing and roadside assistance, because breaking down in an RV is a much bigger problem than breaking down in a car
An RV insurance policy can also include coverage for personal belongings inside your RV and emergency expenses if a covered problem cuts your trip short and you need alternative accommodations.
Boat Insurance: So you can Actually Relax on the Water
Boats deal with risks you won't find on land—collisions with submerged objects, lightning damage, theft from the marina, or storm damage while moored. Boat insurance is designed for these specific scenarios so you can enjoy your time out on the water without worry.
Coverage your policy may include:
Physical damage from collisions, fire, vandalism, severe weather, and impacts (whether you hit something or something hits you)
Theft protection because boats are, unfortunately, attractive targets
Towing and loss of use coverage can help to pay for emergency towing on the water and may compensate you if your boat is out of commission for repairs
Your gear and personal items like fishing equipment, water sports gear, and electronics
Marine assistance when you're stranded on the water
Medical coverage for injuries from boating accidents
Environmental and wreck removal costs if the worst happens and you need cleanup or wreckage removal
The specifics vary based on what you're insuring—a personal watercraft, a fishing boat, or a sailboat all have different risk profiles and coverage needs.
ATV & Snowmobile Insurance: Conquer the Trails, Covered
If you ride ATVs or snowmobiles, you know the terrain is unpredictable. The right insurance means you're covered whether you're on marked trails or exploring backcountry.
Core coverage includes:
Liability protection if you injure someone or damage property while riding
Accident benefits that could help to cover your medical expenses and lost income if you're hurt
Uninsured rider protection because not everyone on the trails has proper coverage
You can also choose to add collision, fire, and theft coverage based on how much protection you want.
Why you need specialized coverage
Here's what a lot of people don't realize: your regular auto insurance has gaps when it comes to recreational vehicles. Standard policies are designed for paved roads and driveways, not the specific risks of the trail.
By adding an ATV or snowmobile endorsement to an auto policy, you bridge those gaps. This ensures you have protection for off-road scenarios like hitting a hidden submerged rock or navigating remote terrain where standard coverage might fall short. It’s about making sure you’re protected for how you really use your vehicle.
How to Choose the Right Coverage for your Cottage and Recreational Vehicles
Finding the right coverage doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Follow these simple steps to properly protect your cottage and recreational vehicles.
1. Assess your insurance needs based on your assets
Start by evaluating what you own and how you use it. Ask yourself:
What recreational property and vehicles do I need to insure?
How often do I use my cottage, RV, boat, snowmobile, or ATV?
What risks concern me most - theft, property damage, or liability?
For example, if you own a cottage in Canada, winterization coverage should be a priority. Boat owners who travel frequently may need enhanced theft protection. Your specific risk factors should guide your coverage choices.
2. Save money by bundling insurance policies
Bundling your home, auto, cottage, boat, and recreational vehicle insurance could save you money. The benefits of bundling include:
Lower overall premiums across multiple policies
Simplified policy management with one renewal date
Single point of contact for all your insurance questions
Streamlined claims process
Speak to a licensed PC® Insurance Advisor about the bundling options available to you.
3. Review and update your coverage regularly
Your insurance needs change as your life evolves. Schedule a review to ensure your coverage matches your current situation, especially if you've:
Renovated or upgraded your cottage or recreational vehicle
Changed how frequently you use your recreational property
Started renting out your cottage or increased its value
Added new vehicles like ATVs or watercraft to your collection
Regular reviews prevent coverage gaps that could leave you underinsured when you need to file a claim.
4. Invest in adequate coverage to protect your assets
Cutting insurance coverage to save money can backfire. Unexpected events like severe weather, theft, or liability claims happen to thousands of Canadians every year. Comprehensive insurance coverage:
Protects the value of your recreational property and vehicles
Helps to cover repair or replacement costs after damage
Provides liability protection if someone is injured on your property
Offers financial security against unforeseen circumstances
Adequate insurance isn't about expecting the worst - it's about smart financial planning that safeguards what you've built.
Why Choose PC® Insurance for your Cottage and Recreational Vehicle Coverage
Your recreational assets aren't just investments - they represent freedom, family time, and the experiences you work hard to afford. You deserve insurance that recognizes that.
Customizable coverage built for how you actually use your assets
Generic home or automobile policies often fall short when it comes to recreational property. PC® Insurance offers dedicated coverage for:
Cottages, cabins, and seasonal properties
RVs and motorhomes
Boats and watercraft
ATVs and off-road vehicles
Snowmobiles
Our policies are built around the risks these assets face and the ways you use them. Whether you're a weekend cottager or a full-time RV traveller, we have coverage that fits your lifestyle.
Extra value through PC Optimum™: As a PC Optimum™ member, you save 5% on your cottage or recreational vehicle policy. It's easy and free to become a PC Optimum member, and beyond insurance savings, you’ll earn points on everyday purchases at participating retailers, turning regular spending into real savings. It's value that extends well beyond your policy and puts money back in your pocket.
Our approach: We're focused on making insurance straightforward. That means clear explanations, transparent pricing, and coverage recommendations based on your needs - not upselling you on coverage you don't need. Our job is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions that work for your life and budget.
Protect your Play, Live your Life
Your cottage. Your RV. Your boat. They're not just assets - they're how you spend your summers.
But you can't fully enjoy them when you're worried about what might go wrong. What if the cottage floods? What if the RV is damaged in an accident? What if the boat gets stolen?
The right insurance changes that.
It means you focus on the experiences, while we focus on making sure you’re covered for whatever comes your way. All you need to do is enjoy your summer.
Ready to get the right coverage?
Get a free quote online – Get a personalized quote in minutes. See what coverage options and savings are available for your cottage, boat, RV, or other recreational assets.
Speak to a PC® Insurance Advisor – Not sure if you're fully protected or have questions about your options? Contact us today, and our team will review your existing coverage, identify any gaps, and help you find the policy that's right for your needs.
Due to provincial legislation, auto insurance products are not offered by PC® Insurance in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. PC® auto and home insurance products are not available in Québec
Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply.
PC Optimum™ members in good standing could benefit from an Affinity Discount on their homeowner’s, condominium, and tenant insurance in all provinces and territories, except Quebec where PC® Insurance is not available. Additionally, an Affinity Discount could apply on car insurance for PC Optimum™ members in the following provinces and territories: Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
PC®, PC Financial®, President’s Choice Financial® and PC Optimum™ are trademarks of Loblaws Inc., used under license.
President's Choice Financial® Mastercard® and PC Money™ Account are provided by President's Choice Bank.
The PC Optimum™ program is provided by President’s Choice Services Inc.
