The Ultimate Snowbird Guide to Protecting Your Home During Winter Travel

Ah, the snowbird lifestyle. Every year, some thousands – if not millions of people "fly south" from colder regions in Canada and the northern United States to more temperate locations. Winter travel is an excellent option for retirees and elderly folks, especially as the cold becomes more difficult to tolerate the older we get. It also gives us an option to stay close with our northern-based families, friends, and familiar spaces, while also avoiding the worst of the winter.

Quebec is no stranger to bitterly cold temperatures, and the province has its fair share of snowbirds. And frankly, why not? There’s a lot of benefits to being a snowbird, but the one thing you’ll have to remember is that your home is left vulnerable when you aren’t there to occupy it.

Without further ado, here are 8 tips to help you enjoy your extended stay in the sun with peace of mind.

Tip #1: Ensure your home’s temperature never dips below 16 degrees.

Not every day in the winter is below freezing, so don’t turn off your temperature altogether! There’s such a large temperature range in Quebec that it’s best you keep your temperature at around 16 degrees to ensure there is no moisture buildup. This moisture can then freeze when the temperature drops again, expanding and causing wood expansion and shrinkage, which can damage your foundation and crack materials. Set the temperature to remain consistent rather than turning it off altogether.

Tip #2: Store your vehicle safely.

During the time that you’re away, if you’re leaving any vehicles behind, make sure those are stored appropriately! Damages can occur from both human and non-human causes, and without comprehensive coverage, you may not have those covered.

Whether your vehicle is parked in a public storage space or in a garage, it really doesn’t matter – just make sure it’s tucked away somewhere safe. This way, it’s unavailable to thieves and won’t brunt the worst of the winter weather while you’re gone.

Tip #3: Shut off your water valve.

Your temperature is bound to fall during the winter, especially if there are power surges during storm events. This should be among the first of your list of things to do: turn off your water valve. Set your water heater to vacation mode and/or drain the tank before you leave. You’ll have to remember to refill the tank before you turn it back on in the spring, of course, as running an empty water heater could cause some expensive damages.

Tip #4: Before you leave, check to see if your alarms are armed.

If you have a security system, arm it before you head out the door. This ensures that even if a break-in does occur, the police will be notified of the event and you may get help in time before any serious damages are done. In addition, security alarms can deter thieves – especially ones that come with visible warnings, like signs or stickers.

Tip #5: Double check your smoke detector before you depart.

You don’t want to lock up and depart for several months with a smoke detector running on low. If it’s been a few months, considering putting new batteries in your smoke detector and testing its effectiveness before your departure.

The same goes for if you have a security system. Anything device that runs on battery should be checked and tested to see if it has sufficient life left. For external monitoring systems, double-check cameras to ensure they’re working and aimed at the right spot, test outdoor lights, and see if motion sensors are picking up movement.

Tip #6: Unplug all unnecessary appliances.

Appliances left unattended can cause some serious issues. There could be shortages, temperature issues, and more – and who’s there to prevent damages if a fire breaks out from an unattended appliance? Don’t risk it – unplug all your appliances when you leave.

Tip #7: Have a neighbour make it look like you’re around.

Mail piling up? Driveway getting covered in snow? These are all telltale signs of an unoccupied home, and prime invitation for thieves to come "warm up" in your home.

If you can, have a neighbour park occasionally in your driveway to make your home look occupied. You can even hand them the keys to your home for the months that you’re away and enlist them to occasionally turn on lights, shovel your driveway, or take away your mail. You can also set up timers for your lights, to give the impression of a human presence.

Tip #8: Advise your broker about your plans.

Before you go on your trip, get in touch with your insurance broker.

Homeowners can leave their homes unoccupied for up to 30 days without needing to purchase added insurance, but for snowbirds, who may leave their homes unoccupied for 60 days or longer, this may require additional coverage.

If you are planning to take your vehicle with you, you’ll want to ensure that it can be covered wherever you’re planning to be – especially if that involves leaving the country and going to a southern state, or even into Mexico. Moreover, if you’re planning to ship your car (as opposed to driving it) you’ll want to ensure your broker is aware and ask about any coverage for special circumstances like this.

Have any additional questions about home insurance coverage for vacant homes? Give LMBF a call today to discuss your coverage and how you use your home.