Journal

Owning a cottage in Ontario is a dream for many — a peaceful escape, a family gathering spot, and a valuable investment. But protecting that investment requires the right insurance coverage. Whether you're building a new lakeside retreat or maintaining a seasonal property, understanding the cost of cottage insurance in Ontario is an important part of planning.

Typical Costs of Cottage Insurance in Ontario

Cottage insurance premiums in Ontario generally range from $800 to $3,000 per year, depending on the type of property and coverage. Smaller, seasonal cottages with limited access may start around $500, while larger, year-round waterfront homes can exceed $3,000 to $5,000 annually.

While this can be higher than typical home insurance, there’s good reason: Cottages are often vacant for long stretches, located in remote areas, and exposed to greater risks like weather damage, theft, or fire.

What Affects the Price of Cottage Insurance in Ontario?

A few key factors determine your cottage insurance premium:

• Location: Remote properties or those far from fire services usually cost more.
• Occupancy: Year-round use can lower premiums compared to seasonal-only cottages.
• Property Type: Larger homes, expensive finishes, or custom features increase replacement value and cost.
• Features & Risks: Wood stoves, docks, and boathouses add complexity and risk.
• Coverage Type: Comprehensive (all-risk) policies are more expensive than named-perils policies.
• Security Measures: Alarm systems and monitoring can reduce premiums.

Types of Coverage

Your cottage insurance in Ontario policy may include:

• Building and Contents Coverage
• Liability Insurance
• Detached Structures (boathouses, sheds)
• Vandalism and Theft Protection
• Sewer Backup or Flood Coverage (optional)

Many owners bundle cottage insurance with their home policy to reduce costs.

Planning a New Build?

At Tech Home, we design and build custom cottages across Muskoka and central Ontario — and we understand the importance of protecting your investment from day one. That’s why we provide complimentary Builder’s Risk insurance during construction, giving you peace of mind while your home takes shape.

When construction is complete, we’re happy to refer you to trusted insurance providers to help you get the right coverage for your new property.