Home Insurance When You're Away: Vacation & Vacancy Rules for Vancouver Homeowners

December 11, 2025

Heading out of town from Vancouver for a getaway, work trip, or a longer winter escape? Before you lock the door and hop on a flight, it’s worth checking one important detail in your home insurance policy: how long your home can be left unattended.

Many policies include a vacancy or unoccupancy time limit (often around a few weeks to a month, depending on your insurer and coverage). If your home sits empty beyond your policy’s limit, certain coverages (especially water damage) can be reduced or denied. The safest move: tell your broker/insurer before you go—especially for extended trips.

If you leave your house empty for an extended period, it may be treated as vacant or even an underused property in other contexts. From an insurance perspective, vacancy can increase risk and may impact coverage if not disclosed.

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When should you inform your insurer before a trip?

There isn’t one universal rule, but a good guideline is to notify your broker at least two weeks before you leave if you’ll be away longer than a typical vacation. Some policies require notification once you pass a certain number of consecutive days away—so it’s smart to confirm your exact policy wording.

In Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, this matters even more because water losses (leaks, burst pipes, failed supply lines) are among the most common and expensive claims—especially when a home is unattended and a small leak turns into major damage.

Why insurers care about vacancy

Vacancy clauses: Many home insurance policies have a clause that limits how long a home can be left unattended or unoccupied. If you exceed that limit without approval, coverage for certain losses could be restricted.

Increased risk: Empty homes can be more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and hidden damage (like slow leaks). The longer no one is checking the property, the bigger the potential loss.

Planning a longer trip? Ask about a vacancy permit or endorsement

If you’ll be away beyond your policy’s limit, your broker can often arrange a solution—such as a vacancy permit or a policy adjustment—so you’re not guessing about coverage while you’re away.

Tips to keep your Vancouver-area home safe while you travel

• Lock and reinforce entry points: Double-check doors, windows, patio sliders, and garage access. Consider upgraded locks or a monitored alarm.
• Use smart home controls: Smart lights, thermostats, and security cameras help your home look lived-in—and let you check in from anywhere.
• Set light timers: Randomized lighting schedules are better than “on at 6pm every day.”
• Tell a trusted neighbour or friend: Ask someone to collect mail/packages, watch for unusual activity, and contact you if anything looks off.
• Arrange regular check-ins: Some insurers expect documented check-ins for longer absences. Ask what frequency is required and who qualifies to do it.
• Reduce water risk: Shut off the main water supply if appropriate, and consider a water leak detection device (especially helpful for condos and townhomes).
• Maintain heat in winter: In colder months, keep heat at a safe level to prevent frozen pipes. If no one is staying in the home, ask whether your insurer requires water shut-off and draining lines.
• Pause deliveries: Hold mail and newspaper delivery so your home doesn’t look unattended.
• Keep valuables out of sight: Don’t leave high-value items visible from windows; use a safe for important documents and jewelry.
• Review your policy before you go: Confirm time limits for unoccupancy/vacancy, plus any conditions related to water damage, alarms, or home check-ins.
• Consider a house sitter: A trusted house sitter can be one of the best ways to keep a home “occupied” in practice—just confirm how your insurer defines occupancy.

Vacant vs. unoccupied: what’s the difference?

Unoccupied typically means no one is currently living in the home for a period of time, but the home is still set up as a residence—furnishings and personal belongings remain, and you intend to return (for example: vacation, business travel, hospitalization).

Vacant generally means the home is essentially empty—no furniture or personal property, and it’s not being lived in. This can happen during a sale, renovation, tenant turnover, or when a property is held as an investment. Insurers often view vacant homes as higher risk.

Protect your home while you’re away

Whether you’re leaving from Kitsilano for a quick weekend trip, heading out from Burnaby for work, or spending a month away from your North Vancouver home, a simple policy check can prevent unpleasant surprises later. If you’re unsure how long your policy allows your home to be unattended, we can help you confirm the details and keep your coverage solid while you’re gone.