How to insure your summer fun: What you need to know

With files from Jordan Lavin 

This article was published on June 16, 2023 and was updated on June 27, 2025. 

As the temperature rises, many Canadians are excited to spend their summer days participating in fun outdoor activities. From road trips to cottage getaways, the summer season provides an opportunity for adventure and relaxation. 

However, unexpected events, such as car accidents, wildfires or medical emergencies, can happen. It’s why it’s essential to ensure that you, your belongings and your liability are protected. Whatever type of summer fun you’re planning, there’s an insurance policy ready to catch you if you need it. 

This article explains how to get insurance for all your summer activities.

How to insure your summer vacation

Whether you're planning a road trip, taking a flight across Canada or heading overseas, travel insurance can provide peace of mind while you're away from home. 

A travel insurance policy will protect you financially against potential emergencies, this includes medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage and travel accident insurance.

A comprehensive policy allows you to explore and enjoy your trip without worrying about the what-ifs. If an unexpected event happens, you can relax knowing you won’t be on your own to pay for the costs. 

So, how do you get travel insurance? You can get coverage using a travel rewards credit card to book your trip. The best travel credit cards in Canada typically include insurance coverage that protects you and your companions as long as you pay for the travel using the card. 

You can also purchase a travel insurance policy online if you don’t have coverage through your credit card. This is especially important if you’re heading out of the country to places where emergency services like a hospital visit could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. 

How to insure your rental car

If you’re planning to rent a car, there are two types of insurance you’ll want to consider.

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure you’re covered for damage to the rental car in case it’s involved in a collision. Most rental car companies offer this coverage at a price ranging from $10 to $40 per day, depending on the location and type of car you rent.

To save yourself this expense, reserve and pay for your rental car using a credit card that offers rental car insurance coverage. Most cards with an annual fee include rental car damage insurance, but be sure to double-check whether you’re covered before heading out.

Secondly, you’ll want to make sure you have insurance that will pay for third-party claims and your own expenses if you’re involved in a crash. This coverage usually costs less than $10 per day if you buy it from the rental car company.

If you have insurance for a car you own, your policy may extend to rental cars if you have an endorsement for liability to non-owned automobiles. Check your policy or ask your insurance broker whether you have coverage for rental cars. If not, the cost to add it is usually less than $50 per year.

How to insure your motorcycle

If you're planning to hit the open road on a motorcycle, it's important to have the right insurance coverage. Motorcycle insurance typically includes liability coverage, which is required by law in most provinces, as well as coverage for theft, collision, and other damage.

Even though you only use your motorcycle when the weather is fair, it’s best to get a year-round motorcycle insurance policy. The rates are typically based on seasonal use, and provide protection against fire, theft and vandalism when your baby is tucked in for the winter. You can easily discuss and compare motorcycle insurance quotes with our brokerage, RH Insurance, to get the best deal on the coverage you need.

How to insure your cottage or cabin

Many Canadian summer homes are handed down from generation to generation, creating lasting memories for entire families. If your retreat were to be destroyed by fire or damaged by a falling tree, however, there’s a good chance your family wouldn’t be able to afford the cost to rebuild. 

Even if your cottage has stood safely for decades without insurance, climate change creates risks that weren’t there even a few years ago. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2024 broke a record for insured damage caused by severe weather, totalling $8.5 billion. This number surpassed the record made in 2016 after the Fort McMurray wildfires, which cost $6 billion and was 12 times the annual average of insured losses between 2001 and 2010, which was $701 million. 

That’s why purchasing vacation property or cottage insurance is essential. If you have a policy, you should review it regularly to ensure your coverage is up to date. Typical cottage insurance coverage will protect your property, contents, and liability. You can have your cottage included in your regular home insurance coverage or buy a separate policy. When looking to purchase coverage, compare cottage insurance quotes online to find your best rate. 

Consider the specific risks that your property may face. Factors such as the location of your cottage, the age and condition of the building, the quality of roads and fire department access can all affect your premiums. Many cottage insurance policies can also extend to your most expensive toys, like ATVs and boats.

How to insure your vacation home for short-term rental use

If you're renting out your home, cottage or other property as a short-term Airbnb or VRBO rental, you’ll need insurance that covers damages caused by guests, as well as liability coverage for injuries that occur on your property.

Airbnb insurance is essential and it’s imperative that you inform your home insurance provider of your intentions to rent out your home. If you do not, your home insurance policy could be void, which could leave you on the hook to pay out-of-pocket for potential damages. It’s also important to note that only select insurers in Canada offer short-term rental insurance or home-sharing insurance. 

With short-term rentals becoming a common way for cottage owners to pay for their properties, many cottage insurance policies now provide optional coverage for a limited number of rentals, typically between 30 and 180 days per year. If rentals aren’t specified in your policy, however, it likely won’t provide any coverage at all if the property is used for rentals. Check with your insurance broker to ensure you have the short-term rental insurance coverage you need before posting your listing on Airbnb.

How to insure your recreational vehicles

Finally, if you plan to spend your summer exploring the great outdoors in a recreational vehicle, such as a motorhome, trailer, boat, or ATV, it's important to have the right insurance coverage. Recreational vehicle insurance typically covers liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, as well as coverage for theft and damage.

If you have some other kind of insurance coverage, you may be able to bundle your toys with it. For example, you may be able to insure your boat as part of your cottage insurance policy. Otherwise, there are many providers that offer trailer insurance, boat insurance and ATV insurance.

Keep in mind that most insurance policies explicitly prohibit operating a recreational vehicle while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. Play safely to avoid hurting yourself and having your claim denied.

The bottom line

Summer is a time for fun and adventure, but unexpected events can happen. So, it pays to be covered. In some cases, such as when renting a car or taking a flight, you may already have coverage through your credit card or auto insurance policy. Before you head out on your summer plans, make sure to review your coverage to see what gaps you need to fill. Then, compare insurance quotes online to find your most affordable rate so you can enjoy your summer fun in the sunshine stress-free! 

 

Also read: 

• Do I need travel insurance in Canada?
• How installing a pool affects your home insurance
• Protecting yourself and your backyard upgrades this summer