RV and Camper Insurance for Summer Road Trips

At Merit Insurance, we understand the excitement that comes with hitting the road in your RV or camper. Whether you’re parking beside a quiet lake, exploring the Rockies, or road-tripping across provinces, your RV isn’t just a vehicle; it’s your summer home.

Why RV and Camper Insurance Is Important

Many RV owners assume their trailer or motorhome is covered under their home or auto policy. In reality, those policies often fall short, especially when it comes to damage, liability, or protection for personal belongings.

Dedicated RV insurance can provide coverage for:

• Physical damage – Accidents, fire, storms, vandalism, and more
• Liability – In case someone is injured in or around your unit
• Theft or damage to contents – Including electronics, tools, and camping gear
• Emergency expenses – Hotel or travel costs if your RV becomes unusable far from home

If your RV is financed or leased, full coverage is typically required.

Tailored to Your Type of RV and Camper

Different RVs need different types of insurance. We’ll help you choose what’s right:

• Motorhomes (Class A, B, or C): These self-powered units require their policy, similar to auto insurance.
• Travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and pop-ups: These are towable and may be added to your auto policy, but a separate policy offers more complete protection.

If you’ve invested time and money in your RV, it makes sense to ensure it’s adequately insured.

Seasonal Use? We’ve Got You Covered

Most RVs in Canada are used seasonally. That’s why we offer flexible insurance options that reflect how and when you use your camper.

Some plans even include storage protection, covering theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage while your unit is parked for the off-season.

Optional Add-Ons for Extra Coverage

Depending on your travel plans, we can help you customize your policy with:

• Roadside assistance
• Protection for attached accessories – like awnings, bike racks, and solar panels
• Coverage for rental income – if you rent out your RV occasionally

Let’s Get You Road-Trip Ready

Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your RV or camper is insured for whatever the journey brings. At Merit Insurance, we’ll walk you through your options, explain what’s covered, and help you travel with confidence.

Reach out to us today to learn more about RV and camper insurance and get ready for a smooth, worry-free summer adventure.

Cottage and Cabin Insurance Essentials for Summer Openings

Cottage and Cabin Insurance Essentials for Summer Openings. At Merit Insurance, we know there’s nothing quite like that first trip back to the cottage or cabin after a long winter. The fresh air, the quiet mornings, the first coffee on the deck, it’s what summer’s all about. However, before you get too comfortable, it’s worth taking a few minutes to ensure your insurance is up to date.

Here’s what you’ll want to check before the season kicks off.

Start with a Policy Review

Things change; you may have added a new dock, bought an ATV, or made some upgrades over the winter. These kinds of changes can affect your coverage, so it’s a good idea to give your broker a quick call before you head up. We can ensure that everything remains in line with how you are currently using the property.

Seasonal or Secondary? It Matters

Not all cottages are treated the same when it comes to insurance. If your place is only used during part of the year and doesn’t have full utilities or winter access, it likely falls under seasonal property insurance. If you’re up there year-round or it has all the comforts of home, it might be a secondary residence.

The difference affects what’s covered and how, so it’s worth confirming.

Watch for Water

Water damage is one of the most common claims we see at this time of year. As you open things up, keep an eye out for burst pipes, leaks, or damage from melting snow and heavy rain. It’s also a good time to clear the gutters and test your sump pump, if you have one.

And here’s a tip: check if your policy includes coverage for overland water or sewer backup. It’s not always standard, but it can save you a big headache.

Fire and Liability Checks

If your cottage has a fireplace or wood stove, ensure it has been cleaned and inspected. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and ensure fire extinguishers are easily accessible.

Also, think about who’s visiting. If friends and family are spending time at your place, make sure your liability coverage is solid. Accidents happen, and you want to be covered if someone gets hurt.

What About the Fun Stuff?

Boats, ATVS, jet skis – those summer toys aren’t always covered under your regular cottage policy. If you’ve got them, let’s talk about how to insure them properly.

And if you’re planning to rent out the place on Airbnb or VRBO, we’ll need to make sure your policy allows it. Most standard policies do not cover short-term rentals unless they are added explicitly.

Opening the cottage is a summer tradition, but a quick insurance check can make all the difference if something goes wrong. Give us a call or send us a message. We’ll help you ensure your home away from home is protected so that you can focus on the good stuff.

Your Guide to Motorhome Insurance – Summer Travelling with Merit Insurance

Summer ignites the wanderlust in us all. It’s the perfect time to hit the open road with your motorhome and explore the breathtaking landscapes across North America. A motorhome serves as your home on wheels, providing you with the freedom and comfort to travel wherever your heart desires. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility of ensuring your vehicle is properly insured. Unless you can afford to replace or repair your motorhome, camper van, and the belongings in it out-of-pocket, you’ll need the right type of insurance for proper protection.

The Importance of Motorhome Insurance

Your motorhome is not just a vehicle; it’s an investment in your adventures, your safety, and your comfort. As such, it requires specialized insurance that covers a wide range of potential risks. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip across Ontario, camping in the Rockies, or visiting family in the U.S., having the right insurance is crucial.

Benefits of Motorhome Insurance

1. Protection Against Accidents: In the event of an accident, insurance can cover the expenses needed to escort your family home or get your vehicle back on the road. With flexible deductible options, you can choose how much you’re willing to pay upfront if you file a claim.
2. Coverage for Natural Disasters: All Perils coverage protects against most losses, including lightning, windstorms, earthquakes, rising water, fires, hail, and other natural disasters that can cause significant damage to your motorhome. Insurance provides coverage for Mother Nature’s unpredictable events.
3. Theft Protection: Motorhomes are often targeted by thieves. Insurance covers the theft of your vehicle as well as the belongings inside it.
4. Liability Coverage: A third-party liability policy safeguards you against lawsuits for physical injury or damage to someone else’s property, while accident benefits and uninsured automobile coverage provide additional layers of security.
5. Replacement Coverage: For motorhomes up to five years old, replacement cost coverage ensures you won’t be left with a financial burden in the case of a total loss. The insurance also covers the contents inside your motorhome, making sure you’re well-protected no matter what comes your way.

Travelling in your motorhome this summer should be an adventure filled with joy and relaxation, not worry. Our brokers understand the unique needs of motorhome owners. The Merit Difference shines through in our commitment to exceptional customer service and our dedication to crafting policies that perfectly align with your lifestyle, ensuring that your summer travels are not just protected, but also enriched with peace of mind.

Bundling Your Insurance Lines for Optimal Coverage – The Merit Difference

In today’s fast-paced world, managing various insurance policies across different providers can be a daunting task. Keeping track of premiums, renewals, and policy details can quickly become overwhelming. With Merit Insurance, you’re not just another policyholder – you’re a valued client, and we take pride in understanding your unique needs and concerns. In this blog we will explore the advantages of bundling your insurance lines and how our brokers can create a custom protection plan for you.

1. A Comprehensive View of Your Insurance Needs

Our experienced brokers gain a holistic understanding of your lifestyle, assets, and liabilities when you consolidate your insurance lines with us. This comprehensive view allows us to identify potential gaps in coverage and recommend tailored solutions to ensure you’re adequately protected.

2. Cost-effective Bundling Options:

Bundling your insurance lines with Merit can lead to increased savings. By combining policies like auto, property, recreational, or business under one roof, you unlock the potential for multi-policy discounts. This means more value for your hard-earned money without compromising on coverage.

3. Simplified Management and Administration:

Dealing with multiple insurance providers can be time-consuming and confusing. By consolidating your policies with Merit, you streamline the administrative process. Our tailored approach makes it easy for you to access policy information, make changes, and handle claims efficiently with one broker.

4. Tailored Solutions with the Merit Difference:

We understand that every client’s insurance needs are unique. That’s why we offer personalized, one-on-one service that we call the Merit Difference. Our brokers take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and craft insurance solutions that align with your goals.

5. Access to a Wide Range of Insurance Lines:

We’re proud of the relationships we have with a variety of Canada’s top insurers and the extensive insurance offerings to our clients. Whether you’re safeguarding your family home, protecting your business assets, or auto, we have the right coverage for you.

6. Guidance for Informed Decisions:

Our seasoned brokers are well-versed in the intricacies of the insurance industry. We stay up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations, and products to provide you with informed recommendations. You can trust us to guide you towards the most suitable coverage options for your specific circumstances.

Entrusting Merit Insurance with all your insurance lines offers you a host of advantages, from a more complete view of your needs to potential cost savings through bundling. Our personalized approach and wide range of coverage options make us the ideal choice for safeguarding your assets and securing your future.

Experience the Merit Difference today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having all your insurance needs met under one roof. Contact us to explore how we can tailor a comprehensive insurance solution just for you.

Most Common Months To Rent Are Between May To September

Merit Tenant Insurance

Canada is predominantly a nation of homeowners. The majority of Canadians own their home, and it is estimated only 32% of the population is renting. However, Toronto has one of the lowest rates of homeownership per city in Canada. The unprecedented real estate market has forced many millennials and other generations to turn to rental properties. As the name would imply, home insurance isn’t just for homeowners. It is important for savvy renters as well. In this blog, we explain why it is important to protect your assets even if you don’t own your current home.

What is tenant insurance?

We often associate home insurance with protection against physical damage to your house, such as burst pipes or a collapsed roof. If you are a renter, it can be easy to overlook insurance thinking it only applies to the physical structure and therefore the responsibility of your landlord. However, in the event of a claim, their insurance won’t cover your personal belongings such as furniture, electronics, or jewelry.

What does it cover?

Tenant insurance, commonly referred to as renters’ insurance, is tailored towards protecting your personal property within the home, liability and additional living expenses if you have to make a claim.

Liability

Personal Liability is a coverage designed to protect you legally if you accidentally injure someone, or they are hurt on your property. In most circumstances, the landlord’s insurance will not protect you if someone is injured at your rental home. Personal Liability is a part of renters insurance that is designed to protect you legally if there is an accident resulting in injury while on your property.

Personal Belongings

Items in your home can quickly add up. Think of the cumulative cost of your wardrobe, furniture, electronics, and jewelry to name a few! Contents coverage can be purchased to cover a specific dollar amount to cover the cost of either repairing or replacing items in a claim. This insurance would cover your belongings against common risks such as theft, fire, loss, and much more.

Some items may be subject to limits, so it is important to speak with your Merit broker about which items are not covered. Your broker can help you create a tailored coverage plan for expensive items such as costly fine art or an engagement ring to ensure you are always protected.

Additional Living Expenses

Another added benefit of tenant insurance is additional living expenses. If your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss, tenant insurance can assist you in the cost of damage to your personal property and offer compensation for additional living expenses until your home is ready to be lived in again.

Is tenant insurance legally required in Ontario?

Although tenant’s insurance is not mandatory, it offers peace of mind for an unexpected uncovered loss. There has also been an increasing trend in landlords asking tenants to obtain renters insurance as a condition on the lease. According to TD’s 2021 Tenant Insurance Survey, 41% of Canadian renters do not have tenant insurance. This leaves individuals open financially and to legal liability. We know you work hard to buy the things in your life, why not protect it with tenants’ insurance? Contact us today and we will build the right coverage for you!

Checklist For Closing Your Cottage For The Winter

Due to COVID-19, many Canadians used their cottage more than ever this year. However, as the summer gives way to fall, we must prepare our cottage for colder months. Unless your cottage is winterized, it’s time to close up your favourite vacation spot until next spring.

Did You Know?

Most Canadians close their cottage in the month of October 
Water damage and vandalism make up most insurance claims for cottages during the winter months. If you own a cottage or other rural seasonal property, consider the following checklist to help protect your summer home during the off-season:

Physical Damages

• Inspect the roof and replace any broken shingles to avoid water damage.
• Shut off the water and drain plumbing: Stagnant water can freeze in the pipes potentially causing them to burst.
• Trim any over-hanging and dead branches near the cottage. The weight from the snow can cause branches to snap and potentially damage the property.
• Remove potential fire hazards such as loose papers, newspapers, old rags, and chemicals and turn off all utilities/appliances.
• Make sure the eavestroughs are clear of leaf buildup and saplings which can obstruct drainage when the snow melts in the spring.

Unwanted Visitors

• Cottages are especially vulnerable during the off-season due to infrequent or absent inhabitants. It is important to pack up all food so as not to attract animals into the cottage.
• When leaving the cottage, double-check all windows and doors are properly locked. If you have a boathouse with expensive items, consider adding an additional padlock to the door.
• Avoid leaving valuable items or documents unattended over the winter.
• Close the drapes or blinds and consider adding additional shutters on the outside to protect from animals and human intruders.
• Consider asking a neighbour to check on your property once a month to ensure there are no damages caused by mother nature or otherwise.

​Cottage insurance works somewhat differently than your primary home insurance. Factors such as how often it is occupied, whether it is a rental property, the contents, and recreational water vehicles (such as a boat or jet ski ) impact on which types of insurance packages are appropriate. At Merit Insurance, we understand that each situation is unique, and it is our job to make sure you get the right coverage. Call a Merit broker today to discuss all your options.

Cottage Insurance : Merit has you covered

Vacation Property/Cottage Insurance

Hello August! Summers in Canada feel like they go by in the blink of an eye, one minute we are reaching for the SPF, and the next we are ordering pumpkin spiced lattes. Many Canadians take advantage of our beautiful (albeit short) summers by investing in cottages or vacation properties.

Even though your cottage may feel like a ‘home away from home’, many of us don’t realize that recreational property insurance works somewhat differently than the insurance for your primary residence. People may assume their cottage is protected, but are in fact left vulnerable.

Here are 2 basic differences between your home and cottage insurance, and why you need the proper insurance for your favourite summer spot:

1) TIME
One of the main differences impacting your cottage insurance is simply the amount of time you spend there. For your primary residence, it is assumed that you or your family are living at home full time. Therefore, you’re able to address issues quickly to reduce damage and your presence deters theft and vandalism.

Cottages are usually only occupied part-time, which increases the level of risk due to natural causes, vandalism, or the occasional wildlife critter paying a visit. Because cottages are often vacant, the cost of insurance can be a bit higher than the cost of insuring your home when you compare the insured value of each.

Cottagers Tip: Talk to your Merit broker about bundling your cottage insurance with additional policies. The insurance experts will advise you if it is better to consolidate or choose a standalone policy.

2) TOYS
For some, cottages can mean peaceful mornings and reading a book by the lake. But for others, cottages are like an extreme version of Disneyland for adults. A lot of properties are equipped with toys such as boats, Sea-Doos, 4-wheelers or snowmobiles. Coverage options for vehicles and personal property can work differently for cottages and vacation properties, so be sure your Merit broker is aware of the personal property and vehicles you keep at your cottage, and we can recommend the appropriate coverage.

Cottagers Tip: Do you rent out your property during the year? Vacation properties with the option of tenants also require special coverage options. Make sure to bring this up with your broker to find the right solution for your cottage.

Owning a cottage is a great opportunity to unwind and spend quality time with you friends and family. Talk to a Merit broker today to discuss all your options. We can keep your cottage insurance worries at bay, so you can get back to sitting on the dock of the bay.

Renovating? Talk to your Merit Insurance Broker

Planning a Home Renovation? Be sure you AND your contractor have proper insurance coverage.

If only buying your dream home was as easy as clicking red ruby slippers together.  But in today’s financial climate, more Canadians are opting to renovate their existing home rather than buy.

While shopping for the perfect dimmer switch or bathroom tile, insurance is often an overlooked step in the renovation process. Many people assume their current policy extends coverage to any changes made to the home. In Ontario, only 6% of homeowners looked into house insurance policies prior to renovating.

The consequences of inadequate coverage can be costly. Here are some things to consider when planning your next renovation:

1. Size of the renovation: Whether you are completing a simple DIY project you found on Pinterest or remodeling the kitchen, you should consult with your insurance provider before starting the project. For larger projects, you may require an addition to your policy to ensure you are protected. Allow the professionals to evaluate the coverage required for your project- no matter how big or small.
2. Failure to disclose on any major home projects can make your current policy null and void: Renovations are hard to predict. Most insurance policies include a clause that a renovation project will invalidate your home insurance if you fail to notify your insurer.
3. You must contact your insurer once the renovation is complete: Whether it is additional square footage or upgraded features, the goal with any renovation is to increase the value of your home. As a result, your policy must be re-evaluated accordingly.
4. If hiring a contractor, ensure they have proper liability coverage. You should make sure the contractor’s liability insurance is adequate and current. Generally speaking, the contractor’s insurance and your own homeowners’ insurance will together provide good coverage through the renovation project.

Contractors are also vulnerable to a variety of risks when taking on home improvement projects. The following are important policies for contractors to evaluate while considering business insurance:

• Protection against personal injury: Separate from worker’s compensation which covers employee’s wages, personal injury policies can be used to assist in medical expenses, legal fees, and court-awarded compensations for those injured on a job site.
• Damage Claims: Legal and repair costs are covered should the customer’s property incur damage during construction.
• Equipment/Tools Insurance: Policies designed to fund replacement costs should any tools be damaged, or to cover equipment rental fees.

Whether it is for the homeowner to protect their asset, or a business to safeguard themselves from liabilities, insurance is a necessary step towards a successful renovation.

There is no place like home…make sure yours is protected today.

Start Saving with Merit Today!

Merit Insurance has you covered with a variety of affordable options to meet your specific needs. Call your Merit broker for a quote today at 1-800-563-3383 or contact us online.  Your Merit insurance specialist will find ALL the right insurance products, with affordable rates and deductible options, that meet your needs.

Cannabis Legislation & Insurance

If you’re not already aware, Canada is planning for the legalization of marijuana on October 17, 2018. The Trudeau government’s stated goal is to legalize, strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis, keep it out of the hands of Canadian youth, and prevent the expansion of organized crime and the black market.

And while much of the attention has been on where you will be able to buy it and from whom, there are other conversations to be had. One important question to consider is how will insurance providers view legal cannabis cultivation at home, or even driving under the influence of it. If you are a user or interested in growing the allowable four plants for personal use, does that small cannabis garden really come with a host of property risks? How does the use of cannabis influence your ability to drive? And will your use affect your health insurance or even travel insurance rates?

In a nutshell, the legalized substance will usher in major changes for the insurance industry – impacting everything from auto to health and travel.  We recommend consulting with your Merit Insurance Broker to be sure of where you stand and to review your coverage.

Cannabis & Home Insurance

Under the proposed framework, cannabis consumption will only be allowed at a person’s residence and is likely to carry the same insurance risk that tobacco smoking does. Rental apartments and condo corporations are still trying to figure out how to regulate cannabis consumption in their buildings.

But, there may be a risk should you supply your house guests with legal, home-grown cannabis from your garden just like you would provide them with alcoholic drinks or snacks at a barbeque. You may even provide marijuana edibles that you’ve whipped up yourself. Should a guest become ill or suffer an incident, the liability would be on you as a host, in the same way, that injuries due to alcohol distribution falls back onto the homeowner or business.

Auto Insurance

Will you be able to drive after having used marijuana? Yes and no. Drugged drivers may have slower reaction times and can swerve or tailgate more often which makes them a much higher risk for accidents. However, G-licensed drivers with a minimal amount of THC in their system will be permitted. In the United States, the most commonly accepted number is 5 nanograms. It is unclear if that will be the amount permitted in Canada.

In Ontario, if you are a young (under 21) or inexperienced driver, you are NOT allowed to drive with marijuana in your system. Also, there are rules proposed for anyone driving for a business that prohibits marijuana in your system. As a general rule, always err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure, don’t drive! Consider alcohol use. You don’t truly know what your blood-alcohol content might be, but if you’ve been drinking – you don’t drive. That is the same advice you should follow for marijuana usage.

Recreational Marijuana & Health Insurance

Much of the discussion around health insurance has centered on whether or not employee benefits should include medical marijuana. What is apparent in the legislative framework for recreational marijuana is that the federal government really wants to continue with the medical cannabis route as a distinct route vs recreational marijuana at least for the next 5 years, after which the government will decide if it’s necessary to continue the distinction.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is different than the other kinds of insurance, in that it’s usually purchased exclusively for emergencies, including trip cancellation and medical attention. Because of that, medical marijuana doesn’t fit neatly into the medical emergency structure at all. But legal cannabis users should be aware of the jurisdiction of their destination – because the substance may not be legal there.

Not sure how the Ontario Cannabis Legalization will affect you or your business? Contact your Merit Insurance Broker today for a personalized discussion and action plan.

That’s the Merit Difference.

Start Saving with Merit Today!

Merit Insurance has you covered with a variety of affordable options to meet your specific needs. Call your Merit broker for a quote today at 1-800-563-3383 or contact us online.  We’ll customize an insurance policy with affordable rates and deductible options that meet your needs.