One in Four Canadians Face Home Disasters While Away: New TD Insurance Data

TD Insurance has revealed a significant gap in consumer awareness regarding home insurance requirements for unattended properties. With nearly half of Canadians planning to travel this winter, the data highlights a disconnect between high self-confidence and actual policy knowledge, creating substantial financial risk for homeowners and secondary property owners alike.

What was announced

The survey indicates that 48% of Canadians intend to leave their primary residence for more than one day this fall or winter. For owners of cottages, cabins, and other secondary properties, this figure rises to 81%. Despite 86% of respondents feeling confident in their ability to prepare their homes, only 61% actually understand what their insurance policy requires during an extended absence.

This lack of clarity is particularly concerning given that 25% of Canadians have already experienced property issues—such as weather damage, electrical faults, plumbing failures, or security breaches—while away. For seasonal property owners, the incidence of these issues jumps to 62%. The psychological impact is also notable: 38% of Canadians report feeling anxious when leaving their property, and 26% admit that home-related concerns have distracted them from enjoying their time away. The findings suggest that while homeowners are proactive about physical preparation, they are less diligent about the contractual obligations of their insurance coverage, which may change depending on the duration of the vacancy.

"One of the most common misconceptions is that coverage remains exactly the same no matter how long a home sits empty," said Roy. "Some policies may include conditions related to extended absences, which is why reviewing your coverage before you leave is so critical."

Lydia Roy, Vice President Product and Pricing, General Insurance at TD Insurance.

The companies involved

TD Insurance is a major player in the Canadian insurance landscape, providing a range of products including home, auto, and life insurance. It operates as part of the TD Bank Group, one of the largest financial institutions in North America. Headquartered in Toronto, TD Bank Group is a global entity with a significant presence in both Canada and the United States. TD Insurance leverages this broad corporate infrastructure to offer integrated financial services to millions of customers.

The company has recently focused on consumer education through data-driven insights, frequently publishing surveys that highlight protection gaps across different demographics, from small business owners to individual homeowners. By positioning itself as an advisor on risk management rather than just a policy provider, TD Insurance maintains a competitive stance in a market where consumer trust and clarity are increasingly tied to digital accessibility and transparent policy terms.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely tracked TD’s recent efforts to identify underinsured segments of the Canadian market. In September 2026, we covered a TD Insurance Survey Reveals 32% of Canadians Lack Life Insurance Despite Major Life Milestones, which pointed to similar gaps in coverage awareness. This followed a report on how TD Insurance Survey Reveals 23% of Canadian Small Businesses Lack Essential Coverage Amid Rising Risks. Additionally, the parent company has been modernizing its internal structures, as seen when TD Bank Group Reshuffles Senior Leadership Team to Drive AI and Digital Strategy to better handle data and customer engagement.

What this means

This announcement underscores a persistent challenge for the P&C insurance sector: the "silent" policy breach. When consumers believe they are covered but fail to meet occupancy requirements, it leads to denied claims and reputational damage for the insurer. The high anxiety levels reported by Canadians suggest a market opportunity for insurers to integrate smart home technology or more flexible "vacation" riders into standard policies. As climate-related weather events become more frequent, the pressure on insurers to clarify these "extended absence" clauses will intensify. The industry must move toward more proactive, automated communication to ensure policyholders remain compliant while away.