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Dear Snarly:
Don't get your feathers all ruffled! Your insurance provider is just concerned about your water pipes freezing and bursting in the cold weather -- and rightly so. Your homeowners insurance policy says that, if you are going to be away for more than four consecutive days (never mind a few months!), you will not be covered for loss or damage caused by freezing pipes, UNLESS: you either shut off the water supply and drain the pipes, fixtures, and appliances; or make arrangements for a competent person to enter your dwelling every day to ensure that heating is maintained.
Once you have addressed the water-damage threat, there are other steps you should take before you fly the coop, whether it's for a few days or a few months.
Most importantly, you want your house to have that "lived in" look so as not to extend an open invitation to burglars. Although your homeowners policy continues to insure your property (as well as the personal property you take with you) while you're away, you sure don't want your vacation interrupted by a call from the police saying your home has been burglarized.
To deter thieves, use variable timers that can be set to go on and off at different times each day on both your inside and outside lights. Cancel any newspaper deliveries, and call on your neighbours to remove flyers and mail from your front porch, and clear any snow from your walkway and driveway. Invite the neighbour who has the most cars (usually, it's one with teenagers!) to park in your driveway while you are away. Store jewellery and smaller valuables in a safety-deposit box, and don't leave larger valuables, like laptop computers, lying around.
Finally, if you are driving your own car south for the winter, it's a good idea to inform your insurance provider. Although your automobile policy is valid throughout North America, your insurer assessed your risk based on your driving situation in Canada. If you live, for example, in rural Canada but take your car to Miami for three or four months, there is a material change in the risk. In other words, the chance of a loss occurring may be greater and the consequences more severe from a liability standpoint in Miami. That could complicate any claim you might have while in Florida.
So, the best advice is to play it safe before you go. That way, the only frozen water you'll have to worry about is the ice in your mint julep.
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