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Home Insurance

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments that you make, so it’s normal to have questions about the best ways to insure it. Your home protects the people and things that are most valuable to you, so make sure you have coverage that won’t leave you in the cold.

What home insurance covers

Home insurance coverage can vary between providers, but most home insurance policies can be broken down into two main domains: property and liability. Property insurance covers damages to the physical property that you own. Liability is designed to cover actions that you take, or that take place in the home you own or rent, and can protect you in the event of a lawsuit or claim. The level of home insurance coverage offered by insurers range from minimal or basic insurance, to very comprehensive insurance.

Selecting home insurance that’s going to be right for you depends on many factors, and it’s helpful to have a knowledgeable resource in your corner. Speaking to a broker is a great way to learn more about the types of coverage available and to hone in on which ones are most relevant for your property.

In a home insurance policy, a peril is an event, or risk, that your home may be covered for. Depending on your insurance policy and the extent of your coverage, the perils you’re covered for will vary. The perils you choose to include in your policy will have a lot to do with your specific situation and region. For instance, if you are in a region that is known for flooding, you’ll want to inquire about the availability of flood insurance. On the other hand, you may not need to list volcanoes as one of your perils. A big advantage to working with a broker is that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. A BrokerLink home insurance broker can help you navigate the ins and outs of what home insurance policy you need from an insurance provider. This list is not exhaustive, however, here are some examples of perils that might be included on home insurance policies:

  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Earthquake
  • Flood
  • Hail
  • Hurricane
  • Power Outage
  • Tornado
  • Volcano
  • Wildfire
  • Winter Freeze

It is also important to be aware of events or perils not covered by insurance. Maintenance costs and general wear and tear are just a few examples of perils not included in home insurance.

Home insurance categories

Although insurance policies can vary in complexity, coverage options can be classified into three general categories. Pay specific attention to the way perils are included or excluded as this is a defining factor between categories.

Basic/Standard

Although options will vary between providers, and also from region to region, the most basic insurance typically covers your home when there is damage from events such as fire, lightning, wind storms and hail. The types of events included in basic coverage can vary based on your home, but only the perils specifically listed can be covered.

Broad

Broad coverage is general protection for your home. You get a wide array of coverage with specified risk protection. In addition to basic elemental coverage, broad coverage can protect against things like damage from theft and vandalism. Broad coverage may also include coverage for unforeseen damages like burst pipes. Make sure to ask your broker what is and what is not covered by a broad home insurance policy as it must be specified in order to be covered.

Comprehensive

The most comprehensive home insurance will cover your home against damages from a wide variety of causes, but there may be some that are specifically listed as excluded. Many homeowners prefer comprehensive insurance for peace of mind and knowing if there’s damage to their home, there is coverage to protect it.

Average cost of home insurance

Average costs for home insurance are going to vary depending on individual situations and the types of coverage included. The best way to find out how much your home insurance costs is to simply get a quote. Our brokers can give you multiple quotes so you can compare coverage and prices from more than one insurance provider. It’s free and quick to do. What’s more, in speaking with a broker you can save the time you would have spent researching insurance policies and potentially save money by getting the custom plan you need.

The main factors contributing to the cost of home insurance and how your insurance is calculated

There are many factors that affect the cost of home insurance. For example, the type of residence and the area you live in make a big difference in how much you’ll pay. It might be helpful to think of the factors within two general categories:

1. Information about your home and/or property

  • The size of your home - In general, the more there is to insure, the more it costs to insure it.
  • The age and condition of your home - For example, older homes that haven’t been renovated or upgraded can sometimes cost more to insure as they pose more property and liability risks.
  • The location of your home - The surrounding environment plays a part in calculating your home insurance. For instance, the distance from a fire hydrant or the crime rate in your neighbourhood may affect your home insurance rates.
  • The value of your home and its contents - Construction materials and finishing could potentially impact the value of your home. Logically, the more valuable your home, the more expensive it would be to replace.

2. Information about you

  • Your claims history - The more claims you have filed in the past can affect how much you pay monthly. If you have a history full of claims, insurance companies may perceive you to have a higher likelihood of filing another claim.
  • Your age and length of insurance history - A longer history of insurance for providers to consider may help them assess your risk with more confidence.

Some factors have more of an impact than others, but knowing what these factors are will help you better understand your insurance premiums.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Home Insurance

Can I bundle home and car insurance for a reduced rate?
Yes! You can save up to 15% on both policies by bundling home and auto. Talk to an insurance broker about how you can save by bundling.

Is home insurance mandatory in Canada?
Home insurance in Canada is not mandatory. However, home insurance is usually required if you are taking out a mortgage.

Does house insurance cover your possessions?
Investing in home insurance is an important way to protect both your property and your possessions. You need to read the specifics in your policy to determine what possessions are indeed covered so that you can determine whether or not you need additional coverage or forms of insurance for certain belongings.

What is the process of making a claim for home insurance, and how long will it take?

The exact process of making a claim depends on your insurance company, but generally speaking, here’s how you make a claim:

  • Contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies prefer you call. Other insurance companies allow you to submit a claim online. If you’re not sure how to contact your insurance company, you can call your broker and they’ll assist you.
  • Follow the instructions from the insurance company. You may need to take photos of any damage. The insurance company may arrange for a professional to inspect the damage.
  • If the claim is approved, the insurance company should cover the cost of repairs and damages, minus your deductible.
  • The amount of time it will take to resolve a claim depends on the type of claim. Your broker and the insurance company can give you an expected range for how long it will take to resolve.

Is it more expensive to work with a home insurance broker?
It is not more expensive to work with a home insurance broker. In fact, since insurance brokers are insurance experts, you could even save money! Brokers have the inside scoop on discounts and tips that can help you save and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Who decides how much my property is worth?
Two main factors determine the value of your property: appraisals and sales in your area. You can get your home professionally appraised, and you can check municipal records for recent sales to determine how much your home is worth.

Does homeowners insurance cover aluminium wiring?
Generally speaking, home insurance does not cover aluminium wiring. Aluminium wiring tends to be found in older homes is more likely to cause a fire. If you have a home or are planning to buy a home with aluminium wiring, be sure to disclose this to your broker so they may advise you on what steps to take. You may need to replace the aluminium wiring, however, an insurance company will often provide temporary coverage with this condition in place.

For more FAQs, visit the BrokerLink FAQs page.

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