Home Insurance Ottawa, ON

It is important to know what events your Ottawa home insurance policy covers; otherwise you could be in for an unpleasant surprise. Each policy is different. We believe in clear communication so you know what a standard policy covers and if you should buy additional protection. In general, most home insurance policies cover the following situations:

• Wind and hail damage
• Theft
• Broken windows
• Fire damage
• Lightning
• Smoke damage

Home insurance in Ottawa also typically covers personal belongings such as furnishings, flooring, appliances and electronics. Most policies also include protection known as personal liability, in case someone is injured on your property.

There may be some areas that require an extra policy or rider to the main policy. We can advise you on which added protections make the most sense in Ottawa. For example, if you live near the Ottawa River it could be smart to add flood protection. Also, if you own high value jewelry or antiques it may be a good idea to specifically cover these items in case of theft or fire.

Each geographic area has its own set of risks associated with living there. In Ottawa, the cold weather could cause ice buildups and damage a roof. Ice could form on sidewalks and driveways, posing a serious threat for injury to guests. If the weather gets cold enough the pipes in a home could freeze and create water damage. Knowing your risks allows us to tailor an Ottawa home insurance policy to your needs.

Some of the most common threats to a homeowner in Ottawa are similar to other areas. These include flooding, wind and hail, vandalism and theft, earthquakes and fire. A strong home insurance policy puts in place protections for each of these possibilities.

Though home insurance in Ottawa isn’t required by law, most people have a mortgage with a bank and the lender will likely require a home insurance policy. We can make sure you get the appropriate coverage. Our team will explain the following options:

• Comprehensive – This policy covers your home’s structure and contents from the most common weather events and is the heart of your policy. There may be specific exclusions related to the comprehensive section.
• Broad – This policy serves the middle ground between comprehensive and basic. It insures a home for damage and loss, minus any named exclusions. Personal property is only protected in the event of a specifically mentioned peril.
• Basic or Named Perils – this is a highly-customized policy that only protects named items under named circumstances. It is better than a No Frills policy but could still leave the homeowner vulnerable.
• No Frills – This provides basic coverage for a home, but often will not satisfy underwriting standards for home lenders.

You should understand the details of your coverage. Each policy is somewhat different so make sure you know what is covered and what isn’t. Also, as your needs and situation change, it’s a good idea to periodically revisit your protection level. We can make sure your home insurance coverage stays current and reflects rising prices and changing conditions.

We will also alert you on ways to save money on your Ottawa home insurance policy. Some of the most effective ways to lower your annual premiums include taking the following actions: installing smoke detectors and anti-theft alarms, maintaining membership in certain organizations, being a senior citizen and bundling home, auto and other insurances with one company.