How to Cut Down on Home Insurance Costs in Canada

Posted On November 17, 2023

Home insurance is crucial to protecting your property and belongings, providing you with peace of mind in the event of unexpected losses or damage. However, understanding the factors that influence home insurance costs can be a challenge for the first-time home buyer.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how home insurance premiums are calculated in Canada, focusing on factors such as the value of your home, its location, and the coverage options you choose. We also share valuable tips on how to keep your home insurance costs down.

Factors Affecting Home Insurance Costs

When determining the cost of home insurance, several factors come into play. Insurance companies evaluate these factors to assess the risk of insuring your home. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when purchasing home insurance. Here are the key factors that influence home insurance rates in Canada:

Value of the Home

The value of your home is a significant factor in determining your home insurance premium. Generally, the larger your home’s value, the higher your insurance premium will be. Higher-value homes typically require more costly repairs or replacements in the event of damage or loss.

For instance, if your home has six bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a wood fireplace, the rebuilding costs would be much higher than a smaller two-bedroom home. To know how much your home is worth, we recommend that you use our Home Worth Calculator.

Location of the Home

Your home’s geographical location is crucial in determining your home insurance rates. Certain areas are more susceptible to specific risks, such as flood damage or natural disasters. Insurance companies consider the proximity of your home to major bodies of water, the likelihood of weather-related incidents, and crime rates in your neighborhood. For example, your insurance premium may be higher if you live in an area prone to floods or natural disasters like earthquakes or tornadoes.

Features of the Home

The specific features of your home, such as the age and condition of the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, can impact your home insurance rates. Insurance companies assess these features to evaluate the risk of potential damages or losses. Older or poorly maintained systems may increase the likelihood of claims, leading to higher premiums.

Amount of Coverage

The types and amount of coverage you choose for your home insurance policy directly affect your premium. If your home contains high-value items like jewelry, artwork, or vintage wine, you may need to purchase additional contents coverage, which could increase your premium.

Similarly, adding extra coverage options like home-based business insurance, equipment breakdown insurance, or overland water insurance will also impact your premium. Additionally, the deductible you choose—the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in—can affect your premium. Higher deductibles usually result in lower premiums.

Home Insurance Coverage Options

When buying home insurance, you have several coverage options based on your needs and budget. Understanding these options can help you tailor your policy to suit your specific requirements. Here are some standard home insurance coverage options available in Canada:

1. Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage protects your physical home and any attached structures from property damage caused by insured perils. Insured perils may include fire, lightning, smoke, theft, wind, car/aircraft impact, explosion, and falling objects. It is generally recommended to opt for all perils insurance to ensure protection against the broadest range of risks.

2. Contents Coverage

Contents coverage protects the items inside your home, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, artwork, and other personal belongings, from damage or theft. Choosing a coverage limit that reflects the value of the items in your home is essential. If you have high-value items, additional coverage may be necessary.

3. Personal Liability Coverage

Personal liability coverage protects you against liability claims from third parties, such as guests or visitors to your home. It covers legal defence fees, medical expenses, and other costs if someone is injured on your property and holds you liable.

4. Business Coverage

Business coverage is an add-on option for home insurance policies designed for home-based businesses or individuals who work from home. It provides coverage for business-related contents and liabilities. If you store inventory or have clients visiting your home, it is crucial to have this coverage to protect your business interests.

5. Sewer Backup Coverage

Sewer backup coverage protects against water damage caused by a sewer backup in your home. This coverage can be particularly valuable in areas prone to flooding or homes with older plumbing systems. Installing a sewer backup detection device can help mitigate the increased insurance premium associated with this coverage.

6. Overland Water Coverage

Overland water coverage protects against water damage caused by nearby lakes/rivers, overflow, heavy rain, or rapid snow melt. If your home is in a flood-prone area, this coverage is highly recommended to safeguard your property from potential water damage.

7. Equipment Breakdown Coverage

Equipment breakdown coverage protects against the cost of repairing or replacing household equipment that breaks down due to mechanical or electrical failure. This coverage can benefit appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, furnaces, and air conditioners.

Tips for Keeping Home Insurance Costs Low

Now that we have discussed the factors that influence home insurance costs and the coverage options available, let’s explore some practical tips to help you keep your home insurance costs down:

Be Smart about Insurance Claims

Filing multiple insurance claims can lead to increased premiums. It is essential to assess the magnitude of the claim and consider whether it outweighs the potential increase in premiums. For minor claims that may not significantly exceed your deductible, it may be wise to handle the repairs yourself without involving your insurance company.

Inform Your Insurance Company of Upgrades

If you make updates or upgrades to your home, such as replacing an old roof or installing protective features like a sump pump or sewer backup detection device, inform your insurance provider. These improvements can lower the risk of insuring your home, potentially reducing your premiums.

Review Your Policy Before Renewal

Take the time to review your home insurance policy before renewing it. Assess whether your current coverage still meets your needs and evaluate if any changes or updates are required. This is also an opportunity to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to ensure you get the best deal.

Install a Security System

Installing a security system in your home can make it safer and deter potential break-ins, which may qualify you for a home insurance discount. Check with your insurance provider about the specific requirements for eligibility for this discount.

Bundle Multiple Policies

Consider bundling your home insurance with other insurance policies, such as auto or life insurance, from the same provider. Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple policies from them, resulting in savings on premiums.

Raise Your Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible can lower your home insurance premium. However, it is essential to ensure that you can comfortably afford the deductible amount in case of a claim.

Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

Paying your home insurance premium annually instead of monthly can help you avoid hidden transactions or administrative fees associated with monthly payments. Some insurance companies offer discounts for annual payments.

Choose Your Home Wisely

Consider the specific features of a home before purchasing, as they can influence insurance rates. Features such as pools, detached structures, the age and condition of the roof, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, and proximity to emergency services can impact premiums. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when choosing a new home.

Install Protective Features

Protective features like a sump pump or sewer backup prevention device can mitigate the risk of flood damage and potentially reduce your insurance premium. The savings from having these features often outweigh the cost of purchasing and installing them.

Seek Professional Advice

Consult a licensed insurance broker or agent for expert advice on saving money on your home insurance policy. They can provide insights into available discounts and help you find the best coverage options at competitive rates. Talk to the team at Save Max for any assistance.

Conclusion

Home insurance costs in Real Estate Canada are influenced by several factors, including the value of your home, its location, the features of your home, and the coverage options you choose.

Understanding these factors and following cost-saving tips can help you keep your home insurance costs down while ensuring adequate protection for your property and belongings. Review your policy regularly, inform your insurance provider of updates or upgrades, and consult professionals for personalized advice.

With the proper knowledge and proactive approach, you can secure affordable and comprehensive home insurance coverage for your peace of mind.