Homeowner & Seasonal

As a homeowner, you need to protect your investment.

We provide package policies for homes and seasonal properties that include coverage on the dwelling, contents and outbuildings, and also provide additional living expenses and legal liability.

The companies that we represent also offer discounts, including:

• Non-smokers
• Claims free
• Mature citizen
• Mortgage free
• Stability
• Monitored alarm
• New home

Contact our office for information on insuring watercraft, scheduled items, home businesses, rental properties and much more.

Commonly asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between Broad and Comprehensive coverage?
   
   A Broad form policy traditionally covers thirteen perils, including fire, smoke, windstorm, hail, theft, vandalism, glass breakage and water damage. A Comprehensive policy offers two coverages in addition to those provided under a Broad form policy, namely mysterious disappearance (ex. Lost luggage) and accidental spillage or breakage (ex. Spilled paint).
   
   
2. How do you determine how much coverage I need?
   
   We use a number of details regarding the home to calculate the rebuilding cost of the dwelling. The insurance company uses the rebuilding cost value as the primary factor in determining the premium.
   
   
3. What are Special Limits?
   
   Special Limits are categories of property to which standard limits of coverage are in place. Examples of property with special limits are jewelry, furs, bicycles and business property. Limits of insurance on such items vary by company and in some cases by policy. Coverage can be extended for an additional premium. Each company’s wording booklet details the items and limits that apply, or contact our office for more information.
   
   
4. Am I covered for sewer back-up?
   
   Sewer back-up is only covered if you purchase additional coverage for these specific losses. Such insurance normally costs $50-80 per $5,000 of coverage, and may be available in higher limits if the home has a backwater valve and/or a sump pump. It may not available in all areas, so please call one of our offices for details.
   
   
5. Is a home business covered under Homeowners Insurance policies?
   
   If there is a business or office in your home, the insurance company must be made aware of it. Coverage usually needs to be added separately and is subject to different guidelines than homeowners insurance.
   
   
6. My home is worth more than it is insured for.
   
   Homes are insured for their replacement cost, not for their market value. Because the home would be rebuilt in the event of a total loss, the limit of insurance needed on the home can be much lower than its market price. This becomes especially evident in times of high inflation, when there can be vast differences in value. Insurance policies also do not insure the value of the land a home is on. If you have concerns about your insurance limits, please contact one of our offices to discuss them.
   
   
7. Why has my premium increased?
   
   Inflation applies to the insurance industry as it does to all others. As a result, the insurance company automatically increases coverage to keep you properly insured, and they evaluate rates each year to keep up with any changes.
   
   
8. What do I need to do when traveling during the heating season?
   
   If you are away during the heating season, have a competent person check the home daily. Water damage from frozen pipes is not covered if the home is left unsupervised. As well, if the home will be vacant or unoccupied for more than 30 days we must be notified. Without proper notification, your policy will be invalidated in the event of a claim.
   
   
9. My neighbour pays less than I do for a house like mine. Why?
   
   It is nearly impossible to compare policies on different homes, since there are many factors that affect insurance premiums. Factors affecting the rebuilding cost of a home include the finish of the interior or exterior, the age, as well as upgrades or other special features; factors affecting the policy include the applicant’s claims history, their age, discounts they may qualify for (including alarm systems and mortgages), and the area the home is in.
   
   
10. I have paid off my mortgage. How do I have the mortgagee removed from my policy?
    
    We require a written Release of Interest from the mortgagee in order to remove them from your policy. This document can be obtained from the bank or your lawyer.
    
    
11. How do I have someone removed from my policy?
    
    If you previously shared the policy with another person and they no longer require it, you must have them sign a Release of Interest form (see below) in order to have them removed.
    
    
12. I have a roommate/renter/boarder. Are they covered under my policy?
    
    No. Coverage is only provided for the named insured, their spouse and any dependants. Tenants and other individuals should obtain their own contents policy. While coverage may be extended to include other persons, it is usually at an additional cost and is not recommended.
    
    
13. I am doing or planning to do renovations to my home. What do you need to know?
    
    Insurance companies rely on current and correct information to provide you with the proper coverage. When doing renovations or upgrades, they may need to be notified so that the changes can be made. Contact our office so that we can ensure there are no gaps in coverage as a result.
    
    
14. I no longer require my policy. How do I cancel it, and do I get any money back?
    
    If you no longer require your policy, we can cancel it by written request only. All individuals named on the policy must sign for cancellation. If your policy is up for renewal, sign the back of the policy for cancellation and return it to us. On renewal only the policy is returned for flat cancellation, meaning no cancellation charge or refund applies. If you wish to cancel your policy midterm, a cancellation fee proportionate to the number of days remaining on the policy will be applied against any refund.
    
    

Printable Forms

Consent & disclosure  (MS Word version)  (Adobe Acrobat version)

Sewer Back-up Questionnaire   (MS Word version)  (Adobe Acrobat version)

Boat & motor Questionnaire  (MS Word version)  (Adobe Acrobat version)

Amendment form  (MS Word version)  (Adobe Acrobat version)

Personal property inventory checklist  (Adobe Acrobat version)

Release of Interest  (MS Word version)  (Adobe Acrobat version)

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