Home Insurance – Ontario
Your home is where life happens. It’s your happy place, your sanctuary – and one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Whether you own or rent your home, it’s important to have the right home insurance coverage to keep your home – and what’s in it – safe.
Your insurance must match your goals, lifestyle, and budget. That’s why we’ll help you compare insurance companies to find the best home insurance in Ontario at the right price so that you can continue living your life how you want.
Get InsuranceHome insurance in Ontario, explained
Standard home insurance policies protect the structure of your home, your belongings inside it, and your personal liability. Policies are made up of different types of coverage, each responsible for protecting a different element of your home. While some com standard, others are optional that you can add-on for extra protection. Each coverage will have its limits – which can sometimes be increased or decreased depending on the level of additional coverage you need. Common risks covered by home insurance in Ontario include fire, water damage, wind, theft, and vandalism.
We’ll help you assess your needs and find the best policy for your lifestyle and budget.
Standard home insurance coverage in Ontario
Coverages that come standard with most home insurance policies in Ontario to keep your home – and what's in it – safe.
Dwelling coverage helps cover the cost of rebuilding or repairing the structure of your home in the event of an insured loss.
This protects your personal belongings that are inside your home. They’ll be repaired or replaced if they’re damaged or lost due to an insured loss. Most standard home insurance policies in Ontario will protect them whether they’ve been damaged at home or anywhere in the world.
This provides protection for additional structures on your property like a shed, guesthouse, or gazebo.
Provides protection if someone is injured on your property by covering legal costs if you’re held legally responsible. This will also cover you if you cause injury or property damage to others either at home or anywhere in the world.
Suppose your home can’t be occupied due to a related insurance claim; your home insurance policy will cover Additional Living Expenses (‘ALE’) over and above your normal living costs during this time. The cost of alternative living arrangements will be covered, even extending to additional cost of meals over and above your normal food costs until you’re back home or have access to cooking facilities in your temporary accommodation.
Optional protection to enhance your home insurance in Ontario
Optional coverages you can add to level up the protection for your home.
Helps cover loss or damage caused by water that enters your home as a result of torrential rainfall, the sudden rising of a fresh body of water, or the sudden melting of snow or ice.
Covers damage caused by the escape of wastewater or sewage into your home.
Helps pay for the repair or replacement of service lines to your home. This coverage can include underground water and sewer piping, electrical service lines, and more.
Add this endorsement to avoid having your first home insurance claim impact your premium.
Get help through the recovery process if you or someone in your household is a victim of identity theft.
This covers common equipment in your home like heating and air conditioning systems if they fail to operate because of mechanical or electrical failure.
If your home requires repairs, this coverage protects you for any improvements required as a result of updated by-laws.
You can add certain belongings to your policy for extra coverage – think jewellery, fine art, expensive sports equipment. There are generally specific limits on standard home insurance policies to ensure your valuables are adequately protected.
Many homeowners opt to add personal cyber protection to their home insurance policy. With more elements of day-to-day life being online, it’s more important than ever to protect your personal information and digital identity.
How much is home insurance in Ontario?
There’s no simple answer to this – how much you pay for home insurance in Ontario depends on where you live, your home, and more.
What factors determine the cost of home insurance in Ontario?
How much you pay for home insurance in Ontario depends on the coverage you choose, the type of home insurance you need and other factors including:
Depending on how old your home is, it could be more at risk of a claim compared to others.
Your postal code provides insight into areas prone to flooding, vandalism, and other common types of claims made.
Some materials are harder to work with or could pose an increased risk. The materials used during the construction of your home will inform the price of your home insurance in Ontario.
Your home insurance premium can be reduced when you’re eligible for discounts. Most insurance companies in Ontario offer discounted rates for things like consenting to a credit check, having a good claims history, and more.
How to save on home insurance in Ontario
One way to save on home insurance is to review and optimize the coverages that are included on your policy. You can adjust your coverage limits, add or remove optional endorsements, and adjust your deductible to save on your home insurance premium
Plus, many insurance companies in Ontario offer a menu of discounts you may be eligible for, bringing down the cost of your insurance.
Discounts on home insurance in Ontario
Mature customer
Customers 55+ can save more on home insurance.
Claims-free
Get rewarded for having a good home insurance claims history.
Monitored alarm system
Protect your home with an alarm system to deter break-ins and theft.
Renewal
Enjoy a loyalty discount when you stay with your insurance provider for multiple consecutive years.
Mortgage-free
No mortgage on your home? Get an extra discount on your home insurance coverage.
Multi-line
Bundle your home and car insurance with the same provider for added savings.
Why choose Westland for your home insurance needs?
Expert advisors go above and beyond
Our advisors go the extra mile every step of the way and do the legwork to provide personalized home insurance coverage in Ontario to suit your lifestyle.
Our large network of insurers means more choice
We have a large network of insurers that we can tap into - guaranteeing great rates and options - so you know you’re not missing out.
We work hard to make things simple
Whether it comes to finding the right home insurance coverage or navigating a claim, we keep things simple and use language that everyone can understand.
Example of a home insurance claim
You come home after a long day to find that your home’s been flooded. The floors are soaked with wastewater, your furniture has been ruined, and the water accumulated in your home is ankle-deep. What now?
Your home insurance in Ontario may spring into action, with different parts of your policy stepping in to help:
- Building/Dwelling coverage
Damage to your home’s structure can be addressed and repaired to make things safe for your family again. - Additional Living Expenses
It’s unsafe for you and your family to stay in a house with wastewater, so you’ll need to find alternative living arrangements. The additional cost of a rental, hotel room, food, and other living expenses could be covered while your home is being repaired. - Personal Property coverage
Damaged items – like furniture, clothes, and electronics – that need to be repaired or replaced could be covered under your Personal Property coverage. - Sewer Backup
Water damage to the inside and structure of your home may be covered by this endorsement. - Claims Forgiveness
You’ve had to make a claim due to the incident, but rest assured it won’t impact your premium when it’s up for renewal.
Connect with us
Our expert advisors are waiting to help you find the perfect home insurance policy.
Find a branch
Come in and speak to an advisor to get a customized policy made just for you.
Request a quote
Start an online quote at your convenience, and we’ll help you select a plan that works for you.
FAQs about home insurance in Ontario
Do you need home Insurance in Ontario?
While home insurance isn’t required by law, many lenders require that you have it before getting a mortgage. It’s a small investment to ensure you’ll have peace of mind in case of an emergency – and can help you avoid dipping into your emergency funds.
Who has the best home insurance rates in Ontario?
The rates you receive will differ depending on the insurance company. That’s one of the many perks of choosing Westland – we’ll help you compare policies from different providers, customize your coverage, and find you the right policy at a price you’ll be comfortable with.
Is there HST on home insurance in Ontario?
Yes, home insurance in Ontario is charged 8% HST.
Who insures mobile homes in Ontario?
Many insurance providers we work with offer policies for mobile homes and RVs. Learn more about insurance for mobile homes.
Types of home insurance in Ontario
Condo insurance
Suited for condo owners, this protects your unit, what’s in it, and renovations and upgrades you might make inside it. Made to complement your condo corporation’s insurance, it’s the protection you need to safeguard your investment.
Tenant insurance
While your landlord’s policy will protect the structure of your home, you’ll still want tenant insurance – also referred to as renters or contents insurance – to keep your personal belongings safe.
Insurance for rental properties
Get the right protection for your rental property to safeguard your investment. Be covered for rental income loss, commercial use, and personal property you’ve trusted your tenants with (like yard maintenance equipment).
Cabin & cottage insurance
Protect your home away from home with a policy for your cottage or cabin. With specialized coverage, we’ll help you find the right policy for even the most remote locations.
Mobile home insurance
Mobile home insurance is similar to homeowner’s insurance but reflects unique aspects of a mobile home. Mobile home insurance policies offer typical coverages that ensure you can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Buy home insurance in Ontario with confidence
Whether you’re buying your first home, shopping around ahead of your renewal, or need to discuss your current coverage, we’re ready to help. Connect with us today to get started.
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