Jasmine Birtles
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House insurance isn’t mandatory in Canada, but it’s often a prerequisite to buying a home. It’s protection that every homeowner should have, especially if it means keeping your big investment–and everything within it–safe.
House insurance varies in coverage and may exclude certain items or situations. It’s important to shop around to ensure you find the right coverage for your needs.
Your house insurance policy may not cover you in all situations. Check your policy for things that may be excluded such as:
Pests
House insurance typically doesn’t cover damage caused by vermin, insects, and other pests. It’s often a good idea to look into good pest protection solutions to prevent them from affecting your home.
Poor Maintenance
Your insurance claim may be denied if certain damages were caused by poor maintenance. Problems like mould, wear and tear, leaky pipes, etc. aren’t usually covered, especially if they are preventable.
Faulty Workmanship
If elements of your home were damaged because they were poorly installed or had defects to begin with, you’ll likely end up with a denied claim. Be sure to trust licensed and qualified contractors to work on your home.
Natural Disasters
Some natural disasters, specifically landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis, are usually left out of standard house insurance policies.
Valuables
Most home insurance plans may cover valuables up to a certain amount. However, if you have expensive jewellery, art, collectibles, etc., you’ll likely need to get additional coverage.
Here are some tips for choosing the right insurance policy for your needs:
Do Some Research
Read up on the different house insurance options that are available to you. You can also check trusted third-party ratings for reviews. Be sure to consider factors like the reputation of the insurance provider, the types of coverage it offers, and how it carries out related services, like dealing with claims.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask family, friends, or colleagues for recommendations on insurance companies and plans. They may be able to give you an inside scoop on the best ways to maximize your choices and even point you toward a trusted provider or agent that can give you better guidance.
Think About What You Need
A great way to narrow down your policy options is to consider the unique characteristics of your home. Things like your location, size and construction materials can impact the cost of your policy. It’s important to understand how these relate to the type and amount of coverage you’ll need.
Getting a house insurance policy with the right coverage for your home is essential in protecting your hard-earned investment and everything that comes with it. When shopping for different plans, it’s best to consult a professional and compare different providers to choose the best option for you.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.