What affects home insurance rates in Canada
Home insurance premiums reflect the likelihood and cost of a claim on your property. Insurers weigh the following factors:
What to have ready before requesting quotes
The more accurate your details, the more accurate the quotes a broker can prepare. Gather these before you start:
- Property basics. Address or postal code, property type, approximate year built and square footage.
- Roof, heating and updates. Roof age and material, heating type (electric, gas, oil — wood stoves can raise premiums or be excluded), and any electrical or plumbing updates.
- Claims history. Any home insurance claims in roughly the past 5–10 years and their dates.
- Current coverage. Your current insurer and renewal date, if you have one — brokers can compare against it.
- Coverage preferences. The dwelling limit you want, deductible you're comfortable with, high-value items (jewellery, bikes, instruments), and the liability limit you need.
- Occupancy. Whether you own and live in it, rent it out, or it's currently vacant.
Every answer changes which insurer's rating model fits you best — a newer roof or a higher deductible can open up different pricing. Having them ready makes the broker's follow-up call short.
How the quote process works
Insurance is sold by licensed insurers and licensed brokers, who are regulated in every province. The process looks like this:
- You submit the request. Fill in the form below with your contact details and property basics — free, no obligation.
- A licensed broker contacts you. They confirm details, ask any missing questions and may suggest coverage levels.
- The broker compares licensed insurers. Unlike an agent who represents one company, a broker can compare multiple licensed providers for your profile.
- You review quotes and choose. Nothing is bound or paid until you accept a policy directly with the insurer.
Brokers are typically compensated by a commission from the insurer, not a fee charged to you — confirm this with whichever broker contacts you.
Condo, townhouse or rental?
The right coverage depends on what you own:
- House owners insure the dwelling (rebuild cost), personal property, additional living expenses and liability.
- Condo owners typically insure interior improvements, contents and liability; the building structure is covered by the condo corporation's policy.
- Renters need tenant (contents) insurance — your landlord's policy does not cover your belongings.
Most mortgage lenders require you to carry homeowners insurance before they advance the funds — brokers know exactly what proof your lender needs.
Request your home insurance quotes
Free and no obligation. We pass your details to licensed insurance brokers, who contact you with quotes from licensed providers.
Home insurance quote FAQ
Is this form a home insurance quote?
No. This form collects your details so licensed insurance brokers can contact you with actual quotes from licensed providers. Only a licensed insurer or broker can issue a quote, after collecting the full information they need.
What should I have ready when a broker contacts me?
Your property address, property type, year built, roof age and heating type, claims history, your current insurer and renewal date if you have one, and your preferred coverage limits and deductible.
How long does getting a quote take?
It varies. Brokers often respond within one or two business days, and a straightforward home can be quoted quickly once details are confirmed. Unusual properties, rental suites or recent claims can take longer.
Does using a broker cost me extra?
Typically, brokers are compensated by a commission from the insurer rather than a fee charged to you. Confirm this with whichever broker contacts you before proceeding.
What is the difference between a broker and an agent?
An insurance agent represents one insurance company. A broker can compare policies from multiple licensed insurers and recommend the one that fits your needs.
What information should I never put in this form?
Never share your Social Insurance Number, policy numbers, banking details or health information in this form. We never ask for them, and a broker will not need banking details before you accept a policy.