: -local broker representing multiple insurance companies -brokerage call center representing multiple insurance companies -local agent or call center representing 1 company
Once you find out the insurance company you are being quoted by, research them by searching the internet or contact the Financial Insurance Services Commission of Ontario to find out more.
The choice is really up to the consumer depending on how they like to conduct their business. Some will be quite complacent shopping on line. If you choose this method and you are transferring your personal information, make sure that the page you are putting your info on is secured. Check your browser and the first 5 letters before www. should read https not http.
What type of house insurance should I buy?
I always say never go cheap unless you are covered for the right things. First off you should know the standard coverages that are included in every policy, Personal property or buildings are normally covered for specified or named perils or all risks (all perils) depending on the form offer by the house insurance representative you have chosen to deal with. Below is a brief definition of the two types of coverage availabe. For a complete definition consult a broker or agent.
Specified Perils include: fire, lightning, explosion, smoke, falling objects, impact by aircraft or land vehicle, riot, vandalism and malicious acts, water damage, windstorm or hail, transportation,
All Risks: When you are insured for All Risk insurance coverage, your are covered against all risks except for the named exclusions in your policy. Check your policy for exclusions usuall follows extensions of coverage.
Coverage Extended under a property policy:
Section 1: Describes the insurance on your property, which also includes additional living expenses and fair rental value.
Coverage A: Dwelling Building - Example is the house structure Coverage B: Detached Private Structures - example is a garden shed Coverage C: Personal Property - example is jewelery which has a special limit Coverage D: Additional Living Expenses
Extensions of Coverage are:
Debris Removal, property removed, moving to another home, fire department charges, change of temperature, freezer food, lock replacement, tear out, arson or theft conviction reward, personal data stored in a computer, credit or credit cards forgery and counterfeit money, headstones, inflation protection
After reviewing my own house insurance polciy, I found exclusions and counted 28 of them not to mention what they will pay and won't pay!
The next section in your policy wordings to pay close attention to are the exclusions. This is the most important part of an insurance policy when you are concerned about the fine details of your house policy.
Section 2: describes the insurance for your legal liability for bodily injury and personal injury to others or damage to property of others arising out of your premises or your personal actions. It also includes benefits following injury or damage to property of others.
Coverage E: Legal Liability - example, someone walks on your property and slips because you did not maintain the area makes you legally liable.
coverage F: Voluntary Medical Payments - if a person slipped on your stairs and takes an ambulance to hospital, your insurance company will pay reasonable expenses to cover the costs of the injured person. There is no deductible applicable.
Coverage G: Voluntary payment for damage to property - example would be if your child accidently hit a baseball and it went through the neighbours window, you can voluntarily pay for this and expense it through your insurance company. There is no deductible applicable.
