Cheap Whitby Home Insurance Quotes

Home insurance in Whitby 

Home or condo insurance is optional in Whitby and elsewhere in Ontario. However, most homeowners in Whitby will have home insurance for protection and because many lenders require it as a pre-condition before advancing the mortgage.

Types of home insurance in Whitby 

There are three insurance packages homeowners in Whiby can choose from. Each company may have different categories or names, but the basic coverages are similar and listed here:

• Basic: As its name states, this coverage usually offers the least coverage for Whiby home insurance and protects the home against perils named in the policy, such as fire and wind. Because it is the most minimal coverage, it is generally the cheapest. It is sometimes referred to as a“named perils” policy.
  
• Broad: Broad coverage for Whitby homeowners includes all perils risk coverage. However, the scope of coverage for your personal property is less extensive than what comprehensive insurance offers (see below). Broad coverage is specific to certain types of loss or damage listed in your policy. It may sometimes be called a ‘standard’ policy.
  
• Comprehensive: This provides the most extensive level of contents protection and coverage. With comprehensive home insurance, you’re covered for almost all instances of damage and loss (except for those perils specifically excluded in your policy). It is often referred to as an ‘all perils’ policy.

Home insurance coverage 

• Property and building: Both the structure and the property are covered from specific perils under this coverage, such as fire, theft and water damage. Separate structures not attached to your home may need additional coverage. It is best to consult your insurer if anything needs to be clarified.
• Contents and personal property: Items inside your home, such as furniture, clothing and sports equipment, will be protected against theft and vandalism with contents insurance. More expensive items, like fine art and jewelry, may not be covered under a standard policy. Excluded items can be protected with additional coverage.
• Additional living expenses: Some Whitby homeowners may need temporary housing if displaced by an insurable event. Additional living expenses coverage will help pay for those expenses. Some policies will pay for temporary rent or hotel bills, including food, up to certain limits. You'll also be reimbursed for any food that spoils in your home while you're away.

Liability coverage 

• Personal liability: This type of coverage is about financial protection. The personal liability section within your homeowner's policy allows for payments for claims of bodily injury and property damage sustained by others.
• Voluntary medical payments: Unintentional injury of someone, or if someone accidentally injures themselves on your property, can result in medical expenses. This coverage will pay for medical costs up to one year from the accident date.
• Voluntary property damage: Whitby homeowners will be protected should there be unintentional direct loss or damage you cause to someone's property. It also covers accidental loss or damage to someone else’s property by a minor (12 years or under) in your care.

Add-ons to home insurance coverage in Whitby

Beyond the insurance coverages named above, Whitby home insurance can be purchased with greater protection for your home and its contents.

These are some of the most common home insurance add-ons (or riders) that you can add to your Whitby home insurance policy:

• Overland water: Covers property damage from overflowing water from nearby rivers, streams, lakes and thawing snow. Not all insurance providers have overland water coverage.
• Sewer backup: Protects your home when a main sewer backs up and causes damage.
• Earthquake: Covers losses or damage caused by an earthquake. While rare in places like Whitby, this coverage can benefit Canadians on the West and East Coasts.
• Mass evacuation: There may be rare occasions where a mass flood or wildfire requires a government-issued evacuation order. This add-on pays for some of your expenses.
• Identity theft: Covers the cost of replacing important documents, such as your passport.
• Lock replacement: This add-on provides coverage should you need toreplace the locks on your house.

How to lower your Whitby home insurance premium

When it comes to reducing the cost of home insurance in Whitby, Ontario, it’s all about mitigating risk for the provider. Consider some of the following tactics:

• Bundle your policies: Insurance companies often provide discounts to customers that bundle more than one service. Buying Whitby car insurance and home insurance from the same provider could save you as much as 15% in total.
  
• Compare rates: One of the best ways to lower your Whitby home insurance quotes is by comparison shopping. Sites like RATESDOTCA can give you current rates from some of Whitby's top home insurance providers and highlight the best coverage at the lowest rate.
  
• Consent to a credit check: Some insurance companies may do a soft credit check when you inquire about rates, but only with your permission. Consenting to a credit check if your credit score is high can lead to a discount on your Whitby home insurance.
  
• Keep your home in good repair: Insurers don’t cover damage due to neglect or disrepair. Keeping your home in good shape will guard you against covered perils. Consider installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well.
  
• Increase your deductible: Higher deductibles will keep your initial costs down. Insurers see this as a lower risk to them and will reward you with lower premiums. Make sure you have enough cash flow should you ever need to make a claim.
  
• Install a backwater valve: Prevent flood damage from sewer back-up with a backwater valve will automatically close if sewage backs up from the main sewer. Again, this reduces the risk of damage and can save you money on your Whitby home insurance rates.
  
• Install a security system: Another way to lower risks in your home is by installing a security system. This indicates to insurance providers that damage to the property from an intruder will be reduced.
  
• Memberships: Memberships through certain associations or alumni groups may make you eligible for discounts with your insurance provider.
  
• Pay upfront: Some Whitby home insurance providers prefer upfront payment and may reward you with a discount.