If you're a Canadian homeowner, you've likely heard that regular home maintenance is essential. But did you know that your upkeep routine can directly impact your home insurance premiums? In this blog, we'll explore exactly how maintaining your home influences what you pay for insurance:
Insurance companies set premiums based on risk—the likelihood you'll file a claim. A well-maintained home has fewer risks and may lower premiums. Home insurance brokers help you find the best coverage and rates. They know how insurers assess risk and explain it clearly. Brokers help you understand how maintenance can affect your premium. They give personal advice based on your home’s condition and needs. They suggest upgrades or repairs that may lead to discounts. Brokers also review your policy often to match your home’s condition. They note renovations and safety upgrades and inform your insurer. They highlight your maintenance efforts to present a lower-risk profile. This may lead to reduced rates and better insurance terms.
In Canada, harsh winters and stormy summers can damage roofs. A strong, well-kept roof helps prevent water leaks, mould, and costly structural damage. You should inspect your home’s roof once a year, repair or replace shingles quickly, clear gutters, and fix any leaks without delay. Insurers favour homes with roofs that can withstand weather extremes.
Water damage is one of the most common insurance claims in Canada. Burst pipes and small leaks raise your risk and premiums. Check the plumbing regularly, insulate pipes for winter, and install leak detection devices to help avoid damage.
Poorly maintained heating systems and outdated wiring increase fire risk. Canadian home insurance companies offer better terms for homes with safe, updated systems. Book annual inspections for your furnace, chimney, and electrical systems. Replace old wiring and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working well.
Canadian weather causes shifting soil, freeze-thaw cycles, and water pressure that stress your home’s foundation. Cracks or structural weaknesses can lead to major damage and higher premiums. You should inspect your home’s foundation and structural elements often, especially after the snow melts in spring.
Each Canadian season brings different risks that affect your home insurance premiums. In winter, remove snow from roofs and walkways to prevent collapses or injuries. Keep heating systems in working order to stop pipes from freezing. In spring, clean gutters and check for water damage to avoid flooding. In summer, watch for pest issues, moisture buildup, and roof wear. In autumn, prepare for colder months by checking insulation, sealing windows, and servicing heating systems. Staying on top of seasonal tasks lowers your risk and keeps premiums manageable.
Keeping detailed records of home care can help you with insurance. Insurers value proof of upkeep, which can lead to lower premiums and smoother claims. Save all receipts, inspection reports, renovation records, and repair notes in a file or digital folder.
Certain upgrades can reduce your insurance costs while boosting your home's value. Canadian insurers often offer discounts for safety and resilience improvements. These include new roofs with durable materials, backflow valves and sump pumps, updated electrical or plumbing systems, and monitored security or fire alarm systems. When planning renovations, think about the potential insurance benefits alongside function and resale value.
Failing to maintain your home can cost you more than repairs. It can increase your premiums, lead to policy cancellation, or result in denied claims. For example, a water damage claim due to neglected plumbing may raise your rates sharply or even cause your insurer to drop your policy.
Home inspections are helpful beyond buying or selling. Regular inspections reveal hidden issues and give you time to fix them before they worsen. This protects your home and may help lower your premiums. Schedule professional inspections every few years, especially after major storms or harsh winters.
Regular contact with your insurer helps ensure your policy reflects your home's true condition. Update your provider after maintenance work or upgrades to show your commitment to reducing risk. This can result in discounts or improved coverage.
Regular home maintenance does more than protect your property—it plays a key role in managing your home insurance costs. In Canada’s diverse climate, taking proactive steps to care for your home’s roof, foundation, plumbing, heating, and other structural elements can reduce risks and help you avoid costly claims. Insurers reward responsible homeowners with better rates and improved coverage, especially when maintenance efforts are well-documented and communicated.
Working with a knowledgeable home insurance broker can further strengthen your position. At Begin Insurance, our brokers help you highlight your maintenance efforts, recommend upgrades that may lead to discounts, and ensure your policy reflects your home’s true condition. To get a homeowner insurance quote, contact our team or get an instant quote below.
Posted Jul 4, 2019