What are the most common home insurance claims in Ontario?

Jul 9, 2025

What are the most common home insurance claims in Ontario?

Understanding the most frequent home insurance claims can help you take proactive steps, improve protection, and possibly reduce your premium. Before requesting a homeowner insurance quote online, it helps to explore common home insurance claims in Ontario and how to prepare for them. Here, we share some of the most common home insurance claims in Ontario:

 

  1. Water damage

    Water damage remains one of the most common and costly claims for homeowners. It stems from various sources, both inside and outside the home.

    Internal leaks often start from household appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines, or plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs and sinks. Even slow drips can cause mould or rot over time. Burst pipes occur during freezing temperatures when water inside pipes expands and ruptures the pipe, leading to extensive flooding. External water sources may enter the home due to heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, roof damage, or backed-up municipal sewers.

    Prevention tips:

    • Fix even the smallest leaks promptly.
    • Don’t leave taps or tubs running unattended.
    • Replace rubber hoses with braided metal ones on appliances.
    • Install water leak detectors in key areas like basements and behind appliances.
    • Keep your home heated above 16°C in winter.
    • Maintain your sump pump to avoid basement flooding.
  2. Fire

    House fires can cause devastating loss and are often triggered by avoidable hazards. Cooking fires typically happen when food is left unattended on the stove. Cigarettes, when improperly extinguished, can ignite flammable materials. Electrical issues from overloaded circuits or faulty wiring may spark a fire. Candles, left burning without supervision, can tip over or ignite nearby items.

    Prevention tips:

    • Never leave cooking unattended.
    • Dispose of smoking materials carefully.
    • Use surge protectors.
    • Never leave candles unattended.
    • Regularly inspect and clean barbecue equipment.
  3. Wind and hail

    Extreme weather events such as thunderstorms and hailstorms can physically damage a property. Roof damage occurs when strong winds tear off shingles or hail punctures roofing materials. Flying debris or large hailstones may break windows or damage siding and doors.

    Prevention tips:

    • Schedule regular roof inspections and replace damaged shingles.
    • Clean eavestroughs to prevent water pooling and ice damming.
    • Reinforce windows and doors if you live in a storm-prone area.
  4. Theft and vandalism

    Break-ins and acts of vandalism are emotionally upsetting and financially burdensome. Thieves often target electronics, jewellery, and high-value household items. Vandals may break windows, doors, or damage landscaping and vehicles on your property.

    Prevention tips:

    • Install a monitored alarm system.
    • Use deadbolts and secure all entry points.
    • Avoid leaving spare keys outside.
    • Install motion-activated lights and security cameras.
  5. Liability claims

    These claims arise when someone gets injured on your property or if you or a family member unintentionally cause damage to someone else’s property. Slip and fall accidents are common in winter due to icy walkways or uneven surfaces. Dog bites may also lead to liability claims if your pet injures a guest or neighbour.

    Prevention tips:

    • Shovel and salt walkways and driveways in winter.
    • Repair broken steps, loose floorboards, and uneven surfaces.
    • Keep pets secure and supervised around guests.

Key factors that influence claims

Several underlying elements affect how often and how severely insurance claims occur in Ontario.

  • Climate conditions: Ontario faces seasonal weather extremes—ice storms, flooding, and tornadoes—which increase claim frequency.
  • Ageing infrastructure: Older municipal sewer systems and home plumbing may not handle heavy rainfall, resulting in water damage.
  • Lack of maintenance: Ignoring issues such as a leaking roof or cracked foundation could void your insurance if the problem was preventable.
  • Material change in risk: Significant changes to your property—renovations, adding a pool, or starting a home-based business—should be reported to your insurer to maintain proper coverage.

How to avoid common claims and reduce your premium?

Proactive maintenance and safety upgrades can both prevent claims and reduce insurance costs.

  • Home maintenance: Inspect and repair your roof, plumbing, and heating systems regularly. Address minor issues before they escalate.
  • Security enhancements: Modern alarm systems and security cameras discourage theft and may qualify you for discounts.
  • Water leak detection: Install sensors near appliances and plumbing to detect leaks early and minimize damage.
  • Electrical upgrades: Replace outdated wiring and appliances to reduce fire risk.

Why work with a top homeowner insurance broker in Ontario?

While purchasing insurance directly may seem easier, working with a trusted broker offers several advantages.

  • Better coverage options: Brokers have access to multiple insurers and can find policies that suit your specific needs.
  • Expert advice: A broker helps you understand the fine print, coverage limits, and exclusions.
  • Time savings: Brokers handle the legwork of comparing quotes and completing paperwork, simplifying the process for you.

If you're seeking comprehensive protection, reach out to us. We can help you find the right policy tailored to your needs and budget. At Begin Insurance, we are committed to helping you get the right coverage at the best rate. We understand the complexities of home insurance in Ontario. Our experienced brokers work for you, comparing options from multiple providers to find coverage that fits your unique needs and budget. We help you identify potential risks, find available discounts, and stand by your side if you ever need to extend your coverage. Whether you want to get a homeowner insurance quote online or simply need an explanation of a policy, connect with us anytime.

 

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