Overview
Whether you are a homeowner or a condo owner
Home insurance is a must. Yes, even if you’ve paid off your mortgage, you need to have property insurance. But there’s no such thing as standard home insurance policy.
That’s where Begin Insurance can help. We can comb the market for home insurance products that provide extensive coverage and the best options, at the best possible rates. We can help you select the right coverage options and amounts to insure your property and personal belongings. We offer homeowner insurance and condo owner insurance, as well as rented dwellings and secondary homes.
Different Types
of Home Insurance Quotes
Comprehensive coverage
Offers the best home insurance protection against most risks, covering both the building and contents with few exclusions.
Basic or amended perils coverage
An affordable home insurance option that protects against specific, listed risks, such as fire, theft, or water damage.
Broad coverage
A mid-tier choice combining comprehensive coverage for your home’s structure and named perils for contents, an ideal balance of cost and protection.
No-frills coverage
Designed for homes with issues like outdated wiring or structural concerns, basic protection while you work toward qualifying for the best home insurance.
Tenant insurance
Offers affordable home insurance for renters, covering belongings and liability even though the landlord insures the building itself.
Condo insurance
Covers your unit’s interior, upgrades, and personal items. A must-have if you want the best home insurance tailored to condo living.
Seasonal or cottage insurance
Specialized and affordable home insurance for secondary homes or cottages, protecting against seasonal risks and limited access periods.
Extending Your
Home Insurance Coverage
Home insurance covers the basics: your personal liability, your building and detached structures, your personal belongings and additional living expenses incurred after a claim while repairs are underway.
But do you need more? At Begin Insurance, we can also help you assess whether you should get:
- Extra coverage for your high-value items (works of art, jewellery, furs), collections and sports equipment
- Overland flooding and sewer backup coverage
- Umbrella insurance (additional personal liability coverage)
What Are
the Mandatory and Optional Home Insurance Coverage
These are the foundational protections included in most home insurance policies:
Dwelling coverage
Protects your home's structure against covered risks like fire or vandalism.
Detached structures
Includes garages, sheds, and other structures on your property.
Personal belongings
Covers furniture, clothing, electronics, and more, both at home and sometimes when you travel.
Additional living expenses (ALE)
Pays for temporary housing and other costs if you're displaced during repairs.
Personal liability
Protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
Direct compensation for property damage (DCPD)
Lets you claim repairs directly from your insurer when you're not at fault in a covered event.
These enhance your policy and can be tailored to your lifestyle or location:
High-value items coverage
Extra coverage for jewellery, art, furs, and rare collections beyond standard limits.
Sports equipment coverage
Adds protection for bikes, skis, golf gear, and other high-value equipment.
Overland water coverage
Covers flooding from rivers or heavy rain, not typically included in basic policies.
Sewer backup coverage
Protects against water damage caused by backed-up municipal sewers or sump pumps.
Umbrella insurance
Provides extra personal liability coverage beyond standard policy limits.
Identity theft protection
Covers expenses related to identity recovery, including legal fees and credit monitoring.
Mandatory Home Insurance Coverage
These are the foundational protections included in most home insurance policies:
Dwelling coverage
Protects your home's structure against covered risks like fire or vandalism.
Detached structures
Includes garages, sheds, and other structures on your property.
Personal belongings
Covers furniture, clothing, electronics, and more, both at home and sometimes when you travel.
Additional living expenses (ALE)
Pays for temporary housing and other costs if you're displaced during repairs.
Personal liability
Protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
Direct compensation for property damage (DCPD)
Lets you claim repairs directly from your insurer when you're not at fault in a covered event.
Optional (Add-On) Home Insurance Coverage
These enhance your policy and can be tailored to your lifestyle or location:
High-value items coverage
Extra coverage for jewellery, art, furs, and rare collections beyond standard limits.
Sports equipment coverage
Adds protection for bikes, skis, golf gear, and other high-value equipment.
Overland water coverage
Covers flooding from rivers or heavy rain, not typically included in basic policies.
Sewer backup coverage
Protects against water damage caused by backed-up municipal sewers or sump pumps.
Umbrella insurance
Provides extra personal liability coverage beyond standard policy limits.
Identity theft protection
Covers expenses related to identity recovery, including legal fees and credit monitoring.
Connect with one of our brokers via chat or phone to see what we have to offer. We’ll be happy to review your existing coverage and see how we can extend that coverage and help you save.
What Is
Not Covered by Home Insurance?
While home insurance policies offer protection against a wide range of risks, there are several exclusions you should be aware of. Understanding what’s not covered helps you avoid unexpected costs and consider add-on coverage where needed. A reliable home insurance company like Begin Insurance will always help you navigate these limitations and suggest the right protection for your needs.
Here are common exclusions in most standard home insurance policies:
01
Wear and Tear or Gradual Deterioration
Damage caused by aging, rust, corrosion, mould, or neglect isn’t covered, as maintenance is the homeowner's responsibility.
02
Flooding from External Water Sources
Most basic policies do not cover overland flooding from rivers, lakes, or heavy rainfall unless you've added specific flood coverage.
03
Sewer Backup Without Add-On Coverage
Water damage from a backed-up sewer line or sump pump isn’t covered unless you’ve purchased a sewer backup endorsement.
04
Earthquakes and Sinkholes
Damage from earth movements, like earthquakes, landslides, or sinkholes, typically requires a separate rider or policy.
05
Pest Infestations
Termite, rodent, or insect damage is seen as a preventable issue and is generally not insured.
06
Business Equipment or Commercial Use of the Home
Standard policies don’t cover damage to business equipment or liability from running a business at home without proper endorsements.
07
Illegal Activities or Intentional Damage
Losses that result from illegal acts or intentional damage by the homeowner are excluded from coverage.
08
Nuclear or War-Related Events
Damage caused by war, terrorism, or nuclear incidents is universally excluded by insurers.
09
Vacant Properties (Long-Term)
If your home is left vacant for more than a certain period (often 30–60 days), coverage could lapse unless you’ve arranged special terms.
Why Choose
Begin Insurance for Your Home Insurance Needs?
When it comes to protecting your home, choosing the right partner makes all the difference. Begin Insurance stands out among home insurance brokers in Ontario by offering expert guidance, personalized service, and access to multiple carriers to help you find the most suitable coverage. As a trusted property insurance company, we focus on your specific needs, whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to upgrade your policy. Our team of experienced advisors works with top insurers to deliver competitive quotes, clear policy comparisons, and ongoing support throughout your insurance journey.
As a homeowner insurance broker in Ontario, we don’t just sell policies; we help you understand them, ensuring you’re protected against unexpected events like fire, theft, or liability. With Begin Insurance, you get the peace of mind that comes from working with professionals who put your home and budget first.
Buy your
Home Insurance in 7 Easy Steps
Purchasing a home insurance policy doesn’t have to be complicated. At Begin Insurance, we make the process simple, quick, and tailored to your needs. Follow these 7 easy steps to get your home insured with confidence:
Gather property information
Start by collecting details about your home, such as its size, age, construction type, heating system, and security features.
Assess your coverage needs
Think about what you want covered: the building, your personal belongings, liability, and any additional protection like flood or sewer backup coverage.
Compare policies and quotes
Use Begin Insurance to compare multiple home insurance quotes from top providers, so you can see which policy offers the best value.
Ask about discounts
Check if you qualify for discounts by bundling with auto insurance, installing security systems, or having a claims-free record.
Customize your coverage
Choose your deductible and add-ons like coverage for jewellery, home offices, or rental income protection to match your lifestyle.
Finalize the application
Once you’ve selected your ideal home insurance policy, complete the application with accurate details.
Review and purchase
Go through the final policy carefully. After confirming the details, make your payment and receive your coverage confirmation.
With Begin Insurance, buying a home insurance policy is transparent, efficient, and fully supported by expert brokers at every step.
Reviews
What people are saying
Our Partners
Wawanesa
CAA
echelon
Definity
Aviva
USLI
SGI Canada
Pembridge
Jevco
Intact
Gore Mutual
Economical
Wawanesa
CAA
echelon
Definity
Aviva
USLI
SGI Canada
Pembridge
Jevco
Intact
Gore Mutual
