Your home is more than a building; it’s where your family lives and where memories are made. When you get home insurance in Ontario, it helps protect you from the financial impact of events like fire, theft, accidental water damage, and liability claims. Our licensed advisors are here to help build your insurance profile, find insurance coverage that meets your needs, and look for available savings.
What Home Insurance Covers
Home insurance, also known as house insurance or homeowners’ insurance, helps protect your property, belongings, and finances if something unexpected happens. Whether you own or rent, the right policy can be built around your home and budget with help from a broker.
- Your home structure and attached buildings
- Personal belongings inside your home
- Liability if someone is injured on your property
- Living expenses if you cannot stay in your home
Why Homeowners in Ontario Trust PetleyHare
Owning a home in Ontario comes with a mix of responsibilities, from maintaining your property to staying protected against weather and everyday risks. At PetleyHare, we help you navigate those choices with clear, straightforward advice and coverage options that reflect how you actually live.
As an independent brokerage, we work with multiple providers so you can compare coverage through our network of insurers. Our licensed advisors take the time to explain your options in plain language, whether you are insuring your first home or reviewing coverage after renovations.
Want options from multiple insurers? Start a quote.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Access to multiple insurers so you can compare options
- Local offices with real people who know your community
- Clear advice without industry jargon
Ontario Home Insurance Risks to Think About
Homes across Ontario can face a range of risks depending on location, season, and property type. Understanding how coverage applies can help you avoid gaps and choose the right endorsements.
If any of this applies to you:
- You have a basement or sump pump that could be affected by a sewer backup
- You are concerned about heavy rainfall or overland water entering your home
- You travel often and worry about frozen pipes when the home is unoccupied
- Your home is exposed to wind or hail during storms
- You have guests, pets, or visitors on your property regularly
- You own a seasonal property and may require cottage insurance
We’ll help you choose endorsements based on your home and neighbourhood.
Not sure which water coverage applies? Chat with a broker.
Available Property Insurance Policies and What They Cover
The right policy depends on how you live. Whether you own, rent, or use a property seasonally, your coverage should match your situation.
Homeowners Insurance
Designed for homeowners, this policy includes:
- Your home and attached structures (garage, deck)
- Detached structures (shed, detached garage)
- Personal property and liability protection
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE) to cover temporary housing, meals, and relocation costs during repairs
Condo Insurance
For condo unit owners in high-rise, low-rise, or townhouse settings. This covers:
- Interior unit upgrades (flooring, fixtures)
- Personal property and liability
- ALE coverage for hotel stays or temporary rentals
- Special assessments from the condo corporation
Tenant Insurance
We provide insurance for renters in apartments, homes, or rental units, which includes:
- Personal property coverage
- Liability protection
- ALE support during repair-related relocations
Cottage Insurance
For seasonal or secondary properties such as cottages, cabins, or waterfront homes. This covers:
- The cottage building and attached structures
- Personal property kept on site
- Liability coverage for guests and visitors
- Protection for seasonal risks like weather-related damage
- Optional coverage for docks, boathouses, and detached structures
Types of Home Insurance and Coverage Options
Fire and Extended Coverage Form
- Building coverage for basic risks
- Contents coverage is limited
- Best for very basic protection needs
Broad Form
- Building coverage for most risks
- Contents coverage for named perils
- Best for balanced protection
Named Perils Form
- Building coverage for listed risks only
- Contents coverage for specific perils
- Best for lower cost, limited protection
Comprehensive Form
- Building and contents are covered for most risks
- Fewer exclusions compared to other forms
- Best for full coverage and peace of mind
Choose the Right Coverage Level
Choosing the right level of home insurance depends on your home, your belongings, and how much protection you want in place.
Good
Basic protection with essential coverage and a higher deductible
Better
Includes key water protection and additional coverage like service lines
Best
Stronger liability limits and coverage for high-value items
Quick checklist of items that may require a higher level of coverage:
- Finished basement or lower level
- Sump pump or older plumbing
- Older wiring or heating systems
- High-value jewellery or collectibles
- Frequent travel or time away from home
You can compare options across our insurers to find what fits.
Get My OptionsWhat We Need to Quote Your Home Insurance
To get an accurate home insurance quote in Ontario, we will ask for a few key details.
- Property address and postal code
- Year built and major updates
- Roof, plumbing, and electrical details
- Heating type and system
- Claims history
- Preferred deductible
- High-value items to insure
Optional Coverages
Sewer Back-Up Endorsement
This endorsement will provide coverage for damage as a result of water that backs up or overflows from a sewer, drain or sump, subject to your deductible.
Overland Water Endorsement
This endorsement provides coverage for the actual loss or damage caused by overland water, including the sudden and accidental backing up or escape of water or sewage from a sewer, sump pump, or septic system resulting from overland water. Provided there is evidence that the overland water has also entered the building from an entry point other than the sewer backup itself, subject to your deductible.
Service Line Endorsement
This endorsement provides coverage for the costs of excavation and replacement of your water lines, power, data and communication services lines in the event of damage
Home Equipment Breakdown Endorsement
This endorsement provides coverage against loss or damage to your electronics, appliances, and home systems against unpredictable mechanical, electrical or pressure-system breakdowns.
High-Value Item Coverage
You may also want to remember that your policy may contain Special Limits of insurance for certain types of property and/or for certain types of losses. There are options available for you to “Schedule” certain items of value onto your property policy to ensure that they would be properly and fully covered in the event of a loss. Items with special limits of insurance for certain types of losses on your property policy are Jewellery, Watches, Gems, Fur Garments and Garments Trimmed with Fur, Bicycles or E-Bikes, or Collectibles.
Common Home Insurance Gaps
- Contents coverage may be lower than expected
- Special limits apply to jewellery or bikes
- Missing water endorsements
- Liability limits may be too low
If your life has changed this year, update your policy.
Home Inventory + Valuables
Keeping a simple record of your belongings can make a big difference if you ever need to file a claim.
- Take a quick video walkthrough of your home
- Save receipts and serial numbers as photos
- Store everything securely in the cloud
- Update your list after major purchases
- Schedule high-value items when needed
Bought new tech or jewellery? Update your policy.
Factors That Affect Home Insurance Premiums
With home insurance rates rising across Ontario, it’s more important than ever to be proactive about managing your premium. Understanding what influences your home insurance premium can help you make informed decisions about coverage and costs. Key factors include:
- Location: Risk level of your neighbourhood
- Age & Condition: Older systems increase risk
- Construction Type: Fire-resistant materials lower premiums
- Claims History: Frequent claims may raise costs
- Deductibles: Higher deductibles lower your premium
- Credit Score: May impact pricing, based on the insurer
Home Insurance Discounts & Savings Tips
Homeowners can take advantage of various discounts to reduce insurance costs, including:
- Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle home and auto
- Loyalty Discount: Available to long-term clients
- Claims-Free Discount: For those with no past claims
- Alarm Systems Discount: For monitored safety systems
- New Home Discount: Lower rates for new builds
How to Handle a Home Insurance Claim
Do These 3 Things First
- Make sure everyone is safe
- Document the damage clearly
- Prevent further damage if possible
Steps To File a Claim
- Report the claim as soon as possible
- Share photos, receipts, and details
- Work with the adjuster during inspection
- Review the settlement carefully
- Complete repairs with approved contractors
- Keep records of all work and invoices
We stay involved to help coordinate and keep your claim on track.
Start a ClaimOur Insurance Offices
Prefer in person? Choose an office and book a chat.
Trust Us for Your Homeowners Insurance Needs
At PetleyHare, we are dedicated to simplifying home insurance, ensuring you have the right coverage to secure your home and loved ones. Contact us today for a personalized home insurance quote customized to your needs, and gain the peace of mind that comes with trusted local support.
Ready to explore your options or just want some guidance?
Home Insurance FAQs
Have questions about home insurance coverage? You're not alone. These frequently asked questions can help you better understand how coverage works in Canada, including what to expect from a policy and how to manage the cost of your home insurance.
What Factors Affect My Home Insurance Premium?
The cost of your home insurance depends on several things:
- Your location and province
- Age and condition of the home
- Claims history
- Construction type (e.g. brick vs. wood)
- Chosen deductible and amount of coverage
Do I Need Flood Insurance for My Home in Ontario?
Standard home insurance doesn’t include flood damage. You may need to add overland water or sewer back-up coverage, especially in flood-risk areas.
How Can I Save on My Home Insurance Premium?
To reduce your home insurance premium, try the following:
- Choose a higher deductible
- Bundle with auto for competitive rates
- Install home security systems
- Use the online quote tool to compare insurance offers
- Review your coverage regularly for possible improvement
What Does Home Insurance Cover?
Home insurance typically covers the structure of your home, personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses if your home is temporarily uninhabitable due to a covered event.
How Much Home Insurance Do I Need?
The amount of home insurance you need depends on the value of your home and belongings, potential liability risks, and any specific requirements from your mortgage lender.
Is Home Insurance Required for a Mortgage in Ontario?
In most cases, yes. Lenders typically require proof of insurance before funding your mortgage.
Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage?
It depends on the type of water damage and your endorsements. We can help explain what applies.
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