Whether it's your first time buying home insurance or you've never filed a home insurance claim with your insurance provider previously, you may have some questions about the overall claims process, including whether you can file a claim after you've had your repairs conducted on your home. To learn more about claims and how to correctly file with your insurance company, read through our comprehensive guide below.
Do I need to contact my insurance company before or after my home is repaired?
Generally speaking, you'll want to file a home insurance claim immediately after the damage or loss has occurred on your property and before your repairs are conducted. This is because most insurers conduct an investigation into the claim as part of their internal process. This includes sending an adjuster to your home to analyze the damage in person. Once this is complete, they will either approve or deny your claim.
Therefore, undergoing repairs before an investigation into your claim has been conducted can put you at risk of being denied compensation.
What can I file a home insurance claim for?
If you have a standard home insurance policy, you will be able to file a home insurance claim with your insurance company for the following damages and losses:
- Theft and vandalism.
- Fire damage.
- Property damage, including damaged items.
- Severe weather damage like fallen trees.
- If someone suffers an injury to your property or you cause property damage to a third party,
- Compensation for other perils specifically listed in your policy.
What is not covered by standard home insurance?
While there are numerous types of unexpected damage that your insurance policy will cover, there are several types of repair damage and certain situations that are not. Here is a closer look at what perils are not typically included in standard home coverage:
Pest infestations
According to most insurers, pest infestations are a preventable occurrence that requires routine maintenance to avoid. Because of this, any type of pest control is the responsibility of the homeowner, including costs.
Mould and mildew growth
Mould and mildew growth develop in areas with high moisture levels. Unless the mould developed as a result of a covered peril that is listed in your policy, your insurer will not cover the repair costs associated with repairing your home or your personal property.
Kitchen appliances
Your home insurance will not cover appliances either if they are damaged due to wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. The only way your appliances would be covered is if they were damaged as the result of a covered peril in your policy.
It's important to note that this isn't an exhaustive list. Therefore, you need to read your policy to ensure you understand what is and isn't included.
What is the time limit for insurance claims in Ontario?
If you experience loss or damage on your property and want to file a home insurance claim, you will have between 90 days and 12 months to do so, depending on what your insurer has stated. That being said, filing a claim as soon as possible is recommended.
Is it worth submitting a home insurance claim?
Whether or not you decide to file a claim for damages will depend on several factors, including the following:
- How much the repairs or the replacement will cost.
- What your previous claims history is, and whether you have numerous claims on your file.
- What your deductible amount is, and whether you are able to afford to pay the deductible beforehand.
- Whether or not you can pay for the cost of repairs yourself.
- The cost of the repairs in relation to your deductible.
- Whether or not you still have your claims-free discount on your file that you have yet to use.
Can home insurance claims be denied?
Yes, if you file a claim with your insurer, there is still a chance that you may have your claim denied. Here are some instances where your insurer may refuse to reach a settlement, leaving you to pay for repairs and replacements on your own:
- You do not have enough proof to substantiate your claim.
- You are not covered for the peril that caused the damage.
- The damage occurred as a result of homeowner neglect and a lack of maintenance.
- You intentionally caused harm or damage.
- You were conducting criminal activities on your property.
How to navigate the home insurance claim process
Do you need to file a claim under your homeowners insurance policy but aren't sure how to do so? Take a look through the following steps below:
1. Contact your insurance company
Before contacting your insurance company, take a look at your coverage and confirm that the cause of the damage or loss is listed as a covered peril in your policy. Once you have confirmed this, go ahead and give your insurance agent a call. During this phone call, the agent will ask you to provide as much information about what happened as possible. So, be prepared to be on the phone for a while.
2. Gather evidence of the damaged items
Now that you have filed your claim, the next thing you want to do is document the evidence of your damage or loss. Take as many photos and videos as possible. You'll also want to write down a home inventory list of the items damaged and keep any receipts related to your additional living expenses or temporary repairs.
If you called the police to your home, make sure to get a copy of the police report, as you will need to submit this document to your adjuster as well.
3. Get an adjuster assigned
After a couple of business days, an adjuster will be assigned to your claim. At this time, you can submit your evidence. During this time, an adjuster may come to your property to conduct an in-person investigation of the extent of the damage.
4. Undergo repairs or replacements
Once the estimate has been confirmed, your adjuster may provide you with a list of preferred vendors who will conduct the repairs. If they have not given you a list, you can go ahead and choose a contractor of your choice. Again, make sure to keep the receipts from your contractor.
5. Receive compensation
After the repairs are done, file the receipts with your adjuster and sign a release form stating that you have reached a settlement for damages. Once completed, your adjuster will provide you with your compensation by sending a cheque in the mail or directly depositing the funds into your bank account.
How much does home insurance cost on average?
The average home insurance cost in Canada is $1000 per year. However, because all homes are different and insurers use various calculation methods to determine costs, there is a chance you could significantly more or less than this average. When purchasing homeowners insurance, we recommend contacting many insurers in your area and comparing quotes beforehand. That way, you can find coverage that fits your needs without going over budget.
How can I prevent home insurance claims?
The best way to prevent home insurance claims is to perform routine maintenance on your property throughout the year. For example, consider installing a sump pump and backwater valve if you do not already have one in your home. Both these devices can help prevent flooding, significant water damage, and sewer backup in your home. We also recommend having a plumber check your plumbing system once a year for any damages or blocks that could cause flooding. Another way to prevent claims is to maintain your yard and ensure you divert water away from your home by cleaning your gutters every couple of months. When it comes to home insurance winter claims, clear snow from your property and maintain a comfortable heat in your home to prevent frozen pipes.
Is it possible to invalidate your home insurance and be denied during your insurance claim?
Yes, there are numerous ways you can invalidate home insurance and be denied compensation by your insurer. Common scenarios where your insurance company may deny your claim include lying about the circumstances of the damage, conducting criminal activities on your property, having extensive damage that exceeds your coverage limits, filing multiple claims in a short period, overvaluing your personal property, and more. Ultimately, when filing an insurance claim, it's essential that you are honest and transparent about what happened from the start.
Need help with your insurance claims process? Contact BrokerLink today
At BrokerLink, we're pleased to help homeowners in Canada find affordable home insurance and help them navigate their property claims process. Whether you have questions about your insurance documents, are unsure about your claim, or need to purchase a new policy, the expert brokers from our team are ready to help. Beyond standard home insurance, BrokerLink can also help you acquire the following policies:
With access to some of Canada's top insurance providers and coverages, we can help you customize your insurance plans to your unique needs and home. If you're in the area, come visit us at one of our many locations across the country to work with a broker in person. Not close by? Contact us over the phone to speak with a member of our team. Alternatively, you can get a free competitive insurance quote within minutes using our online quote tool!
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