Home Insurance in Brampton

Brampton home insurance coverage

Unlike auto insurance, home insurance is not mandated by the Government of Ontario. That said, mortgage lenders can make home insurance a condition of mortgage loans, which means many Brampton homeowners may be required to purchase home insurance. However, even if home insurance isn’t required, there are many reasons why a Brampton homeowner might choose to purchase it. The coverage it provides gives Brampton residents peace of mind that if something goes wrong, they are financially protected. While coverage varies by policy, standard home insurance policies in Brampton typically include the following:

Dwelling coverage

Dwelling insurance covers your physical home in Brampton. More specifically, the building and structure you reside in. If your property is damaged by an insured peril (such as those listed below), you may be protected under the dwelling portion of your home insurance policy. Examples of common perils covered by dwelling insurance include:

• Fire
• Lightning
• Smoke
• Theft
• Wind
• Car/aircraft impact
• Explosion
• Falling objects

Contents coverage

Unlike dwelling insurance, which covers the physical structure of your home, contents coverage protects the belongings inside your home. Items that contents insurance may cover in the event of loss or damage include furniture, clothing, electronics, jewellery, sporting equipment, and more.

Personal liability coverage

Personal liability coverage can come in handy if a third party injures themselves while on your property. In such an instance, you could be held liable and be responsible for paying all sorts of expenses, including legal and medical fees. But with home insurance, the personal liability portion of your policy might help cover these fees. It may also cover you if your home or property causes damage to a neighbouring home.

Additional Brampton home insurance coverage

In some cases, basic home insurance isn’t enough. Luckily, Brampton homeowners have several additional coverage types to choose from. Business coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, and sewer backup coverage are just a few examples, which we outline below:

Business coverage

A business insurance add-on is important if you operate a business out of your home. In fact, it might even be necessary as most standard home insurance policies in Brampton do not cover damage caused by business operations. Therefore, if something happened as a result of your home business, your insurance provider may not cover it.

Equipment breakdown coverage

Equipment breakdown coverage comes into play if a piece of equipment in your home experiences a sudden or unexpected failure. This type of insurance may cover your washer/dryer, kitchen appliances, HVAC units (air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, etc.), and your home security system. While not usually part of basic homeowners insurance policies, this extra coverage can be worthwhile, especially when you consider how expensive fixing or replacing broken home equipment can be.

Sewer backup coverage

Lastly, Brampton homeowners may wish to consider adding sewer backup insurance to their policies. Adding this coverage to your policy can help cover the costs of repairing damage to your home caused by a sewer backup.

Please note that the additional coverages listed above are typically added as riders or endorsements to existing home insurance policies.

What Brampton property insurance may not cover

As mentioned, Brampton home insurance policies vary, which is why it’s important to speak with an insurance broker or insurance provider anytime you are purchasing home insurance coverage. That said, many home insurance policies feature dwelling coverage, contents coverage, and personal liability coverage, and some may also include a business insurance, sewer backup, or equipment breakdown rider.

However, just as it’s important to understand what is covered by your home insurance policy, it’s also important to understand what isn’t covered, and what situations might render your coverage invalid. There are a few scenarios in which an insurance provider could void your policy, such as if your home is vacant for months on end or you neglect the maintenance of your home. Keep reading to learn more about the circumstances under which you may not be covered by your Brampton home insurance policy:

Home sharing

It’s become commonplace for Brampton homeowners to rent out their homes for short periods of time as a way of earning extra income. This concept is sometimes referred to as home sharing and was popularized by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. While home sharing can provide monthly cash flow, it can also void your home insurance policy if you fail to notify your insurance provider.

Vacant home

If your property is empty for long periods of time (e.g. more than one month consecutively), it’s important to tell your insurance company as a vacant home can affect your rates. So before you head south for the winter, get in touch with your insurance broker. Otherwise, if a loss or damage occurs while you are away, your existing home insurance provider may not cover you.

Failing to maintain

Another situation in which your Brampton home insurance policy may become invalid is if you neglect the maintenance of your home, allowing it to fall into a state of disrepair. For example, if your roof is missing shingles which causes water damage, your insurance provider may refuse to pay for the damage.

Renovations

Finally, your Brampton home insurance policy may not cover you if property damage occurs as a result of a renovation. If your home is undergoing a renovation, we suggest informing your insurance broker as soon as possible since upgrades can influence the cost of home insurance.

How to save money on Brampton home insurance

BrokerLink is dedicated to helping Brampton homeowners find great coverage at affordable rates. Beyond shopping around on your behalf and comparing quotes to ensure you get the lowest rate, the experts at BrokerLink have put together a list of money-saving tips below. Avoid overspending on home insurance in Brampton by following these tips:

Install a security system in your Brampton home

Installing a security system in your home is one way to save money on Brampton home insurance. Some insurance providers offer discounts to homeowners that install certain types of security systems in their homes, due to the added layer of safety they offer. Contact an insurance broker to learn more about the types of security systems that may qualify for a home insurance discount in Ontario.

Bundle home insurance and other insurance policies together

Are you in the market for multiple types of insurance (e.g. home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, leisure vehicle insurance)? Purchasing multiple insurance policies from the same provider could save you up to 15% on each policy. So if you need auto insurance, business insurance, or recreational vehicle insurance, on top of home insurance, consider buying them at the same time.

Increase your policy deductible

Increasing your Brampton home insurance deductible is a quick way to reduce your premium. This tip applies to all types of insurance. Whether it’s auto insurance or business insurance, a higher deductible often comes with a lower premium. That said, before increasing your home insurance deductible, it’s critical to understand what a deductible is and the consequences of raising it.

Keep in mind that the higher your deductible, the more you will have to pay toward an insured loss in the event of a claim. Therefore, you should never raise your deductible above an amount you can reasonably afford. Contact BrokerLink for more information and a professional opinion on whether raising your home insurance deductible is right for you.

Make annual payments instead of monthly payments

Another quick and easy way to save money on Brampton home insurance is by making one annual payment rather than twelve monthly payments. This is because many insurance companies charge administrative fees for every payment you make. Therefore, paying off your insurance in one installment versus twelve installments will often save you money. If your insurance provider gives you the option of paying for your home insurance policy monthly or annually, be sure to inquire about the fees associated with each.

Consult with a BrokerLink insurance advisor

Last but not least, if you want to save money on home insurance, we recommend consulting with a BrokerLink insurance advisor. BrokerLink has a team of fully licenced brokers, each of whom is dedicated to matching our customers with the best possible policy.

We will take the time to understand your unique needs and find you a Brampton home insurance policy that meets them. Plus, we do the work for you, which makes shopping for home insurance easier than ever before. If you want an expert at your fingertips who will compare quotes and unlock discounts on your behalf, look no further than BrokerLink.

Is property insurance mandatory in Brampton?

Home insurance may be required in Brampton but it is not mandated by the Government of Ontario the way that auto insurance is. Rather, it might be required if you take out a mortgage loan to buy your home. Mortgage lenders have the right to make home insurance a condition of a mortgage loan, and many do so for the added security it offers. Therefore, although home insurance is not required by law, many Brampton homeowners must purchase a policy if they want to buy a home with a mortgage. Similarly, landlords in Brampton can make residential leases conditional on the renter obtaining a valid tenant insurance policy.

Three reasons to work with a BrokerLink insurance advisor

With so many options out there, shopping for Brampton home insurance can be overwhelming. That’s where BrokerLink comes in. We make home insurance shopping hassle-free thanks to our superior customer service and unparalleled resources. Keep reading to discover three benefits of working with a BrokerLink insurance advisor:

Brokers work independently of insurance providers

The first benefit of working with an insurance broker is that they work independently of insurance providers. This allows BrokerLink to put the customer first - always. We will listen to your unique needs and provide unbiased, objective advice on the best policy for your home.

Brokers do the work for you

If the last thing you want to do at the end of a long workday is research home insurance policies on the internet, then we recommend working with a broker. Insurance brokerages like BrokerLink have insurance advisors who do the work for you. They shop around on your behalf by contacting Canada’s top insurance providers and obtaining quotes. From there, they compare the quotes and unlock discounts to present you with top-quality policy options within your budget.

Brokers are home insurance experts

One final benefit of working with a BrokerLink insurance advisor is that we are home insurance experts. BrokerLink has been in business since 1991, which means we know the ins and outs of the home insurance industry. We will use our resources and expertise to match you with a competitive policy with great coverage.

Brampton home insurance is just a click away with BrokerLink

Whether you have questions about working with an insurance broker, want advice on the best home insurance policy for you and your family, or want to take advantage of our free home insurance quotes, BrokerLink can help.

Give us a call, send us an email, or visit us in person at any BrokerLink location to get started. You can also request a free Brampton home insurance quote using our online quote tool. All you have to do is answer a few basic questions about yourself and your home and you will receive an accurate and competitive quote in as little as five minutes. Please note that all BrokerLink home insurance quotes are 100% obligation-free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting started today. Contact BrokerLink today to begin your Brampton home insurance journey.

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FAQs on Brampton home insurance

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