Yes. You should disclose all drivers in your household, including newly licensed G1 drivers. Most insurers don't rate (charge) for a driver until they reach their G2, but disclosure is still required.
You will find below a list of the most frequent insurance questions we are asked. Click the question to expand the answer.
Yes. You should disclose all drivers in your household, including newly licensed G1 drivers. Most insurers don't rate (charge) for a driver until they reach their G2, but disclosure is still required.
Premiums reflect overall claims costs and your personal driving profile. Common drivers of increases include:
Yes-you can switch anytime. Your current insurer continues to handle any existing claim. If the loss is at-fault, a new insurer will usually rate for it; your current insurer might offer accident forgiveness depending on your policy.
Insurers use territory as a rating factor. Densely populated areas often have more collisions and theft, which increases claims costs. Boundaries can be very granular-moving across a street can change your rate.
Maybe. Some credit cards include limited rental coverage. In Ontario, you can add OPCF 27 (Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles) to your auto policy. If you lack either option, buy the rental company's coverage.
Rental agencies offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). It's usually pricier than OPCF 27 but can prevent a chargeable at-fault loss on your own policy if terms are followed.
Travel trailers: Can be added to your auto policy to mirror the tow vehicle's liability/physical damage. Contents are typically covered by your property policy; specialty trailer policies can broaden coverage.
Truck campers/pop-ups: Insured similarly to travel trailers by adding to your auto policy.
Motorhomes (Class A/B/C): Insured as vehicles on an auto policy (standalone or added). Some insurers offer endorsements for emergency expenses, contents, and additional living costs. Rates depend on class, usage, and whether it's full-time.
Yes. Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your personal belongings or your personal liability. Tenant insurance protects your contents, provides liability coverage, and can pay additional living expenses after a covered loss.
Sewer Backup: Covers damage when water/sewage backs up through drains, toilets, or sump systems.
Overland Water: Covers surface water entering from outside due to heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or overflow of a body of water (where available). These are separate, optional coverages with their own deductibles/limits.
Many homeowners and tenants choose $2 million in liability to protect against injury or property damage claims. Consider higher limits if you host frequently, have a pool, or own assets you'd like to protect.
Your deductible is the amount you pay first on a covered claim. Higher deductibles generally reduce premium, but increase your out-of-pocket cost at claim time. Choose a level that fits your budget and risk tolerance.
If items exceed your policy's special limits or you want broader "all-risk" protection with lower/no deductible, consider scheduling (listing) them. An appraisal or receipt is often required.
Most home/tenant policies provide Replacement Cost on contents (new for old) if you replace the items; otherwise Actual Cash Value may apply. Review your policy for any exceptions or endorsements.
OPCF 20 helps pay for a rental car, taxis, or transit while your insured vehicle is being repaired or replaced after a covered claim. Limits and daily maximums apply.
If the damage is caused by an insured peril — such as wind, hail, lightning, or a falling tree — your roof is covered. Most policies reimburse the cost to repair or replace the damaged section of the roof, not always the entire roof.
If your roof is leaking because of age or wear and tear, that’s considered a maintenance issue and not covered. Coverage varies, so always confirm with your insurer.
It depends on your insurer and circumstances. Some allow one claim in five years without penalty, while others offer a “claims protection” endorsement that prevents the first claim from affecting your premium. Multiple claims within a short period can lead to higher premiums and loss of a “no-claims discount.”
Yes, typically under your personal liability coverage. If your dog injures someone and you are found legally responsible, liability coverage can help pay medical expenses, legal costs, and potential settlements — subject to exclusions for certain breeds or prior bite history.
Absolutely. Sewer backup claims often cost $30,000–$50,000 or more. Even unfinished basements can sustain major losses (furnace, water heater, foundation). Cleanup and restoration alone can be extremely costly. For most homeowners, adding this optional coverage is well worth the premium.
Standard home policies exclude overland flooding (water entering from rivers, lakes, or surface water). However, many insurers now offer optional overland water coverage endorsements. Sewer backup and overland water are separate coverages that can often be purchased together.
Policies usually have special limits (e.g. $3,000–$6,000) for jewellery, furs, or collectibles. For higher-value items, you should “schedule” them separately with appraisals to ensure full replacement coverage.
If your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss, this coverage pays for extra costs to maintain your lifestyle — like hotel stays, meals, or temporary rent — while repairs are made.
Not automatically. Most home policies exclude or limit business equipment and liability. If you run a business from home, you may need an endorsement or a separate commercial policy.
Yes, under Detached Private Structures coverage. These include garages, sheds, and similar buildings incidental to the dwelling. Coverage limits and conditions apply, and business or farm use is excluded.
Generally no — mold, rot, or fungi are considered maintenance issues and excluded. If mold results directly from a covered water damage loss, some limited cleanup may be included. Ask your insurer about endorsements for broader protection.
Some insurers include limited identity theft expense coverage; others offer it as an add-on. It can help cover costs for legal fees, lost wages, or credit monitoring after identity theft.
Contractors insurance typically combines Commercial General Liability (CGL) and property coverage for tools, equipment, and materials. CGL helps with third-party bodily injury or property damage claims arising from your negligence. Property coverage (often called a tools/equipment floater) protects your own gear against covered perils like theft or fire.
Important: The CGL has “your work/your product” exclusions. It generally does not cover repairing your own faulty work. Example: if a wall you built collapses, the wall itself isn’t covered; damage the falling wall causes to a nearby car is covered.
Another example: a roof is improperly installed and leaks, damaging the interior. The interior damage may be covered; fixing the faulty roof isn’t.
Some CGL policies exclude independent contractors; others include them but still expect subs to carry their own coverage. Requiring insured subs helps:
Request a Certificate of Insurance and ask to be added as an Additional Insured on the sub’s policy so you’re protected if you’re named in a suit arising from their work.
A certificate of insurance (COI) is evidence that coverage is in force. It lists the insurer, policy number, effective/expiry dates, types and limits of coverage, and often includes notice of cancellation terms. A COI itself is not coverage; endorsements (e.g., Additional Insured, Waiver of Subrogation) must be added to the policy.
Many contractors carry $2M CGL; larger projects or contractual requirements may call for $5M+. Consider your job size, contractual obligations, and potential third-party injury/property damage exposures.
A certificate proves a policy exists. Additional Insured status extends certain liability protections to you under the subcontractor’s policy for liability arising out of their work. Always obtain a COI that specifically shows the Additional Insured endorsement (form number where possible).
Yes—CGL doesn’t cover your own property. A contractors tools/equipment floater can insure hand tools, power tools, and scheduled equipment (e.g., compressors, mini-excavators) on and off site, including in transit. Confirm any Locked Vehicle Warranty conditions and security requirements.
An Installation Floater covers materials and labour for property you’re installing (before acceptance by the owner) against risks like theft, fire, or certain types of water damage while at the job site or in transit, until the work is completed/accepted.
Use Builder’s Risk for ground-up builds, major renovations, or structural changes. It insures the project itself (the “works”) against physical loss (e.g., fire, theft, certain water damage) during construction—separate from your CGL.
Yes—CGL includes Products & Completed Operations for third-party injury or property damage after your work is finished, subject to terms and exclusions (faulty work itself still excluded). Check the aggregate limit and any time-limited coverage requirements in contracts.
Standard CGL excludes most pollution events. Trades with exposure to fuels, solvents, mold, asbestos, or environmental releases should consider a Contractors Pollution Liability policy or endorsement—sometimes required by owners/GCs.
If you provide design services, stamped drawings, or technical advice, consider Contractors Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions). CGL won’t respond to professional negligence.
These are higher-hazard operations and may be excluded or require special underwriting. Tell your broker if you: perform hot-applied roofing, do snow/ice removal, work at heights, or operate in the U.S.—coverage and pricing will differ.
Personal auto policies often exclude business use and certain trailers. Contractors typically need Commercial Auto (and to schedule owned trailers). Ask about OPCF 27 (non-owned auto) and OPCF 32 (garage auto) where relevant.
Public and many commercial projects require surety bonds. Pre-qualify with a surety to establish capacity for bid and performance bonds. Financial statements and experience are typically needed.
Common requirements include: Additional Insured status, Primary & Non-Contributory wording, Waiver of Subrogation, specified limits, and evidence of WSIB. Share contracts with your broker to align policy endorsements.
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