{"id":1520378,"date":"2026-01-28T19:06:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T23:06:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthinfocanada.ca\/?p=1520378"},"modified":"2026-01-28T19:09:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T23:09:36","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-home-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthinfocanada.ca\/?p=1520378","title":{"rendered":"The Do\u2019s and Dont’s of Home Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Home insurance can help protect your house and belongings against the financial consequences of accidental damage or theft and is often required by mortgage companies, bank lenders and landlords. But how do you choose the right coverage for your unique needs?<\/p>

Here are some basic dos and don\u2019ts to keep in mind when you\u2019re shopping around for home insurance.<\/p>

Do<\/strong><\/p>

Understand what\u2019s included in your insurance policy<\/strong><\/p>

It\u2019s important to know what your insurance policy covers so that you can have peace of mind if you ever need to file a claim. While most policies cover claims related to fire, theft and wind damage, you may need to purchase additional coverage for other perils, such as:<\/p>

  • Damage caused by some natural disasters, like earthquakes<\/li>
  • Damage caused by escape of fuel oil (if you have an oil tank on the premises)<\/li>
  • Damage or theft of particularly valuable possessions like jewellery, furs, collections or works of art<\/li>
  • Water damage such as sewer back-up or flood coverage<\/li><\/ul>

    \u00a0<\/p>

    Keep an inventory of your possessions<\/strong><\/p>

    Make a list of all your belongings, keep your receipts, and record any appraisals of their value wherever possible. This may help expedite your claim if you ever need to replace them. It\u2019s also a good way to help determine how much insurance coverage you actually need.<\/p>

    Review your home inventory and insurance coverage annually<\/strong><\/p>

    It\u2019s important to carve out time to review your policy each year because, if you renovate or make any major purchases for your home, you may need to adjust your coverage to ensure you\u2019re properly protected. Try to choose the same time each year to complete your review so it\u2019s easy to remember \u2013 your policy renewal date is a good option, but the first of the year or another key milestone could work too.<\/p>

    Keep your home secure<\/strong><\/p>

    You may be able to reduce your insurance premium by installing additional security features in your home, like a security system or an alarm that connects to a monitoring system.<\/p>

    Ensure your home is properly maintained<\/strong><\/p>

    If you can do it safely, inspect your roof, water pipes, furnace and major appliances regularly or hire a professional to do it for you. This could prevent unnecessary damage, which may help you avoid a claim and save more on your insurance premium.<\/p>

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

    Don\u2019t<\/strong><\/p>

    Automatically opt for the policy that costs the least<\/strong><\/p>

    Being under-insured can cost you much more in the long run. Make sure you choose the coverage that best suits your lifestyle, the value of your possessions, and any unique risks associated with your home\u2019s location, like an increased likelihood of flooding.<\/p>

    Underestimate how much you own<\/strong><\/p>

    When making your home inventory, be sure to include all the small things that would add up quickly if you had to replace them. Your total coverage amount should exceed this combined value so you\u2019re not on the hook for any out-of-pocket costs if something happens to your home and its contents.<\/p>

    Omit information when talking to your insurer<\/strong><\/p>

    Failing to provide your insurance company with accurate information may jeopardize your coverage if you need to file a claim, so do your best to answer all the questions on your quote to the best of your knowledge.<\/p>

    If important things change after your policy is in place \u2013 like you get a new roof, for example, or you replace your furnace \u2013 you\u2019ll need to let your insurance company know so they can update your policy and ensure your coverage is still appropriate.<\/p>

    Home insurance is an essential requirement to protect your house and your belongings, so take the time to\u00a0choose your coverage\u00a0carefully. Plus, don\u2019t forget that if you ever need to make a claim, you can\u00a0get in touch\u00a0with us any time \u2013 day or night.<\/p>

    \u00a0<\/p>

    To find out more, call 1-888-476-8737.<\/p>

    Or visit thepersonal.com\/chima<\/u><\/p>

    \u00a0<\/p>

    This article is being provided by the Canadian Health Information Management Association on behalf of The Personal which has a group sponsorship agreement with regards to home and auto insurance for our members.<\/em><\/p>

    The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada.<\/em><\/p>

    The information and advice in this article are provided for informational purposes only. The Personal shall not be liable for any damages or losses arising from any reliance upon such information or advice. The Personal recommends using caution and consulting with experts with respect to the proper use, installation and storage of any products referred to herein.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Home insurance can help protect your house and belongings against the financial consequences of accidental damage or theft and is often required by mortgage companies, bank lenders and landlords. But how do you choose the right coverage for your unique needs? 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