Compare Ottawa Home Insurance Quotes

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Compare Ottawa home insurance quotes from Canada's top providers and protect your house for a lower rate.

Compare Ottawa home insurance quotes from top providers

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Find better home insurance rates in Ottawa

When you compare home insurance quotes in Ottawa, you’ll save more money. It’s true. Comparison shopping is a great first step to ensure you have the protection you need for your home. But it can also be challenging to know what kind and how much coverage you need. This is where a ThinkInsure home insurance advisor can help you.

Owning a home is a major responsibility. It’s one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make. Whether you rent, own, or live in a condo we’ll ensure your residence has protection from damage and threats. Plus, we’ll find you the most affordable rates.

We can help you find the lowest rates from the top home insurance companies in Ottawa. It's easy to shop and compare the cheapest home insurance quotes in Ottawa. It’s free and it only takes a few minutes. So, get started with an online quote. Or give us a call and a home insurance advisor can help you find even more discounts and maximize your savings.

Keep reading to learn more about home insurance in the Ottawa area and find some great savings tips.

How to get a home insurance quote in Ottawa

Get quotes from Ottawa's top home insurance companies in a couple of minutes.

1) Start your quote

Enter some info to get started.

2) Enter your home details

Tell us about your home.

3) Compare best rates

See prices from the leading insurers.

Choose your policy

Select the lowest rate and get insured.

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How home insurance in Ottawa works

Even though it's not legally required, it's highly recommended Ottawa homeowners have a home insurance policy. Plus, proof of insurance is a requirement to qualify for a mortgage, so you need it if you finance your home.

Basic coverage is usually not enough. Banks and lenders require you to carry a certain amount of coverage. Then there is most people's desire to have peace of mind in knowing they have protection against as many potential threats as possible.

This is why most choose to have comprehensive coverage for maximum protection against common threats and perils.

How home insurance works in the Nation's Capital is the same as elsewhere in the province. The same rules and regulations apply.

The FSRAO licenses and regulates insurers in Ontario. Most insurers are also a member of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

You can choose from a series of coverage packages, limits, and can customize your plan with add-ons and endorsements. This ensures you can personalize your policy to your liking and adjust prices to fit your budget.

Better yet, Ottawa residents have the option to review quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can compare your options using a private insurer or Ottawa insurance broker. Shopping around allows you to find the best home insurance quotes possible.

Why do I need home insurance in Ottawa?

Home insurance is not mandatory in Ottawa. But you do need it for a few good reasons:

It's a requirement to get a mortgage from a bank or lender.
Most people don't have enough money to rebuild their homes if it's destroyed.
The average cost of home insurance claims is thousands of dollars.
Catastrophic weather events are on the rise.
You’ll receive compensation for living expenses if you are displaced from your home because of an insured peril.
Have the security of knowing you’re covered if something bad happens.

How much does home insurance cost in Ottawa?

The cost of home insurance can vary significantly in Ottawa. Premiums are assessed and set based on your unique situation. Many factors go into determining what you will pay. Location, dwelling type, local threats, land value, replacement cost, and coverage limits all affect the price. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,000 per year.

However, according to our customer premium data, the average cost of home insurance in Ottawa is $2,174 per year. This is $181 per month. This is higher than Toronto home insurance and the provincial average of $1,773.

Get 5 star home insurance in Ottawa

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Kevin St Clair

2024-11-28

Betsy was a genuine pleasure to deal with considering the circumstances. Thanks again for all your help

Anthony Gomez

2024-11-27

Today, I want to take a moment to recognize Monica Chan, an exceptional insurance broker who has consistently gone above and beyond in her service to me. Monica's dedication to punctuality and consideration has been truly remarkable. She has always been prompt in responding to my inquiries and has never hesitated to offer her expertise and guidance. With Monica as my broker, I have never once felt worried about anything going wrong. Her proactive approach and attention to detail have provided me with peace of mind, knowing that my insurance needs are well-taken care of. Throughout our interactions, Monica has been incredibly helpful, patiently explaining complex insurance concepts and ensuring that I fully understand my coverage options. I wholeheartedly recommend Monica Chan to anyone seeking an insurance broker who genuinely cares about their clients' best interests. Her commitment to excellence and her willingness to go the extra mile make her an invaluable asset in the insurance industry.

Phyllis Baker

2024-11-20

Absolutely amazing service the broker Todd worked on my quote fast I recommend this company to anyone very professional I’m so glad I called them .. Thank you for your great work

Charles Cameron

2024-11-15

Betsy Bannon has been nothing short of amazing at helping us through the complex process of acquiring business insurance. She quickly understood our needs and expertly guided us to the right solution. From start to finish, she made us feel like her most important client which gave us the confidence that we were in great hands. We highly recommend Betsy!

Jermaine M

2024-11-05

I had a great experience with Patrick Vuong. He went above and beyond to help me update last minute changes to my policy in order to qualify for a government grant. Staying back late and coming in early the next day to help finishes the changes. Very kind and professional!

Mark Gaffney

2024-11-05

Betsy Bannon is a professional extremely friendly and knowledgeable and made my experience wonderful! Highly recommend her for any insurance needs. Mark Gaffney

fabian ward

2024-11-04

Great service! Prompt and very helpful! Thanks to Todd allan for really helping me out!

Stephen Mcfadden

2024-11-01

Great experience working with Sohel Rahman, appreciate his honest and can-do attitude. Highly recommend!

Factors that impact Ottawa home insurance quotes

How much you pay for home insurance in Ottawa can depend on many factors, including:

Type of home (materials, size, features)
Property value
Age of your roof, furnace, HVAC, and electrical system
If you have a security system, sump pump, and other loss prevention measures
Location to a fire station, fire hydrant, or body of water
Claims history
Personal contents - how much stuff you have
Policy options, limits, coverage selection, and endorsements
If you rent to tenants
Applicable discounts
The threat of severe weather events in your area
The crime rate in your neighbourhood

Comparing quotes is the best way to find out how much home insurance will cost in Ottawa. Ready to shop around? ThinkInsure works with the leading home insurance companies so we'll find you a great rate!

When should I get a home insurance quote in Ottawa?

There are many situations where it is helpful to get a home insurance quote in Ottawa. Here are some of the most common times to shop and compare:

When you are renting for the first time (compare Ottawa tenant insurance quotes).
When you are moving.
When you are looking at homes.
When you complete a renovation project.
When you make the transition from renter to homeowner.
When you move from a condo to a home or vice versa (compare condo insurance quotes).
When you add new contents – especially high-ticket items.
When you want to adjust your coverage type or limits.

Tips to get cheap Ottawa home insurance

Want to save even more? Use these tips to get cheaper home insurance in Ottawa:

Compare annually: Rates are constantly changing. They go up and down. Capitalize on changes by comparing quotes each time your policy comes up for renewal to maximize savings.
Ask about discounts: Are you taking advantage of all available discounts? Not sure? Time to find out!
Have the right amount: Make sure you have the right level of coverage based on your home. Avoid adding a type of protection that does not apply to your situation. Don't over-insure.
Bundle: When you combine home and car insurance in Ottawa policies you will get additional discounts. Check out the insurance bundles available to you.
Increase security: Boost your home security to protect your property and reduce payments.
Stay claims free: Avoid unnecessary claims to maintain your claims free discount. Avoid filing smaller claims if possible. It's better to pay for smaller losses out of pocket.
Increase your deductible: Increasing your deductible will lower your premium.
Eliminate threats: Assess your property. Take note of potential perils and eliminate them. For example, remove dead trees, do regular maintenance, and update your structure and systems.
Increase your credit score: A good credit score is used by some insurers to offer a reduced rate.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the threat of a fire. This will increase your premiums.
Upgrade and renovate: Upgrading things like your roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other parts of your home will help you reduce premiums.

Ottawa home insurance FAQs

What’s covered under my Ottawa home insurance policy?

The main things that are covered by a home insurance policy include the following:

Structures: This covers the amount to repair or rebuild your house and other structures such as your deck, fence, or garage.
Contents: Compensation to replace lost or damaged belongings. This includes your personal effects such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and more.
Liability: You receive legal protection in the event you are found liable for another person getting injured on your property. Get coverage for legal expenses and fees.
Additional living expenses: This will cover the cost to stay in a hotel, food, transportation, and other expenses if you have to move out while it is under repair.

What additional coverage can I add to my Ottawa home insurance policy?

You can also add extra coverage to increase your level of protection. Or you can add a special limit for certain types of content, such as jewellery or collectibles. These are called riders, floaters, or endorsements. The type of add-ons that are available will depend on your insurer. But most offer a selection.

Popular additional coverage options include:

Sewer backup insurance: You never know when a sewer issue could put a damper on your day.
Overland water damage: Protection from damage caused by flooding.
Water damage: Not all water damage is automatically covered. This gives you more protection.
Earthquake insurance: In the rare case of an earthquake or landslide, you’ll have coverage.
Service line insurance: This pays for damage and repairs of service lines on your property.
Identity theft insurance: Get more protection and support if you are a victim of identity theft or fraud.

Some of the above coverage might be offered as part of a comprehensive policy. Another option is to boost your existing plan limits. But, know that some types of threats will not be covered. They will be specifically excluded. So, make sure you know what is and is not included in your plan.

What types of home insurance in Ottawa do you need?

Even though home insurance is not mandatory in Ottawa, it is highly recommended. There are four basic home policies to choose from:

Comprehensive home insurance: Also known as all perils, this has the most thorough protection. While it costs more, you are protected against most perils.
Named perils home insurance: Protection against the perils that are named in your house insurance plan. This is the middle-of-the-road plan. You have coverage only for the things listed. If a peril is not listed, it's not covered.
Broad form home insurance: This is basic coverage. Covers your dwelling structure and some other named perils. This is the most basic and cost-effective option.
No frills: This is a basic plan for a location that is not usually issued a policy.

You can also customize your plan by including additional coverage for water damage, personal contents, lock replacement, frozen food, jewellery, claims forgiveness, and other coverages.

Keep in mind that adding to your plan will also increase your premium.

What protection does Ottawa home insurance include?

Your home insurance will provide you with coverage and protection against a variety of insured perils in Ottawa. Here is a list of commonly covered risks:

Fire and smoke damage
Theft and break-ins
Vandalism
Falling objects
Wind and hail damage
Lightning
Hail
Explosion
Electrical current
Civil unrest
Damage from vehicle impact
Riot and malicious acts
Some types of water damage

What is not covered under my Ottawa home insurance policy?

There is a misconception among homeowners in Ottawa that your home insurance is all-encompassing. However, certain personal belongings are not covered under a standard policy. Items such as jewelry, art, collectibles, and antiques require additional insurance.

For example, you can get jewellery insurance to protect items such as your watch, engagement ring, and other prized pieces.

Some perils are outside the scope of your policy. They include damage from pests, wear and tear, overland flooding, water damage, and sewer backup.

Why are Ottawa home insurance rates going up?

Home insurance rates in Ottawa can change for many reasons. Approved rate increases, the higher cost of claims, increasing your plan limits, or filing too many claims can all increase your payments.

Experts forecast home insurance rates will increase in the coming years in Ottawa and across the province. This is mainly due to an increase in severe weather and catastrophic loss events. Since 2011 alone, there have been well over $2 billion in claims in the province.

In general, insurance fees are on the rise. But these weather events are driving up costs as well. So, take extra steps to find savings opportunities. Speak with our experts today to find ways to lower your payments. Or you can compare home insurance quotes online right now.

What home insurance risks are specific to the Ottawa region?

As Ottawa is a more northern location, extreme cold weather is common in the region during the winter which creates additional home insurance risks. This weather can cause frozen pipes, ice damming, and cause severe damage. The Ottawa River also makes it prone to flooding during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

According to the 2023 Fact Book from IBC, Ottawa has experienced 8 catastrophic loss events since 1983. Most damage has been caused by flooding, windstorms, and winter storms. The most recent was a windstorm in May 2022.

Make sure you have coverage in place to protect your home from these specific perils.

What is the best home insurance company in Ottawa?

There isn't one single home insurance company that is the best in Ottawa. There are many good ones that have excellent coverage and great rates. At ThinkInsure, we have partnered with the top home insurance companies in Ottawa and Canada to bring you the most options and cheapest prices. Some of our top home insurance providers include:

Aviva Canada: 112 Kent St Suite 2, Tower B, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P2
CAA Insurance: Napean - 1331 Clyde Ave. Unit 105, Ottawa, ON K2C 3G4
Intact Insurance: 1 St. Laurent Blvd. Unit4A, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8
Economical Insurance: 343 Preston St #, Ottawa, ON K1S 1N4
Travelers Insurance: 155 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 6L1
And many other top insurance companies

How to manage home insurance claims in Ottawa

Any type of extensive damage to your home can be a very stressful experience. Knowing how home insurance claims work is important just in case you have to go through one. It can answer many of your unknown questions and help you work through the claims process quickly.

Remember, that not all damage is worthy of opening a claim. Certain situations may not be covered or you may not have the right coverage. The actual cost of the damage may not make sense financially for you to open a claim. So, if you’re not sure, speak with our home insurance brokers. We’ll provide you with the assistance and advice you need.

If you do plan to file a claim:

Call your insurance provider as soon as possible
If criminal activity is involved, call the police to report it.
Document everything - take photos and videos
Work with your insurance adjuster to arrange clean-up and repairs
Fill out all insurance loss forms as soon as possible
Be clear on your settlement options

What are my home insurance loss settlement options in Ottawa?

The loss settlement terms in your home insurance policy are extremely important for Ottawa homeowners to know. Your choice could make thousands of dollars of difference in your claims payouts. There are two main options you need to understand. They are actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost:

Actual cash value: Depreciation is deducted from the value of your home. You receive compensation based on current market value. This option can reduce your premium. It will also reduce your claims payout.
Replacement cost: You receive compensation without a depreciation deduction. This option will increase your premiums. However, you will have a better claims payout.

Time to make the switch to a new Ottawa home insurance provider?

Things change and so do insurance providers. If you are not completely satisfied with your current insurer, you can always explore other options. We encourage Ottawa residents to compare their home insurance options to see if they can find better coverage or more affordable rates. And our brokers are happy to help you shop around. At the very least, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing you chose the best option available to you.

Saving on your Ottawa home insurance is easy!

Are you a first-time buyer? Purchasing a place for your family? Ottawa residents can find affordable home insurance by getting a quote. It only takes a couple of minutes to compare quotes online.

The good news is that you do not have to do it alone – work with ThinkInsure to ensure you get the coverage you need. You can save even more by speaking with one of our advisors.

Get started

Insurance Blog And News

Read our insurance blog to get helpful tips, information and news.

2024-12-03

Get The Best Ottawa Home Insurance Quotes

Compare Ottawa home insurance quotes from Canada's top providers and protect your house for a lower rate.

Compare Ottawa home insurance quotes from top providers

Find better home insurance rates in Ottawa