As a homeowner, you might be worried about shelling out money for repairs if something damages your home or belongings. Home insurance can alleviate those concerns and provide peace of mind by paying for repairs, potentially saving you a lot of money.
However, shopping for affordable home insurance in Aurora that fits your needs can be complicated. There are so many coverage options, insurance companies, and other factors that make choosing a policy hard. You need a good grasp of the town’s home insurance landscape to make the right decisions. Learn more about home insurance in Aurora, what influences your premiums, and what you can do to save money on insurance.
Quick Facts About Home Insurance in Aurora
- Aurora home insurance is MORE expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual cost of home insurance in Aurora is around $1,397.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024
What Risks Affect Aurora Homeowners?
Every city or town in Canada has unique risks that homeowners must be vigilant of, and Aurora is no exception. Here are common risks that you may encounter as an Aurora resident:
Extreme weather
Extreme weather like thunderstorms, blizzards, and high winds can happen in any region of Canada, Aurora included. Winds aren’t the only thing you should watch out for during extreme weather events because any unsecured objects can become flying debris that might damage your home or injure people. Your home insurance policy usually comes with wind protection.
Flood
Floods are one of the most common natural hazards in Canada, often caused by rapid snow melts, heavy rain, and other reasons. To protect your home from flooding, you may need to purchase extra flood coverage for your policy.
Fire
The Greater Toronto Area, including Aurora, is prone to fires during the wildfire season from April to October. In some cases, local authorities may enact a total fire ban for the entire town, like what happened in response to the Ontario wildfires in mid-2023. Fortunately, most home insurance policies come with fire protection.
How Much Does Home Insurance in Aurora Usually Cost?
On average, home insurance in Aurora costs around $1,397 annually. Your home insurance rates may be lower and higher depending on the insurance company you choose. Various factors like your home’s age, condition, and size also influence your rates.
Your home’s location plays a part in the insurer’s rate calculation. You might get lower rates if you live in a neighbourhood with a low crime rate, easy access to emergency services, and better roads because you’re less likely to file an insurance claim. Conversely, you might see higher rates if your area is known for crime and natural disasters.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024
Does Where You Live in Aurora Affect Your Home Insurance?
Where you live in Aurora might affect your home insurance because different areas have different risks. Home insurance companies examine many factors tied to your location when determining your rates, and here are some examples:
Flood vulnerability
Flood is a frequent occurrence in many parts of Canada. Some neighbourhoods are more vulnerable to flooding than others due to their proximity to bodies of water and other reasons. Living in a flood-prone area may raise your rates because you’re more likely to file an insurance claim.
Claims history
The number of insurance claims filed in your neighbourhood might influence your rates because insurers use it to gauge your likelihood of filing a claim yourself. It also signifies the area is prone to property damage, increasing your likelihood of filing a claim.
Proximity to fire hydrants and other infrastructure
Fires can devastate homes within minutes, which is why your home’s proximity to fire hydrants and related infrastructure matters. Homes closer to fire hydrants mean firefighters can get to work faster, potentially reducing total damage to your house. In turn, reduced fire risk to your house can lower your rates.
Housing Data in Aurora
What does the housing landscape in Aurora look like? Here’s an overview from the 2021 Census of Population:
Type of Occupied Dwelling
Single-detached houses are the most popular dwellings in Aurora, taking a 60.4% share of the town’s total homes. Row houses come in at second with 16.8%, followed by apartments in buildings under five storeys at 7.1%.
Owner vs Renter Stats/Condo vs Non-Condo Owners
Based on the 25% sample data from the census, 81.2% of Aurora residents own their homes, with renters making up 18.8%. A majority of homes in Aurora are non-condos at 87.7%, while condos take the remaining 12.3% share.
Private Dwellings by Period of Construction: New or Older Homes?
The 25% sample data from the census shows that most homes in Aurora were built between 1981 and 1990, making up 19% of the town’s total homes. Homes built between 1991 and 2000 followed closely at 18.3%. There also seems to be an influx of new houses in recent years, with 12.9% of the town’s homes built between 2016 and 2021.
Major Repairs or Just Maintenance Needed?
Homes in Aurora are generally well-maintained, with 97% only needing minor repairs. The number of homes needing major repairs is comparatively minuscule, at only 3%.
Homeownership Rate by Age in Aurora
Almost three in four people aged 25 to 39 in Aurora own a house, a high homeownership rate relative to other cities in Ontario. This data suggests a strong engagement with the housing market among young adults and their desire for stability and long-term investment in the community.
Age Group | Homeownership Rate |
---|---|
15 to 24 | 45.0% |
25 to 39 | 70.5% |
40 to 54 | 82.8% |
55 to 74 | 85.5% |
75 and over | 80.3% |
Average Home Price in Aurora by Dwelling Type
The average price of a detached house in Aurora is $1,190,000, well above the provincial average of $800,000.
Type of Dwelling | Average Value |
---|---|
Detached | $1,190,000 |
Semi-Detached | $917,500 |
Freehold Townhouse | $885,051 |
Aurora Population Growth
According to Statistics Canada, Aurora’s population grew 12% between the years of 2016 and 2021.
What Is Not Included in a Typical Home Insurance Policy?
Even if you’ve opted for a highly comprehensive home insurance policy, there are some risks that insurers explicitly don’t include as a covered peril. These are called “exclusions” by home insurers.
Here are the most common home insurance exclusions:
Criminal activities
If your home was damaged due to criminal activity, it won’t be covered by your insurance policy.
Damage from tenants
Generally, home insurance companies require specific coverage for homeowners/landlords who plan to rent out their properties. A standard home insurance policy won’t include coverage if you rent your home out and the tenant causes damage.
Earthquakes
Most policies exclude this risk, but you can cover earthquake losses and damage as an add-on to a standard policy.
Failure to maintain your home
Damage or losses caused by poor home upkeep (e.g., clogged storm drains, broken bannisters) won’t be covered, as your insurer deems it your responsibility to manage wear and tear.
Flood damage
Flooding is typically not covered by a standard policy, but it may be included as an add-on.
Home business activities
Home businesses will need separate home-based business insurance to cover home or equipment damage.
Insect damage
Because this is considered a preventable risk, most insurers don’t cover insect damage.
Mortgage or property taxes
These are separate expenses handled by policy owners as they’re unrelated to your home insurance policy.
Mould
Mould caused by poor home maintenance is typically excluded by home insurance policies. Note that this is separate from mould caused by an insured peril, which will be covered by your policy.
Vacant dwelling risks
Many insurers may void your insurance if you leave your home vacant for a prolonged period.
This is by no means an exclusive list of risks typically excluded from a home insurance policy in Aurora. Talk to your home insurance provider to see what’s covered by your policy in case of loss or damage.
Why Do I Need Home Insurance in Aurora?
Home insurance in Aurora isn’t legally required, so there’s no “need” to get one. Regardless, home insurance is still a good idea because your policy protects your home and its contents from many perils. Here are three common reasons to buy home insurance in Aurora:
Liability protection
Home insurance doesn’t just protect your home and its contents. It can also cover legal fees, medical costs, and other expenses following an accident on your property. If you don’t have liability protection from a home insurance policy, you may be saddled with hefty fees that might stretch your finances.
Home and belongings protection
One of the most common reasons people get home insurance is to protect their home and belongings. Home insurance can compensate for repair and replacement costs if perils covered by your policy damage your property.
Mortgage lender requirements
Mortgage lenders have a stake in your house until you’ve paid off your loan. They often require you to purchase home insurance to protect their investments.
How You Can Get Cheap Home Insurance in Aurora
Go to our province page for a list of practical tips on how to save money on your home insurance in Aurora.