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Article Contents
By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated on December 6, 2023

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By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated December 6, 2023

Visit author page

13 minute read

✓ Expert Reviewed By Michelle Bragg, Licensed Insurance Broker
Article Contents

Finding the right home insurance policy is an important part of protecting your housing in Guelph. With financial protection, you won’t have to worry about paying for unexpected repairs and replacements out-of-pocket. To make the most of living in Guelph, read on to learn more about your home insurance options.

Why Do I Need Home Insurance in Guelph?

Home insurance is important in Guelph, as in any other city or region. Here are a few reasons you shouldn’t skimp on insurance for your home in Guelph:

  • To replace stolen belongings and recover their value in case of theft.
  • To protect you in case someone gets injured on your property and files a lawsuit against you.
  • To provide financial protection in case your property incurs damage from natural disasters or environmental hazards.
  • To satisfy mortgage requirements and reassure lenders that their investment is protected.
  • To provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events.

How Does Home Insurance in Guelph Work? 

As with other insurance products like tenant insurance or condo insurance, Guelph home insurance gives you financial coverage for your home in the event of certain unforeseen events. By purchasing a home insurance policy, you can file a claim that allows you to handle the cost of damage or losses covered under your policy terms.

There are three types of home insurance policies that you can buy in Guelph. Here’s a basic overview of each type:

This is usually the most affordable type of home insurance, where you can choose coverage only against specific perils. If it’s not listed in your basic policy, your insurer won’t give you coverage for that risk.

This is typically the most expensive option but also the one that offers the most protection for your home and belongings in it. Under comprehensive home insurance, you’ll have protection against all risks that aren’t explicitly excluded, as well as risks that don’t require optional add-ons.

This mid-price option offers comprehensive coverage for your home but basic coverage for your personal belongings. This means your home will be protected from all risks except those that need add-ons or are specifically excluded, while your possessions are only protected against risks listed in your policy.

The typical Guelph home insurance policy may come with these types of home insurance coverage and liability coverage. Here’s a quick description of each standard coverage inclusion:

  • Dwelling: This covers damages to your home (a.k.a. your dwelling) and its attached structures, like a garage. Coverage is typically for damages caused by risks such as lightning or fire, depending on the terms of your policy.
  • Detached private structure: This covers damages to private, detached structures on your property, such as a detached garage or tool shed.
  • Personal property: Home insurance policies also cover your personal property, such as furniture and appliances. Note that some special or high-value items like artwork may need additional coverage.
  • Additional living expenses: If you’re suddenly displaced from your home because of an insured risk, your policy will also cover the cost of temporary housing.
  • Personal liability coverage: This covers settlements and legal expenses in case someone is accidentally injured on your property.
  • Voluntary property damage: This covers direct damage or loss that you’ve unintentionally caused to someone else’s property. This also applies to unintentional loss or damage caused by a minor who is 12 years old or younger in your care. 
  • Voluntary medical expenses: This coverage helps you pay for the medical expenses of a person you’ve unintentionally injured on your property or someone who accidentally hurts themselves on your property. This usually covers up to one year of expenses up to one year from the time of injury, with certain cost caps.

Apart from the standard coverage offered by Ontario home insurance policies, there are other types of coverage you can purchase for extra protection for your property. These are some of the most common coverage add-ons:

  • Credit and debit card forgery: This additional coverage will offset any financial losses or other damage you suffer because of credit or debit card forgery.
  • Earthquakes: This add-on covers damage or losses due to earthquakes.
  • Flooding: Protection from flooding typically includes both overland water and sewer back-up coverage. While you may opt to purchase these water-related add-ons separately, you may want to combine them into a flooding protection package because of severe weather and other regional risks.
  • Freezer food: This protects food in your property’s freezers if your freezer malfunctions or there’s a power outage.
  • Home sharing: Standard policies don’t cover loss or damage caused when you rent out your home. This add-on covers your property if you plan to use it for short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb.
  • Identity theft: This covers the cost of replacing crucial documents for identification, such as your birth certificate and driver’s licence.
  • Lock replacement: Some insurers offer to cover the cost of replacing your home’s locks.
  • Mass evacuation: If the government issues an evacuation order due to an incident like a flood, this add-on covers some expenses incurred during your absence from your home.
  • Overland water: Rainfall or thawing snow can cause nearby freshwater and wastewater sources to overflow beyond their typical levels. This add-on covers damage caused by this excess water when it seeps into your property.
  • Personal valuables: Standard plans offer limited coverage known as riders for items like jewelry and artwork. This add-on increases the limits for these items in the event of loss or damage.
  • Sewer backup coverage: If sewage or wastewater comes up from a main sewer, this add-on will cover the damage and losses caused.

Who Provides Home Insurance Quotes in Guelph?

There are different ways that you can get a home insurance quote in Guelph. Here are the four providers that you can use or contact for home insurance rates:

Insurance brokers:

Insurance brokers can represent you as a buyer and get quotes from multiple insurance companies, as well as advice on choosing a policy.

Direct writers

A direct writer is an insurance company that doesn’t have independent agents offering their quotes and policies. Typically, direct writers offer their products through their official websites and/or their call centres.

Insurance agents

Insurance agents are independent professionals who can provide quotes and policy information from the companies they work with.

Insurance aggregators

Insurance aggregators are online platforms like MyChoice that allow you to compare rates and coverage options from multiple providers. Because these allow you to input your information and receive quotes from multiple providers in one place, this can save you time and effort.

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 Guelph. Talk to your home insurance provider to see what’s covered by your policy in case of loss or damage.

How Much Does Home Insurance in Guelph Usually Cost?

On average, home insurance in Guelph costs between $672 and $1,564 annually. Expect higher rates in more expensive neighborhoods like Kortright Hills and lower rates in more affordable neighborhoods like Willow West and Sugarbush.

 Why Are Guelph Home Insurance Rates so Expensive?

There are three factors that may be driving up Guelph home insurance rates. Here’s a quick explanation of why these things make premiums higher in Guelph:

  • Greater number of older properties: Most homes in Guelph are quite old, so it’s more likely that they have older systems for heating, plumbing, and electricity. This increases your likelihood of filing a claim for a fire or flood.
  • Higher real estate values: Real estate prices indirectly affect home insurance premiums. As home values go up, so do the cost of rebuilding and the amount of coverage you’ll need from a policy.
  • Housing density: Guelph is densely populated, and most of its homes are connected houses or apartments with very little space between units. This increases the risk of spreading fires between homes.

What Determines the Cost of Home Insurance in Guelph?

The cost of home insurance in Guelph varies depending on several considerations, such as your zip code, your property type, and even your credit score. Here are some of the different cost factors for home insurance in Guelph:

Accessory Dwellings

Detached private structures like tool sheds, pool houses, and gazebos may increase your home insurance premiums. Further, a pool typically increases your premiums because of the increased risk of drowning, as well as the extra cost of maintaining a surrounding fence and lock. Make sure your home insurance covers all of your detached structures.

Credit Score

The majority of Canadian provinces use your credit score to determine your home insurance premium. This is because it’s often perceived that a bad credit score increases the risk of providing home insurance, as it increases the odds of late or non-payment of premiums.

Internal Construction

If your home is older, in poor condition, or needs to update systems like heating and plumbing, it may be pricier to insure. This is because older electrical, heating, and plumbing systems increase the risk of certain accidents like fires and water damage from leaks.

Location

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters like earthquakes or flooding, your premiums may be higher. Insurers also tend to charge higher premiums in areas where more homeowners have filed claims over recent years.

Replacement Cost

Replacement cost is based on how much it would cost to rebuild your home at its present condition and value. The higher your home’s present value, the more expensive it is to insure. Note that when factoring in replacement cost, you’ll need to inform your home insurer of any expensive items or upgrades like jewellery or artwork which will need extra coverage.

Past Claims History

Simply put, the more claims you have in a 10-year period, the higher your monthly premiums will be. As a general rule, make sure that the cost of your potential claim is higher than your policy deductible, which is the amount you have to pay before your insurer covers the rest.

Pets

Some insurance providers will ask you to disclose the number, type, and breed of any pets you may have, as some pets are considered an additional liability risk.

Property Type

Whether you live in a condo unit or a single-detached home, different types of dwellings will be evaluated differently by an Guelph insurer as each comes with different risks.

Renovations And Improvements

Some improvements can lower or increase your home insurance premiums. For example, converting a room into a home theatre may increase your home’s present value, so your premiums may go up. On the other hand, improvements that increase home safety like an alarm system may lower your premiums. Note that you should tell your home insurer both before and after you renovate your Guelph home.

Roof

The average asphalt shingle roof will begin to wear down after approximately 10 to 15 years. Unless it’s properly maintained and repaired, your roof may increase the risk of letting water leak in and damage your house. Guelph home insurers may lower your quotes if they see that your home’s roof is made with high-quality, durable materials.

Smoking Or Non-Smoking Policyholders

If you’re a non-smoker, an insurer may offer lower premiums as they consider it less likely that a cigarette or other smoking device will start a fire in your home.

Special Uses

While conducting business in your home won’t always increase your home insurance premiums, this depends greatly on the kind of business you’re running. For example, you can expect to pay more if you’re listing your home for short-term rentals or running a home-based catering company because there is more risk of liabilities or accidents.

Type Of Coverage You Choose

If you get a policy with a higher deductible, this will result in a lower premium. Additionally, the higher the coverage and the more risks you are protected against, the higher your premiums will be.

Your Chosen Insurer

Different insurers may offer varying quotes even for the same type of policy. Coverage costs vary between companies, so it’s important to shop around to find the best deal. 

What Risks Affect Homeowners in Guelph?

Many homeowners in Canada are affected by similar risks. However, there are some specific risks which Guelph homeowners should keep an eye on, and these are:

Water damage

Water damage can occur for various reasons, including burst pipes, plumbing leaks, sewer backups, or heavy rainfall. Guelph has experienced flooding, and homeowners should be prepared for potential water-related issues.

Theft and vandalism

While crime rates in Guelph are slightly higher than other cities in Ontario, they are below the general Canadian average. Still, you can’t be too prepared and should be aware of the risk of break-ins.

Bad weather conditions

Like other parts of Ontario, Guelph is susceptible to thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and the occasional tornado that can damage your home.

Fires

Fire is a risk that all homeowners face. Various factors, including electrical faults, cooking accidents, or faulty appliances, can cause it. In a fire, the damage to a home can be extensive, and insurance coverage is crucial for recovery.

Does Where You Live in Guelph Affect Your Home Insurance?

Yes, where you live in Guelph can affect your home insurance. Insurance providers consider various factors when determining home insurance premiums, and the location of your property plays a significant role in this assessment. Here are some ways in which your location within Guelph can impact your home insurance:

Risk of flooding

If your property is located near bodies of water like the Grand River Watershed, it may be considered at a higher risk of water damage. In particular, when water levels are higher, Guelph is most susceptible to floods in the spring. In such cases, insurance providers may charge higher premiums or require additional coverage for flood protection.

Building codes and regulations

Generally, building permits in Ontario cities cost a minimum of $174. If building codes require homeowners to retrofit their properties, expect these costs to affect your home insurance.

Claims history

Insurance providers may consider the claims history of your area when assessing your insurance premiums. If your neighborhood has a higher frequency of claims, it can indicate an increased risk, potentially leading to higher premiums.

Census Data: Housing Data in Guelph

Review housing data from the 2021 Census of Population to put your home insurance rates into perspective.

Type of Occupied Dwelling

Review housing data from the 2021 Census of Population to put your home insurance rates into perspective.

Type of Occupied Dwelling

48.6% of Guelph properties are single-detached homes, while only 11.5% are apartments in buildings over five stories. 6.4% of properties are apartments or flats in duplexes. 15.2% of homes are row houses.

Owner vs Renter Stats/Condo vs Non-Condo Owners

65.7% of the Guelph population owns their homes, whereas 34.3% rent their properties.

Private Dwellings by Period of Construction: New or Older Homes?

Most Guelph homes were built between 1961 and 1980 (24%), while the next largest population of homes were built before 1960 (19.7%). By comparison, only 7.2% of homes were built between 2015 and 2021.

Major Repairs or Just Maintenance Needed?

Most Guelph homes are well-maintained, with 95.3% requiring only regular maintenance and minimal repairs. 4.7% require more significant repairs.

How You Can Get Cheap Home Insurance in Guelph

If you’re trying to save money on your preferred home insurance coverage, here are some important steps to take:

Compare quotes

Comparison shopping between different providers will help you find the best rate for your desired policy type. Use an insurance aggregator like MyChoice to get and examine immediate quotes from various Guelph home insurers.

Increase your deductible

You can ask your insurer if you can increase your deductible, a.k.a. the amount you pay before your insurer pays out the claim. Increasing this reduces the risk for your insurer that you’ll submit a claim, so they may offer to lower your premiums.

Bundle with auto insurance

Some companies offer bundled home and auto insurance at a good discount for both policies.

Renovate old home systems like wiring and plumbing

Renovating to remove known risks like faulty wiring and old plumbing may help reduce your premiums.

Pay annually

While hefty annual premium payments may be daunting, some insurance providers give you a discount in exchange as it reduces their administrative costs.

Install monitored alarms

The safer you make your home against thieves, the higher the chances that you’ll go claim-free. This may convince your home insurer to offer lower premiums. Install monitored home security systems to deter break-ins and get immediate notifications of disturbances.

FAQs About Home Insurance in Guelph

Can you cancel home insurance in Guelph?

Yes, you can cancel your home insurance in Guelph. Check your policy’s terms and conditions for any fees or penalties you may incur, as these are typically charged if you cancel your policy before its end date.

Are Guelph home insurance fees tax deductible?

Generally, Guelph home insurance fees are not tax-deductible as they’re usually considered personal expenses. However, they may be tax-deductible in certain circumstances, such as running a home-based business or having a designated office area in your home. Consult a tax professional to learn if your insurance policies can be considered deductibles in your situation.

Do Guelph real estate prices affect the cost of home insurance?

Yes, Guelph real estate prices affect the cost of home insurance. Because high real estate prices translate to higher repair or restoration costs in the event of loss or damage, home insurers may charge higher premiums in higher-priced areas. The median market value for a home in Guelph is $880,000, which is lower than the provincial average of $945,000 and is subject to more affordable home insurance rates.

Do I need home insurance in Guelph for Airbnbs?

Yes, you need a specific type of home insurance in Guelph for Airbnbs. Property owners who run Airbnbs can apply for a customized rental insurance policy to protect against property damage or liabilities.

What factors aren’t used to calculate Guelph home insurance rates?

Factors that insurance providers don’t consider when calculating Guelph home insurance rates include the following:

Sexual orientation and gender
Marital status
Disability
Race
Religion
Political affiliation

How expensive is insurance for a home in Guelph compared to the rest of Ontario?

Insurance for a home in Guelph is about $300 cheaper than the provincial average. Some factors which may affect this difference include the cost of living in this city, property values, and the incidence of natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms.

The average cost of Ontario home insurance is roughly around $1,368, about $300 higher compared to Guelph’s average rate of $1,065. Consult your preferred home insurer to find out what other factors may cause your Guelph policy quotes from them to be higher than the provincial average.

Methodology

Profiles

Average rates were calculated using a standard profile and incident profiles. All personal details pertaining to the quotes and policies have been kept confidential.

Standard Profile

Quoted rates are based on either a 40-year-old male and/or female homeowners with a clean claim history and good credit. They are also non smokers and live in a home with monitored fire alarms and burglar alarms. The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible, a $1,000,000 liability and water damage included.

Incident Profiles

We examined how rates change by evaluating profiles, we looked at the most common home insurance claims in Canada they were, a water damage claim, a sewer backup claim, a breakin/theft claim and a property damage claime like wind/hail damage. We compared these to a rate with a clean to a clean record (standard).

Home Details

Quoted rates are based on a either a semi-detached or detached 3 or 4 bedroom home with a valuation around or close to $1,000,000.

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MyChoice data science, MyChoice research.

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