Knowing how home insurance works in Manitoba can help you find the best policy deals. MyChoice’s goal is to help you learn about the types of insurance coverages available, how to save money on insurance, and common risk factors affecting homeowners in the province.
How Does Home Insurance Work In Manitoba?
When you get a home insurance quote in Manitoba with MyChoice, you’re receiving a comprehensive policy that goes beyond just the basics — including Guaranteed Replacement Cost, which ensures your home will be rebuilt to its original condition even if the cost exceeds your dwelling coverage limit.
Your quote is made up of two main pillars: Base Residence / Dwelling (covering your home, contents, liability, and standard perils) and Enhanced Water Protection (covering floods, sewer backup, and groundwater seepage). Together, they form a complete protection package for your property and belongings.
| Coverage Type | What’s Included? | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Base Residence / Dwelling | – Dwelling Coverage – Outbuildings (detached structures) – Contents – Personal Liability – Voluntary Medical Payments – Voluntary Property Damage – Basic Water Damage | $915.7 |
| Enhanced Water Protection | – Sewer Backup Endorsement – Ground Water Endorsement – Overland Water Endorsement – Broad Water Damage Endorsement | $182.3 |
| Coverage Total: | $1,098 |
A comprehensive home insurance policy protects your property and belongings against all perils except those specifically excluded by the policy. This typically includes: fire and smoke damage, wind and hail damage, lightning strikes, burst pipes (depending on the situation), falling objects (like trees or branches), theft and burglaries, and vandalism.
Base Residence / Dwelling Coverages:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Details | Average Coverage Amount/Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling Coverage | Covers the cost to rebuild your home after insured damage. | $1,000,000 |
| Outbuildings (detached structures) | Covers the cost to rebuild the detached structures (i.e. garages, sheds, fences). | $150,000 |
| Contents | Protects your belongings from damage or loss due to covered perils. | $750,000 |
| Personal Liability | Legal & medical costs if someone sues you for injury/property damage. | $1,000,000 |
| Voluntary Medical Payments | Pays limited medical expenses if someone is accidentally injured on your property, regardless of fault | $4,500 |
| Voluntary Property Damage | Covers small amounts for accidental damage you cause to someone else’s property (or damage caused by a minor in your care | $1,500 |
| Basic Water Damage | Protects against sudden and accidental internal water damage (e.g., burst pipes or overflowing appliances | $1,000,000 |
Please note that the average coverage limits in the tables above and below are based on the dwelling coverage of $1 million and can vary by house and carrier.
Enhanced Water Protection:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Details | Average Coverage Amount/Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer Backup Endorsement | Pays for damage caused by sewage or septic systems backing up into the home. | $100,000 |
| Ground Water Endorsement | Adds protection against damage from ground‑water seepage, which is not covered by standard policies. | $250,000 |
| Overland Water Endorsement | Covers damage from freshwater entering your home from rivers, lakes or heavy rainfall. This is typically optional and recommended for homes in flood‑prone areas. | $250,000 |
| Broad Water Damage Endorsement | A catch‑all rider that may combine overland water, sewer‑backup and ground‑water coverage and may also include protection for seepage or ice‑damming (depending on the insurer) | $250,000 |
Home Insurance Price in Manitoba by Dwelling Type
Below is the average home insurance price in Manitoba, categorized by dwelling type:
| Type of Dwelling | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Detached | $1,098 |
| Semi-Detached | $1,010 |
| Freehold Townhouse | $944 |
Does Where You Live in Manitoba Affect Your Home Insurance?
Yes, where you live in Manitoba can affect your home insurance rates. Areas near rivers or low-lying regions, such as those around the Red River Valley, face a higher risk of flooding, which can lead to increased premiums. On the other hand, properties located in less flood-prone or urban areas, such as Winnipeg, may have lower insurance costs.
Most Expensive Cities to Insure a Home in Manitoba
The average home insurance rate that you pay will vary depending on which city you live in Manitoba. For the most part, the highest premiums in the province will be closer to the forested areas in the north and the floodplains in the south of the province.
| City | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Winnipeg | $1,413 |
| Brandon | $1,346 |
| Steinbach | $1,379 |
Common Home Insurance Discounts in Manitoba
Certain insurers offer home insurance discounts that can significantly reduce your premium — sometimes by up to 20% when combined. Please note that these discounts depend on your property type, condition, the insurer and even external conditions like natural disasters or crime rates in your specific area. Talk to your broker or insurer to learn more about what discounts they offer in your area.
Here’s a look at the most common discounts you can get on home insurance in Manitoba:
| Discount Type | Average Percentage Savings | Average Discount Value |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Line (Home + Auto) | 11.4% | $125 |
| Claims-Free Discount | 16.5% | $181 |
| Alarm System (Burglar) | 7.5% | $82 |
| Alarm System (Fire) | 5.0% | $55 |
| Membership Discount (CAA) | 10.0% | $110 |
| Non-Smoker Discount | 7.5% | $82 |
Common Risk Factors for Homeowners in Manitoba
Manitoba’s geography and weather patterns make certain areas more prone to specific natural risks. Here are some of the most common ones that can impact home insurance rates across the province:
Severe Event Probability in Manitoba
Manitoba is the province experiencing high rates of flooding. The province also faces regular wildfires, severe storms, and harsh winter weather.
Below are the MyChoice severe event probability scores for Manitoba, based on the historical data from the Canadian Disaster Database collected since 1950. The percentages reflect the likelihood of a major event in question occurring at least once in the region in the next decade, relative to other regions and events.
Housing Data in Manitoba
The 2021 Census of Population provides comprehensive information on Manitoba’s housing landscape. Here’s a summary of several key points:
FAQs About Home Insurance in Manitoba
How much is home insurance in Manitoba?
The average annual cost of home insurance in Manitoba is approximately $1,098, depending on the type of dwelling, location, and other factors.
Home insurance costs differ between home insurance providers. For a better understanding of the cost of home insurance in Manitoba, consider consulting with an insurance broker or getting a quote through MyChoice.
Is home insurance mandatory in Manitoba?
No, it’s not legally required. But if you have a mortgage, your lender will require insurance (and sometimes broader home insurance) to protect the mortgage in almost every case.
It’s also highly recommended that you get home insurance even if it’s not mandatory, so you can protect your house and personal property in case of unforeseen events like flooding and hailstorms.
Do I need home construction insurance in Manitoba for my renovation?
Yes, if you’re planning a major home construction or renovation project in Manitoba, home construction insurance will protect you and your home during the process.
What is the home insurance claims process in Manitoba?
The home insurance claims process in Manitoba varies between insurers, but it generally consists of the following steps:
1. Report the claim: Contact your insurer and inform them about the damage or loss, including relevant details and evidence like videos or photos.
2. Claim evaluation: Your insurer will assign an adjuster, who will schedule an assessment of the value of any loss or damage.
3. Approval or denial: After the home inspection and evaluating your documentation, your insurer will either deny your claim or approve it, offering a settlement for repairs or replacement of damaged property.
4. Claim resolution: If you accept the offer, the payment will be made. If not, you can negotiate with your insurer or file a dispute with the Insurance Council of Manitoba.
Can you cancel home insurance in Manitoba?
Yes, you can cancel your home insurance policy in Manitoba. The process may vary depending on your insurer and the terms of your policy.
Generally, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider to inform them. Some insurers may require written notice of cancellation to be sent by mail or email.
What is the Designated Flood Area (DFA), and how does it affect my insurance?
Manitoba has specific zones known as Designated Flood Areas (DFAs), including the Red River Valley DFA and the Lower Red River DFA. DFA offers financial support to individuals and municipalities experiencing damage to infrastructure, private residences, farms, or small businesses due to spring flooding.
If you are planning to build any housing in one of these areas, you must meet the special flood protection requirements to obtain the standard permits.
Can I bundle home insurance with auto insurance in Manitoba?
Yes, you can bundle home insurance with auto insurance in Manitoba. Insurance companies typically offer bundled packages, and opting for one can lead to significant cost savings. It can also be more convenient for managing your insurance policies and premium payments.
Who has the best home insurance rates in Manitoba?
There’s no definitive company that offers the “best” home insurance rates in Manitoba. This is because different providers will have their own processes for assessing the cost of providing coverage, so premiums vary from company to company for the same homeowner-applicant.
Use MyChoice to compare home insurance rates in Manitoba. We can help you find the most affordable options on the market.
What companies offer high-risk home insurance in Manitoba?
Several insurance companies in Manitoba offer high-risk home insurance. However, the rates will vary depending on the assessed risk of insuring your property in your area, as well as the factors that make you a “high-risk” applicant.
High-risk home insurance can be much more expensive than a standard policy, so we recommend comparing rates through MyChoice to find affordable coverage for your home.
How is home insurance regulated in Manitoba?
Home insurance in Manitoba is regulated by the Insurance Council of Manitoba, which oversees and regulates the daily operations of insurers in the province.