Scarborough’s housing ranges from post-war detached homes to properties near ravines, creeks and the Bluffs.
Basement flooding, slope or drainage concerns and older building systems can make two nearby houses very different insurance risks.
This page shows Scarborough close to Ontario’s median but with a wide local range. It also explains how size, construction year and roof age affect the profile, helping you focus on water protection and accurate rebuilding values.
The home insurance premiums on this page are based on our internal mychoice data.
Key Facts About Home Insurance in Scarborough
Scarborough’s $2,294 median is close to Ontario’s benchmark. Its areas span $712.
That local difference makes an exact-address quote essential. Review basement water, slope or ravine exposure and older-home updates alongside the premium.
| Median Annual Home Insurance Premium | $2,294 |
| Median Monthly Home Insurance Premium | $191 |
| Scarborough Premium vs. Ontario Median | 2.0% more expensive |
| Lowest-Premium Postal Code Area | M1V ($1,939) |
| Highest-Premium Postal Code Area | M1M ($2,651) |
What Does Your Postal Code Mean for Home Insurance in Scarborough?
Rates run from $1,939 in M1V in the northeast to $2,651 in M1M near the Bluffs.
The pattern is not a simple east-west divide. Ask how waterways, elevation, sewer-backup history and the property’s condition affect each quote.
| Postal Code Area | Median Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| M1V | $1,939 |
| M1S | $1,953 |
| M1X | $2,100 |
| M1P | $2,121 |
| M1E | $2,330 |
| M1K | $2,376 |
| M1N | $2,477 |
| M1J | $2,586 |
| M1G | $2,595 |
| M1M | $2,651 |
How Much Does Home Size Matter for Insurance in Scarborough?
The premium accelerates above 2,500 sq. ft. and reaches $3,792 for the largest band.
Include finished basements, additions and attached structures in the rebuild estimate, especially where water could damage below-grade space.
| Home Size | Median Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq. ft. | $1,812 |
| 1,000-1,499 sq. ft. | $1,943 |
| 1,500-1,999 sq. ft. | $2,198 |
| 2,000-2,499 sq. ft. | $2,294 |
| 2,500-2,999 sq. ft. | $2,923 |
| 3,000+ sq. ft. | $3,792 |
Home Insurance Rates by the Age of Your House in Scarborough
The oldest-to-newest gap is $771.
Many Scarborough homes date from the mid-20th century. Documented wiring, plumbing, roof and drainage upgrades can be more useful than age alone during underwriting.
| Year Constructed | Median Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | $2,611 |
| 1940–1959 | $2,514 |
| 1960–1979 | $2,388 |
| 1980–1999 | $2,294 |
| 2000–2009 | $2,078 |
| 2010–2019 | $1,959 |
| 2020 or newer | $1,840 |
Is Home Insurance More Expensive in Scarborough Than in Nearby Locations?
Scarborough is close to Toronto and Etobicoke, but above Pickering, Ajax and Markham.
Use those GTA benchmarks to see whether you might be overpaying. Keep water limits and deductibles consistent when you compare.
| City | Median Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Scarborough | $2,294 |
| Toronto | $2,247 |
| Pickering | $1,891 |
| Ajax | $2,010 |
| Markham | $1,904 |
| Etobicoke | $2,267 |
Read More: How Scarborough Homeowners Can Build a More Useful Insurance Estimate
What Does Home Insurance Cover in Scarborough?
The $2,294 median breaks into roughly 85% for the core policy (home, belongings and liability) and 15% for enhanced water protection.
Scarborough’s ravines, bluffs and older basement housing can produce sharply different water exposure from one area to another. Confirm address-level eligibility, the water deductible and whether sewer backup, overland water and groundwater draw from one limit.
| Coverage Type | What’s Included? | Median Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Base Residence / Dwelling (Core Policy) | Home and detached structures; personal belongings; temporary living costs; personal liability; insured comprehensive-policy risks | $1,945 |
| Enhanced Water Protection (Separately Priced) | Eligible sewer-backup, surface-water and groundwater protection, depending on the insurer | $349 |
| Coverage Total | MyChoice standard home profile | $2,294 |
A comprehensive policy generally protects the dwelling and belongings against insured risks except those specifically excluded. Common insured losses can include fire, smoke, wind, hail, lightning, certain sudden water damage, falling objects, theft and vandalism. Coverage remains subject to the policy’s limits, deductibles, conditions and exclusions.
What Scarborough Homeowners Should Check
Water endorsements can differ by insurer. When reviewing a Scarborough quote, check:
- whether the package covers sewer backup, overland flooding and groundwater seepage.
- whether one claim can reduce a shared limit available to the other water coverages.
- whether water losses use a different deductible from the main policy.
- whether gradual water entry, deterioration or poor maintenance is excluded.
- if previous water claims or the home’s location reduce the available protection.
When water damage is relevant in Scarborough, understanding the policy conditions can be as important as selecting a high coverage limit.
How the Age of Your Roof Impacts Home Insurance Rates in Scarborough
The oldest roof band is $345 above the newest.
Ask how wind and water-entry claims are settled, whether older shingles are depreciated and whether an inspection is required.
| Roof Age | Median Annual Home Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| 0–5 yrs | $2,110 |
| 6–10 yrs | $2,202 |
| 11–20 yrs | $2,294 |
| 21+ yrs | $2,455 |
What Insurers Review About Electrical and Plumbing Systems in Scarborough
Most houses in the Scarborough quote database use copper wiring, breaker panels and copper-based plumbing.
For an individual older house, focus on whether updates can be documented. Disclose legacy or mixed systems early. Ask whether an inspection or licensed-trade report is required.
| System | What We Saw in Scarborough Quotes | Why Insurers Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical wiring | Approximately 98% copper; 1% mixed and 1% aluminum wiring. | Insurers may ask for details or an inspection when a home has aluminum, mixed or other older wiring. |
| Electrical panel | Approximately 98% breaker panels; 2% fuse-panel category. | Fuse panels and older electrical components can restrict insurer options or require an inspection. |
| Electrical service | About 80% had 100-amp service; 20% had 200-amp service. | Insurers assess whether the service has enough capacity for the home and its appliances. |
| Plumbing | Approximately 80% copper and 13% mixed copper/PVC; smaller shares used PEX, copper/ABS or PVC. | Material, condition and age matter because older or mixed systems can present a greater leak risk. |
Read More: Why Roof Condition Matters When Insuring a Home in Scarborough
Which Local Risks Matter for Homeowners in Scarborough?
Here are common risks to watch as a homeowner in Scarborough.
Read More: What Scarborough Homeowners Should Check in Their Theft Coverage
Relative Home Insurance Risk Indicators in Scarborough
Scarborough’s ravines, bluffs and aging drainage infrastructure make the Medium flood indicator especially relevant. Tornado claims are Medium, snowstorm claims are Medium-High and crime-related claims are Low-Medium.
Check water entry through both sewer systems and the ground. Confirm any slope or erosion exclusions near ravines or the bluffs. A lower price is not a good trade if it removes the water protection the property actually needs.
These labels are qualitative risk indicators based on historical hazard context. They are not calculated claim probabilities, expected claim frequencies or forecasts for a specific property.
- Flood risk indicator: Medium
- Crime risk indicator: Low-Medium
- Wildfire risk indicator: Low
- Tornado risk indicator: Medium
- Hurricane risk indicator: Low
- Snowstorm risk indicator: Medium-High
Which Extra Home Protections Matter in Scarborough?
Homes near ravines or with finished basements should consider water alarms, sump backup and automatic shut-off. Security measures may matter elsewhere.
Match the device to the property and confirm insurer requirements.
| Protection | Share of Quotes | Why It May Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic water shut-off | 3.5% | Can detect abnormal water flow and stop the supply before a leak worsens. |
| Smoke detectors | 92.9% | Provides early warning of smoke or fire and can help occupants respond sooner. |
| Deadbolt locks | 50.2% | Strengthens common entry points and can reduce forced-entry exposure. |
| Backwater valve | 2% | Helps prevent sewage or drain water from backing up into the home. |
Read More: When Monitored Security May Benefit Homes in Scarborough
