Common Questions about Home Insurance

Part of the Sutherland Insurance guide to Home Insurance in Ontario.

Home insurance is an important part of protecting one of your most significant investments – your home. To help you understand your options and make informed decisions, we've created a list with answers for some of the most common questions about home insurance.

1. What is home insurance?

Starting with basics, home insurance, also known as homeowners' insurance, is a type of property insurance that can help provide coverage for private residences. It combines various protections such as liability insurance, coverage for the home's structure, personal property and more.

2. What does home insurance cover?

A home insurance policy can cover:

• Dwelling coverage: This type of coverage can help protect the structure of your home against certain risks including fire, storms and more.
• Personal property: This can cover personal belongings within the home such as furniture, clothing, and electronics against theft or damage.
• Liability protection: Liability protection can help provide coverage if you are ever held liable for injuries or property damage to others.
• Additional living expenses: This can help cover the cost of living elsewhere if your home were to ever be uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

3. How much home insurance do I need?

While it is best to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales brokers to help determine your needs, a good start would be to consider any replacement costs as well as your assets and any potential risks to determine sufficient liability coverage.

4. What is a deductible?

A deductible is the amount you would pay first before your insurance coverage would kick in.

5. What should I do if I need to file a claim?

Sutherland Insurance has an in-house claims specialist who acts as your advocate during the claims process. However, to get started, the first step is to document any damage by taking photos and making a list of the damaged items. You'll want to contact your insurance company soon after and be prepared to provide all the necessary information they will need to assist with the claim submission.

6. Why is home insurance important?

Home insurance can be essential as it protects your investments to help with any rebuild or repair your home requires after a disaster. It also helps to cover personal belongs, offers liability protection should anyone become injured on your property, and provides peace of mind knowing you're protected against unexpected events.

By understanding the fundamentals of home insurance, you can make better informed decisions to ensure your home and belongings are adequately protected. At Sutherland Insurance, we're here to help you find the coverage options available to you. Contact us today to discuss home insurance options and to receive your free personalized quote.