Your home is one of the most important assets you own. Whether you just bought a new home in the Kingston area, are relocating to a new neighborhood, or are looking to save money on your existing home insurance policy, having home insurance protection is important.

Home insurance, also called homeowners insurance, is a type of insurance product that covers a private residence. It provides coverage for residents for any repair or rebuilding that is caused by an insured peril. Perils might include fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, falling trees, and weather damages like lighting, wind, or hail. A home insurance policy might also cover the homeowner’s possessions like furniture, clothes, and more.

Real estate prices in the Kingston area are relatively cheaper compared to big cities. Situated midway between Toronto and Montreal, Kingston is home to many heritage buildings and tourist attractions that boast beautiful waters and islands. With a stable and diverse economy, particularly in healthcare, post-secondary education, manufacturing, and tourism, Kingston is a great place to invest in a home.

When owning a home is one of the biggest investments people make for their futures, it’s important that the investment stays protected as a secure shelter for you and your family.

Request a homeowners insurance quote online or give us a call at 1-855-777-4376 (HERO).

Home Insurance Coverage Kingston

A home insurance policy may help protect your property and its contents in case of theft, loss, or damage to the interior and exterior of your home and other properties. If your home is being rebuilt or repaired because of damages by an insured peril, your homeowners insurance policy may also include living costs incurred during that time, such as a hotel or rental expenses.

Just like any insurance product, a home insurance policy is not standardized. Although insurance companies that serve Kingston residents can offer pre-packaged homeowners policies with common coverages, you can also choose to customize your home insurance policy. For example, you can opt to be protected against all perils, or choose specific perils that you want coverage against. You can also choose the coverage limits and deductible amounts you want for your home insurance policy.

Your home insurance policy may cover loss and damage such as:

• Protection for your home
• Personal property that you and your family own, including furniture, electronics, clothes, and more
• Any detached structures, including sheds and carports
• Living expenses in case you need to find a new place to live temporarily while your home is being repaired or rebuilt
• Liability for property damages and bodily injuries caused to your neighbors or anyone else that’s on or visiting your property

Types of Home Insurance in Kingston

Although purchasing home insurance for your property, whether you own your property or are renting from a landlord, is not required by law in Ontario, it is highly recommended as a protection against potential loss and damage.

If you live in Kingston and are interested in purchasing a home insurance policy, it is important to understand the different types of home insurance available. The types of home insurance you can purchase include:

• Homeowners insurance
• Condo insurance
• Tenant and renters insurance
• Cottage and seasonal insurance

Homeowners insurance is a standard home insurance policy that covers private residences that a person owns. These could include detached homes, semi-detached homes, townhouses, etc. Homeowners need to remember that regular upkeep and maintenance are the basics of a homeowner’s responsibility. Your insurance company may decide to cancel or not renew your home insurance policy if your house is not properly maintained. They could also reduce your insurance claim.

Condo insurance is a type of property insurance meant for units within a condo building. A condo is different from a home property because, although condo owners can have balconies, they do not have backyards, sheds, basements, and other structures on their property. Condo unit owners can purchase condo insurance to protect contents like appliances, furniture, items stored in a locker unit, etc. A portion of the building fees that a condo owner pays contributes to condo insurance.

Tenant and renters insurance is a type of property insurance for people who live in a property they do not own. Tenant and renters insurance is used to protect their personal belongings and provide liability coverage. For example, it can protect any property damage unintentionally caused to the building as well as bodily injury caused to other people.

Cottage and seasonal insurance is a type of property insurance for people with cottages or properties that they only live in during certain periods of the year. For example, if your cottage is only used for the summer months each year, you will only likely need property insurance to protect you and your guests during those periods.

How Does an Insurance Broker Work in Kingston?

Insurance brokers act as the middlemen between you and the insurance company. Insurance brokers help their clients to find affordable, competitive insurance rates. Insurance Hero partners with over 12 insurance companies serving clients in the Kingston area to find the best property insurance.

What affects the homeowners insurance rates in Kingston?

Homeowners insurance rates depend on many factors, including the risk profile of your home and property. The type of property you have also impact home insurance rates. For example, tenant and renters insurance is the cheapest. Generally, the more expensive your home in the real estate market and the more value your property has, the more expensive your homeowners insurance will be.

What is not covered under my homeowners insurance policy?

Homeowners insurance policies will not cover intentional damages or any damages resulting from neglect to maintain your home, such as not installing fire alarms. Uninsured activities also include home-sharing activities or using your property for business purposes. Hosting an AirBnB requires separate insurance and home businesses require commercial insurance to stay protected.

How does condo insurance compare to homeowners insurance?

Condo insurance is cheaper but is only for condo owners and only covers your unit. Homeowners insurance is for people that own a home and covers all structures on the property, such as a shed, garage, backyard, etc.

How to improve your Kingston home insurance rate?

You can improve security and make upgrades that make your home more disaster resistant. Shopping around and increasing your deductibles are also great ways to find more affordable home insurance. You can also bundle your home insurance with car insurance to enjoy discounts.

How to get a home insurance quote Kingston residents can trust?

It’s always important to research before purchasing home insurance. A qualified insurance broker can help you get objective information about which policy is best for your situation. Request a homeowners insurance quote online or give us a call at 1-855-777-4376 (HERO).