We’ve come a long way from the days when getting home insurance meant visiting a brick-and-mortar office during business hours. Today, everything from digital brokers like YouSet to instant online quotes, AI-driven applications, and automated underwriting has made it easier and faster than ever for Canadians to buy home insurance.
That said, it’s not always instant. Even in the most straightforward scenarios, it can still take up to two business days for your home insurance to be fully set up.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why it can take a little time for your policy to become fully active, the best time to buy home insurance, and whether coverage kicks in the moment you hit “submit.”
How long does it take to get home insurance in place?
In Canada, you can sometimes go from quote to proof of insurance in just a few hours, especially when applying online. However, that’s the best-case scenario. It’s safer to assume it could take up to two business days to get home insurance in place.
Although many insurance providers have made big strides in speeding things up — using algorithms, automated workflows, and AI-powered tools to streamline quoting, approvals, and document delivery — there are still a few things that can slow the process down:
- Missing information or documents: Proof of renovations, appraisals, and photos are sometimes required, which could delay things if you need to track them down.
- Time and day you apply: Applications submitted outside of business hours or on weekends may not be reviewed until the next business day.
- Complex situations: If your property has unique features or your insurance history is complicated, the insurer may need to review it manually.
- Type of property: Primary residences are typically easier to insure than secondary homes, rental properties, or cottages, which may require additional info.
- Additional underwriting: If you need higher coverage limits, floaters for high-value items, or live in an area with higher risk (like a flood zone), an underwriter may need to review your application in more detail.
If this tells you anything, it’s to always plan ahead. Never shop for home insurance last minute if you can help it. It’s even more important to do so if you have to provide proof of insurance to your mortgage lender or condo board before you can move into your new home.
When to get home insurance
So, when should you buy home insurance? Ideally, before you need it.
Remember, you can’t buy home insurance retroactively. If something happens—like a fire, break-in, or water damage—and you weren’t insured at the time, you’ll be on the hook for the full cost to fix the damage or replace any ruined belongings. Home insurance only covers events that happen after your policy starts, so buy it before anything goes wrong. It’s a risky gap to leave—and potentially an expensive one at that.
The other thing that will dictate when you get home insurance is when others need proof of it.
In many cases, home insurance is a prerequisite for mortgage lenders (before they release funds), condo corporations (before granting occupancy or final approval), and notaries or lawyers (to complete the real estate transaction). These parties will set deadlines for when proof of insurance must be provided—miss those, and your closing or move-in could be delayed.
Does home insurance start immediately?
No, home insurance usually does not start immediately. It typically begins at 12:00 a.m. on the policy start date you choose during the application or checkout process.
For example, if you complete your application on Monday, January 1 and select Monday, January 8 as your start date, your coverage will begin at 12:00 a.m. on January 8—not before.
Even if you choose today as your start date, your policy must first be finalized. Delays can also occur if your insurance provider needs additional information, documents, or underwriting approval.
Next steps
If you can help it, give yourself the gift of time—and peace of mind—by getting home insurance before you need it. With YouSet, you can compare multiple insurers, unlock exclusive discounts, and get the best price all in less than 4 minutes. Plus, you can even complete your purchase just as fast. It’s that simple—and that fast.
