When it comes to home insurance, honesty and accuracy are everything. If you guess or leave out key details, your quote will not accurately reflect reality. And if you intentionally “fudge” information to try to save a few dollars, the consequences (ex., a policy cancellation, denied claims, or difficulty getting insured) can far outweigh any short-term savings.
At YouSet, the information you’ll need to get an accurate home insurance quote falls into six categories: location, construction details, property history and features, safety features, personal details, and insurance history.
Ensure you have these details ready before shopping for insurance, as they’ll help you avoid delays and ensure your quotes are accurate the first time.
Location
One of the first pieces of information you’ll be asked for when shopping for home insurance is the address of your home. “Your postal code tells insurance providers a lot about the risk your home faces. It tells us things like if you live in a known flood zone or an area with higher crime rates,” says Channelle Cote, an AMF and RIBO licensed broker at YouSet.
Since these are things that can directly affect your risk assessment, coverage options, and premium costs, be sure the location-based information you enter is correct.
- Address with postal code
- Distance to the nearest fire station in kilometres
- Distance to the nearest fire hydrant in metres
Your address
You will need to provide your full address, including your postal code and unit number (if applicable).
Distance to nearest fire station
You may be asked whether your home is within a certain distance (ex. 8 km) of a fire station. If you’re unsure, follow these steps to find the distance to your nearest fire station in kilometres using Google Maps:
- Go to Google Maps in your web browser or app
- Type your home address in the search bar and press Enter
- Tap or click Nearby and type “Fire station”
- Look at the list of fire stations and choose the closest one
- Click Directions to see how far it is from your home in kilometres
Distance to nearest fire hydrant
You’ll often be asked how close your home is to the nearest fire hydrant. This important detail directly affects how quickly firefighters can access water in an emergency. If you’re unsure, take a quick walk down your street, check online, or ask your landlord or property manager.
Construction details
When getting a home insurance quote, you’ll be asked for several details about your home’s construction, which will help insurers understand how your home was built, the materials used, and the likelihood of withstanding risks such as fire, water damage, or severe weather. This information contributes to determining your risk and helps calculate your final premium, according to Canada.ca.
- Year of construction
- Property size in square feet
- Home type
- Garage type
- Exterior material
- Roof details
Year of construction
You will need to provide the exact year your home was built. Insurers request this information to evaluate the building’s overall structure, materials, and potential risks associated with aging systems or outdated construction standards.
If you don’t know this off the top of your head, check the property land title or deed, municipal property records, or your property tax assessment.
Property size in square feet
You’ll be asked to enter the total size of your property in square feet, excluding the basement and the garage. The total size of your home affects how much it would cost to rebuild, which is a key factor in determining your coverage amount. Be sure to measure carefully, as inaccurate square footage could mean your policy doesn’t fully protect your property.
If you don’t know the size of your home, check official documents like your property land title or deed, tax assessment records, or the listing from when you purchased your home.
Home type
Whether you live in a detached, semi-detached, a townhouse, or another type of property, the structure of your home is a key factor that will influence your insurance quote. So, select the option that best describes your property type for the most accurate quote.
Garage type
The type of garage matters because it affects fire risk and replacement cost. An attached, or basement garage, for example, can increase the risk since it’s physically connected to your home.
If you’re not sure which category your garage falls into, check your property plans or simply note whether it shares a wall with your home. Your options include:
- Attached
- Basement or underground
- Detached
- No garage
You may also need to indicate how many cars fit in the garage.
Exterior material
Your home’s exterior plays a significant role in determining fire resistance and durability. Homes built with more fire-resistant materials often qualify for better insurance rates, as they reduce the likelihood of large fire-related losses.
Check your home inspection report or building plans for the exact materials if you’re unsure. Common exterior types include:
- Brick
- Stone
- Wood
- Stucco
- Vinyl siding
- Fiber cement
Roof details
The condition of your roof is one of the most important factors in determining your home insurance rate, since it directly affects the likelihood of weather or water-related claims.
You’ll need to provide the roofing material type (ex., asphalt shingles, metal, tile, etc.), as well as the year it was replaced or redone. You can find this information in your home inspection report, construction documents, or renovation records.
Plumbing type
The type of plumbing material used in your home can significantly impact your quote, as certain materials (such as galvanized steel or polybutylene) carry a higher risk of leaks or bursts. If you’re unsure about the type of plumbing, look near exposed pipes under your sinks or in the basement, or simply check your home inspection report.
Some common plumbing materials:
- Copper
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene)
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Galvanized steel (older)
- Polybutylene (older, higher risk)
Primary heating system
Your primary heating system affects your premium and risk level. Some systems, like wood stoves or oil furnaces, have a higher fire risk, while electric and gas systems are generally safer and more efficient. Note that the heating system must be certified and installed by a professional.
Property history and features
Beyond the basic construction details, insurers also look at your home’s systems, history, and added features to get a full picture of its condition and potential risks. As the Insurance Bureau of Canada explains, “A home’s size, how and where it is constructed, and the value of your contents significantly affect what you pay for home insurance.”
That said, it is likely that you will be asked about the following aspects of your property when getting a quote:
- Electrical panel type
- Amperage of your home
- Hot water tank year
- Septic tank
- Sump pump
- Past damage to the foundation
- Past water leaks
- Swimming pool or spa
- Detached structures
- Monitored alarm systems
Electrical panel type
Insurers ask about your home’s electrical panel to ensure it meets safety standards. Certain older panel types, like fuse boxes or recalled brands, can pose a higher fire risk. You may need to provide:
- Panel type (breaker, fuse, circuit, etc.)
- Manufacturer name and model (if you can find it)
- Year of installation or previous upgrade
To find this information, you can open your electrical panel, typically located in the utility room or basement, or check your home inspection report.
Amperage of your home
Your home’s amperage is the strength of the current of electricity in amperes (AMP), and it determines how much electricity it can safely handle. According to experts at The Spruce, older homes were typically built with 60-amp fuse panels, whereas large houses built today may have 200 amps or more of power.”
To find the amperage, look for a specification label on your home’s electrical box or ask an electrician for this information.
Hot water tank year
Knowing what year your hot water tank was installed helps insurers gauge its condition and potential for leaks. If your tank is older, it’s more likely to fail and cause water damage, which can increase your premium.
You may need to provide:
- The year of installation
- Tank type (gas, electric, or tankless)
- Capacity in litres or gallons
You can find this information on the manufacturer’s sticker or plate on the tank.
Septic tank
If your home isn’t connected to a municipal sewer system, you’ll need to provide details about your septic system. The size, age, and maintenance of the tank can affect your quote.
You may need to provide the following info:
- The type of septic system (concrete, plastic, etc.)
- Year of installation or last inspection
- Maintenance frequency
If you’re unsure about dates or the type of system, check property records, past maintenance invoices, or ask your municipality.
Sump pump
A sump pump helps prevent basement flooding by removing water that can collect around the foundation of your house. Having one can lower your risk of water damage, but it must be working properly. You may need to provide the year of installation and backup system type.
Past damage to the foundation
If your home has experienced foundation issues in the past, insurers need to know whether it’s been repaired. Settling, cracks, or previous structural damage can affect the stability of your home and coverage eligibility. You’ll likely need to provide:
- The type of damage (cracks, shifting, etc.)
- The year it happened and was repaired
- Whether it’s been professionally inspected or fixed
Past water leaks
Previous water leaks, whether it’s from the windows, roof, or foundation, can influence your insurance risk assessment. Insurance companies need to know if the cause has been resolved and whether any repairs were professionally done. You’ll likely need to provide the type of leak, the year it happened, and details of the repair (ex., who fixed it and how).
Swimming pool or spa
A swimming pool or spa can affect your coverage, as it increases your liability risk for water damage. You’ll need to provide information about the type of pool or spa (inground, above ground, etc.), year of installation, and safety features.
Detached structures
Any detached structures on your property, such as sheds and garages, should be included when getting a homeowner’s insurance quote. Their size and use help determine how much additional coverage you’ll need. You’ll need to disclose the type or structure, size in square feet, construction material, and its primary use.
Monitored alarm systems
Having a monitored fire or burglar alarm can lower your premium, as it reduces the likelihood of a severe loss. So, when asked, be ready to provide the following information about your alarm system:
- Type of alarm (fire, burglar, or both)
- Monitoring type (professionally monitored or self-monitored)
- Monitoring company name
- Year of installation
Personal details
In addition to details about your home, insurers also consider certain personal information to assess overall risk. These factors help determine your likelihood of making a claim and can impact your eligibility and premium. As always, provide accurate information to ensure your quote is as precise as possible.
- Your age
- Your field of work
- Your criminal record
- Whether you’re a smoker
- Whether you’ve filed for bankruptcy
- The type of dog breed you own, if any
Your age
Your age can affect your quote, as it may correlate with claim patterns and your experience with home ownership. This should be straightforward and match your identification documents.
Your field of work
Your job helps confirm your identity and prevent fraud. It can also help you access discounts that are only available to members of certain professional associations.
Your criminal record
A history of criminal offences, especially property-related, can affect your eligibility for certain types of coverage. If this applies to you, answer honestly to avoid issues down the road.
Smoker
Most insurers ask whether you or anyone in the household smokes, as it can increase the risk of a fire. Be honest about your smoking habits, as inaccurate answers can affect future claims or coverage.
Rankruptcy
If you’ve declared bankruptcy in the past, some insurers may ask for additional information, which helps them assess your financial stability and potential risk.
Type of dog breed
Certain dog breeds are considered to pose a higher risk than others by insurers and may affect your home insurance quote. According to Promutuel, the following are examples of breeds that often appear on insurers’ lists of dangerous breeds:
- Dobermans
- Pit Bulls
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Bull Terriers
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Sled dogs
- All breeds crossed with any of these
Insurance history
Your past insurance record helps providers understand your experience as a policyholder and assess potential risk. Insurers look at your claims history, previous coverage, and any cancelled policies to determine pricing and eligibility.
- Current insurance provider
- Past home insurance claims
- Cancelled policies
Current insurance provider
You’ll be asked about your current provider to verify your existing coverage and ensure a smooth transition. This is important because if you already have a home insurance policy elsewhere and are switching providers, you will want to align your start and end dates for continuous coverage.
Past home insurance claims
The number of home insurance claims you’ve filed, as well as the value of each, is something you should expect to be asked for when getting a quote for home insurance. That said, claims from 20 years ago are unlikely to have an impact, unlike more recent claims filed within the past 5 to 10 years.
Cancelled policies
If you’ve ever had a policy that you cancelled or didn’t renew, insurers will want to know why. Past cancellations can affect your eligibility, especially if they were cancelled due to non-payment or misrepresentation.
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