Best Ottawa Condo Insurance Quotes

 

What is condo insurance? 

Owning a condo is a significant investment. And like anything valuable in our lives, it deserves protection—which is precisely where condo insurance comes in handy.

While it is true that you own your individual unit, there are common areas and shared features that are the collective responsibility of all the unit owners. This is typically handled through a condo association, which takes charge of maintaining and insuring those shared spaces. 

The condo association insurance covers the condo building and any common areas through what’s typically called a condominium corporation, strata insurance, or master policy. This insurance (which is part of your condo fees) handles the broader structure and shared spaces like hallways, gyms, playgrounds, garages, pools, and any other common areas.

But the condo association policy doesn’t extend its safeguard to your individual unit or your beloved possessions. It also won’t cover upgrades or enhancements you might’ve incorporated into your living space. For these things, you need to insure your condo unit with a different insurance policy.

Condo insurance is like a personal guard for your assets. It cares about the interior of your unit and your belongings, helping you to recover losses stemming from theft, accidental damage, or unfortunate incidents. It also includes liability coverage, which provides financial protection for you in the event that you accidentally cause damage to a neighbor’s home, such as through a fire or water accident.

 

In this article:

What is condo insurance? 

What does Ottawa condo insurance cover?

Factors impacting Ottawa condo insurance premiums

Discover Ottawa : Top fun facts you should know

What Is NOT covered by Ottawa condo insurance? 

How much is condo insurance in Ottawa?

How to get cheap Ottawa condo insurance quotes

How much condo insurance do I need in Ottawa?

What are the best condo insurance companies in Ottawa?

Comparing Ottawa condo insurance quotes

FAQ about Ottawa condo insurance

 

Now, if you’re renting your condo there are a few things you need to verify if you want to be fully protected, as unexpected situations can become rather common when renting your property to third parties.

There are two main types of rentals: long term rentals, where someone rents your condo for an extended period of time, often lasting a year or more; or short-term rentals, where people can stay from a single night out a couple of weeks or months. In both cases, you absolutely need to disclose this information with your insurer.

 

 

If you do long term rentals, your condo owner insurance won’t cover any damage in your condo perpetrated by the renters. You will need a different insurance product called rented condo insurance.

If you rent your condo on platforms like Airbnb, specific insurance is needed. While Airbnb does offer a form of protection, it doesn’t cover everything. There can be substantial gaps in their coverage, which could leave you exposed to financial risks. In such situations, short-term rental insurance can save the day!

So, are you ready to explore the ins and outs of insuring a condo and its coverages?

 

What does Ottawa condo insurance cover?

Condo insurance coverages in Ottawa can be divided into two groups:  Standard and Additional (or Optional). 

Standard Ottawa condo insurance coverages:

• • Contents or personal belongings: Offers protection for your personal possessions against potential hazards, including theft, fire, or water damage. This coverage extends protection to you and your possessions, even if you’re away from home on vacation at the time of loss, theft, or damage. Example: you went on vacation to Aruba and your laptop was stolen from your hotel room while you were out snorkeling.

• • Living expenses or additional living costs: In case you need to move out temporarily due to a claim, this coverage cares for daily living costs such as food and accommodation. Example: your home caught fire and became inhabitable, forcing you to relocate during repairs.

• • Liability: This standard coverage protects you against potential legal costs arising from injuries to third parties within your property, or accidental damage to other people’s property. Example: you were throwing a party and one of the guests slipped and injured themselves, deciding to sue you for the medical bills.

• • Betterments and improvements: This type of coverage is tailored for enhancements you’ve made to your unit, like kitchen or bathroom renovations. These improvements can significantly increase the value of your unit, and it’s crucial to ensure they are adequately covered in your policy.
    
    
  • Unit contingency: This coverage is designed to provide protection in case the condo association’s insurance is insufficient to cover a loss to your unit. It acts as a backup to fill in the gaps left by the condo association’s policy.

• • Loss assessment property: If a shared area, such as a lobby or gym, is damaged and the condo association’s insurance policy doesn’t fully cover the costs, the remaining expenses may be divided among the condo owners. This coverage pays your portion of said remaining expenses.

• • Loss assessment liability: Similar to loss assessment property, this coverage provides protection in case the condo association’s liability insurance falls short. If a visitor is injured in a shared area and the condo association’s liability limit isn’t enough or doesn’t cover the legal costs and damages, this coverage can help cover your share of the costs.

Note that the precise terms and conditions of these coverages can vary between insurance companies. Always read your quote and your policy documents thoroughly. 

If you still don’t have a quote, you can get one here in less than 4 minutes. We will compare the rates of major Canadian insurers and help you buy the best policy. If you have any doubts about your quote or your current policy, don’t think twice before reaching out to a YouSet agent. We’ll be happy to help you each step of the way.

 

Additional or optional Ottawa condo insurance coverage:

• • Identity theft: This coverage assists in recovering costs linked to identity theft, including legal expenses. Don’t take this for granted – identity theft is on the rise and  97% of Canadians feel threatened by it.

• • High value personal items: Every policy has a limit, especially when it comes to personal belongings. Example: your condo insurance policy has a $3,000 limit for bikes, but you love long distance bike rides and got yourself a bike that is worth $5,000. You will either need to buy extra coverage or settle for the covered amount if anything happens to your bike.If you have high value personal items such as artwork, jewelry, electronics, or collectibles that exceed the policy coverage, you can buy this coverage to increase your financial protection and match the real value of your possessions. It is also known as floater insurance.
  • Sewer backup:  If water backs up from a septic tank, sump, floor drain, or other sources, your standard policy won’t cover the damages to your condo unit unless your policy has a sewer backup endorsement.

• • Overland water: Protects your unit and personal belongings from damage by the overflow from a stream or body of water. It’s a paramount endorsement for condos nearby significant bodies of water such as rivers or lakes.

• • Ground water : Offers protection against damage caused if water enters or seeps into the building through walls, foundations, or other means. It is different from overland or above-ground water and it won’t protect you from floods. The image below is a diagram of a ground water leaking into basement foundation wall.

• • Above-ground water: Covers damage to your property caused by water entering from above ground, like sudden melting snow or ice that enters through the roof; and rain or snow entering through doors, walls, or windows that are located above ground.

 

To wrap up this section of our guide, here’s an important recommendation from the Insurance Bureau of Canada: “Read your policy carefully to determine your exact coverage. Ask your insurance representative about a policy that pays for the full cost of replacing what you’ve lost.”

Another useful resource is our guide about the most common mistakes when buying condo insurance. 

 

Factors impacting Ottawa condo insurance premium

Getting the best quotes for your needs should also take into consideration where you are living. We made this guide to help you understand what are the most important aspects when it comes to finding the best condo insurance in Ottawa.

 

Year and type of construction

The older the property is, the riskier they are due to age and maintenance, making premiums more expensive. Concrete buildings will have more affordable premiums, as they have a lower risk for fire propagation. 

Do not assume that all new buildings are made of concrete, though – the world’s largest residential project made of timber is in Canada and it’s quite new. Wooden buildings will add a few extra loonies to your premium.

 

High-density areas and size of the building

The more people living in an area, the more accidents are likely to happen, increasing the insurance premium for high-density neighborhoods.

For the same reason, buildings with more condos will increase the insurance premium because of the higher population density inside that building, and higher chances of accidents, fires, and other damages.

 

Distance to fire hydrant and firefighter station

Yes, that’s correct – and it makes sense. The distance your rental apartment is from the fire hydrant and/or the firefighter station will affect the insurance premium. The farther you are, the costlier it will be due to the increased risk of the fire spreading to other units. A big building with many condos in densely populated areas, and far from the hydrant will have a steep premium increase.

 

Ottawa population and density

With a population of 1,017,449 and a density of 1,954 people per square kilometer, Ottawa stands as a city with a significant population. Its urban areas bustle with activity, creating a vibrant atmosphere for its residents.

 

Flood risk in Ottawa

Certain neighborhoods in Ottawa are susceptible to flooding, primarily located along the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. These regions necessitate particular focus on condo water damage coverage due to their heightened risk of flooding. The vulnerable neighborhoods include:

• • New Edinburgh
  • Kingsview Park
  • Brantwood Park
  • Rideau Gardens
  • Windsor Ave
  • Warrington Dr
  • Brewer Park
  • Summerside Dr
  • Hurst Marina
  • Commodore Lane
  • Lorne Bridge Rd
  • Fennel Lane
  • Rideau Valley Dr (Kars)
  • Lannin & Sheppard Lane
  • Hilly Lane
  • Rideau Glen
  • Eligh Lane
  • Boise Village/Morin Rd
  • Grandview West
  • Grandview East

 

Ottawa crime severity index (CSI)

Ottawa maintains a relatively low Crime severity index (CSI) of 50.2, indicating its status as one of the safest metropolitan areas in Canada.

 

Safest neighborhoods in Ottawa

Here is a compilation of the city’s most secure neighborhoods.

• • Kanata North Ward
  • West Carleton-March Ward
  • Goulbourn-Rural Ottawa South Ward
  • Gloucester-South Nepean
  • Barrhaven
  • Stittsville
  • Cumberland Ward
  • Kanata South Ward
  • Orléans
  • Innes Ward

Discover Ottawa : Top fun facts you should know

Ottawa, founded in 1826, is the capital of Canada. Its rich heritage is evident in the numerous old buildings that grace its streets, adding a sense of charm and character to the cityscape.

Here are a few fun facts about Ottawa:

Rideau Canal Skateway: Ottawa is home to the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway. Stretching over 7.8 kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage site turns into a winter wonderland, attracting locals and tourists alike to enjoy the unique experience of ice skating through the heart of the city.

Tulip Festival: Ottawa hosts the Canadian Tulip Festival, which showcases over one million vibrant tulips in various parks and gardens across the city. This annual event celebrates the gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Netherlands to Canada, symbolizing the friendship between the two countries and commemorating Canada’s role in sheltering the Dutch royal family during World War II.

Parliament Hill: Ottawa is the political heart of Canada, with its iconic Parliament Hill serving as the seat of the federal government. The impressive Gothic Revival architecture of the Parliament Buildings, including the Peace Tower, is a symbol of Canadian democracy and a must-visit attraction. The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony during the summer months adds a touch of pomp and tradition to the city’s atmosphere.

 

What is NOT covered by Ottawa condo insurance? 

Understanding what is covered and what isn’t is crucial when it comes to Ottawa condo insurance, as it will help you plan properly and also save time and frustration from filing an insurance claim for something that isn’t covered. Here are some key points to consider:

 

1. High-value items usually have coverage limits, unless you buy them additionally. Example: your policy may only cover up to $5,000 even though you lost a painting worth $83,000 in a fire.
2. Some natural disasters like earthquakes may not be covered depending on your insurance policy. They may or may not be offered as additional coverage.
3. Wear and tear for belongings is seldom covered by insurance. The coverage is intended to protect you from unexpected events – like theft or disasters.
4. Car damage. Even though eventual belongings may be covered by your policy, in the event of a car theft there will be no coverage for the vehicle itself.
5. Pests or infestations, such as bed bugs or termites. There is no coverage either for dealing with them or for eventual damages to your possessions.
6. Losses caused by intentional acts or negligence.
7. Flood: flooding in Canada has been historically problematic when it comes to insurance. Even though, most condo insurance policies generally won’t cover flooding. Depending on your location, you may be able to add it to your policy as an additional coverage. 
8. Damage caused by some dog breeds that are considered “high risk”. It can change depending on the location and policy – for instance, the dangerous American Pit Bull Terrier which is prohibited in Manitoba and Ontario. Some insurance companies even ask specifically for that kind of dog in their questionnaire. 

 

Remember, this is a list of examples. Please review your policy or your contract to ensure you fully understand your coverage terms.

 

 

How much is condo insurance in Ottawa? 

The cost of your condo insurance in Ottawa will be influenced by numerous factors such as:

• • Your credit score
  • The number of residents in the condo
  • Value of personal belongings within the condo
  • The overall value of the condo property
  • Whether you have pets
  • The neighborhood the condo is located in
  • Additional condo insurance coverage
  • Your claims history
  • Characteristics of the condo building
  • Liability limit

 

Keeping these factors in mind, in July 2023, the typical insurance for a condo in Ottawa was around $31 per month, spanning from a low of $15 per month to a peak of $75 per month.

 

 

Remember, this is just an example. For a tailored assessment of your condo insurance cost, please request a personalized quote here – it’s free and takes less than 4 minutes.

 

How to get cheap Ottawa condo insurance quotes

To keep your condo insurance cost within budget, consider these strategies:

1. Higher deductible: Opting for a higher deductible, the amount you would pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim, can reduce your premium. Make sure you’re comfortable with the amount you choose should you need to file a claim.
2. Bundle insurance policies: Combining your Ottawa condo insurance with other policies like car insurance can lead to substantial savings. Most insurance companies offer discounts of 10-15% for such bundled deals.
3. Install security measures: Enhancing your condo with monitored alarms or security systems can get you up to a 5% discount on your condo insurance in Ottawa. The alarms must be connected to a central station to qualify for this discount.
4. Maintain a claim-free record>: Insurance companies reward low-risk clients. The longer you go without filing a claim, the lower your premium will be. It’s advisable to file claims only when it’s absolutely necessary.
5. Pay annually: Making a lump-sum payment of your premium annually instead of monthly can save you some money. Monthly payments usually include an additional 2 to 4% interest.
6. Better credit score:  A good credit score signifies reliability to insurers, which can help you get a better rate for your condo insurance coverage.
7. Shop around:  Leveraging YouSet can simplify condo insurance price comparison process, as you don’t have to call different insurance companies and give them the same information over and over for different quotes. With YouSet, you can get several quotes from Canada’s finest condo insurance providers in minutes. This will help you find the most cost-effective policy tailored to your needs in Ottawa. 

 

How much condo insurance do I need in Ottawa?

For the best coverage with your condo insurance in Ottawa, these are the recommended coverage amounts:

• • Contents (or personal belongings) – $30,000 to $80,000. This will depend on how much your stuff is worth. Most families will have personal belongings well over $30,000, as bicycles, shoes, smartphones, laptops, all sorts of appliances and furniture and even your clothes are part of this coverage.
  • Liability – $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. If you think two million bucks is too much, think about how much an accidental fire in a highly populated condo building can cost you. If you live in a building with more than 6 units or in a fancy neighborhood, $2,000,000 is more appropriate.
  • Additional living expenses: $5.000,00

Always consider your actual needs before opting for lower limits, as you might be left wanting when it matters most.

As for policy features, your condo owner insurance in Ottawa should protect you at least against the following peril:

• • Fire
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Water damage

 

For additional safety, consider adding coverage for identity theft or high-value items to your policy. Also, it’s important to evaluate insurance providers. At YouSet, we only partner with providers that meet our high standards of quality.

Disclaimer: The information above is for general informational purposes only and does not provide insurance advice. For tailored advice, please speak to one of our licensed insurance brokers.

 

What are the best condo insurance companies in Ottawa

Since the whole purpose of condo insurance is to provide financial stability and peace of mind, choosing a reputable carrier is paramount. So, when searching for the best condo insurance in Ottawa, assess the company behind the insurance policy to avoid bad surprises along the road.

It’s common to be swayed by low prices or well-known brand names. However, opting for a cheap policy from an unreliable carrier or a subpar policy from a reputable carrier can become a headache: you might waste your money or even get unfair claim denials. Worst-case scenario? You may discover that you have no coverage when you need it the most.

YouSet offers only pre-vetted carriers that provide a satisfactory customer experience at affordable rates, with solid finance backgrounds. These are the factors we consider when evaluating carriers:

1. Licensing: don’t even think about buying from a carrier without a license to operate in your area. Big no-no. Here’s the list of licensed carriers in Canada.
2. Price: it’s probably the most relevant aspect people want when searching for Ottawa condo insurance, so we put time and effort into getting the best deals.
3. Customer service: we prefer companies who provide great support in all channels, especially online. Also, making the claim process easier and smooth goes a long way.
4. Transparency: all representatives of the carrier must answer questions and handle claims fairly and swiftly. We keep track of the satisfaction of our users regarding their carriers, online reviews, and overall experiences.

 

To find and compare the best carriers, we do our due diligence: we ask customers for feedback, read all the reviews, and establish a good relationship with the carriers by letting them know our customer’s needs and expectations. Here are a few of the insurance companies we work with:

Intact – with more than 4 million customers and 24/7 local claims service, Intact is a great carrier and one of our vetted partners. The company’s foundation dates back to 1809 when it was known as Halifax Insurance Company. It’s currently Canada’s largest property and casualty insurance provider, with solid finances and affordable prices for Ottawa condo insurance. Intact is part of Intact Financial Corporation, which also includes subsidiaries such as belairdirect.   

Economical – in 2021, Economical went public and became Definity Financial Corporation. With transparent financials that anyone can quickly get on their website, it’s a strong option for condo insurance in Ottawa thanks to affordable policies and innovative customer experience. Economical is part of Definity Financial Corporation, which also includes subsidiaries such as Sonnet.

Promutuel – with a surprisingly fresh and modern look, this nearly bicentennial company was founded in 1852, they provide affordable condo insurance in Ottawa starting from as little as $14/mo. Bonus points for transparency, as they clearly state the discounts you can get from alarm systems, leak detection, and bundles.

Travelers – with an impressive workforce of 12,000 Claim employees, Travelers is committed to exceptional services and sustainable initiatives. With interesting additional coverages such as housing improvements and medical payments, it’s both a solid and flexible choice for Ottawa condo insurance.

L’Unique – founded in 1978, L’Unique is an established insurance carrier in Canada that offers a complete line of policies, including Ottawa condo insurance. Their 24/7 assistance service is available to all customers in the event of a loss. L’Unique is part of Beneva, Canada’s largest mutual insurance company, which also includes subsidiaries such as La Capitale and SSQ Insurance.

Comparing Ottawa condo insurance quotes

We won’t sugarcoat this: getting a quote for rental insurance in Ottawa can be a quite tedious and time-consuming process.

First, you need to research and compare the various insurance companies and check their websites to request quotes. You will have to fill out a lengthy form on each of those websites, providing personal information, property details, and coverage requirements.

Most insurance companies don’t offer online quoting tools – this means you might also need to call them and spend several minutes answering questions. Can you imagine a better way to spend your Tuesday night? We can. At least a dozen.

Then, you have to compare each quote and coverage to see which is the best one for you. Sometimes, that’s not so easy to do because they change names and try to hide important information in the fine print.

Multiple iterations of this process will be required to obtain different quotes from different insurers with different coverages.

If you don’t want to do that, you have three options: ask an insurance broker to help you out, use an online insurance comparison tool, or use an insurance marketplace such as YouSet.

 

Insurance broker

If you go with an insurance broker, here’s how it will usually go:

1. You’ll need to handle everything over the phone. Most brokers don’t have websites or online quoting tools.
2. They work with two or maybe three insurance companies, so they don’t compare the prices of multiple companies, limiting the possible offers.
3. Some brokerage firms are financially supported by insurance companies, and they will try to sell their “parent” products.

In a nutshell, finding an insurance broker that can get you quotes from plenty of carriers is not an easy task.

 

Online insurance comparison tool

Online insurance quoting tools will give you an estimated insurance policy price in exchange for your contact information. However, most of these tools are just lead generators that will put you on the radar of a third-party insurance broker or insurance company that wants to sell their own products.

Those tools will sell your info to multiple companies, and they will all contact you. Some within a few minutes and some within a few days.

 

Insurance marketplace

If you don’t want that kind of nuisance, you can try YouSet, an innovative marketplace that is changing the way Canadians research, compare and buy  insurance.

YouSet is an automated platform that screens the market to compare Ottawa condo insurance quotes from multiple companies. The whole process takes less than 4 minutes. 

If you like what you see, you can buy online – no need to talk to a salesperson. However, if you’d rather speak to someone over the phone and ask questions, our specialists are always happy to help. 

YouSet has served over 150,000 satisfied users. Here are a few examples:

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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Very good service. Have been with them 5 years now and we get competitive pricing and great service. Thank you
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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This allows you to get the best insurance quotes available in Ottawa within minutes and with no hassle.

It’s a streamlined and convenient solution that will present you with multiple quotes from the most respected insurance providers, matching your specific needs. And you only need to enter your  information once!

Should you choose to compare condo insurance yourself, there are several factors you need to carefully analyze:

• • Coverage options
  • Limits
  • Deductibles
  • Policy exclusions
  • Additional coverage options

 

With all that information in hand, you will need to weigh the price points and the overall value provided. Bear in mind that affordability matters, but if you don’t pay attention to the quality of the carrier, you may find yourself in a tight spot if you don’t have all the coverage you need or if the customer service is lousy. 

The best way to avoid any problem when buying an insurance policy is by trusting YouSet. Thanks to the sheer volume of transactions we’ve facilitated over the years, we have a direct channel with our partners that allow us to provide not only the best quotes, but also the best experience by helping you each step of the way – from quote to buy, and beyond.

Long story short, YouSet is on a mission to build the most efficient and most loved insurance platform in Canada. We do so by leveraging our proprietary technology that manages thousands of different algorithms, combined with a team of insurance experts ready to answer your questions, help you with your claims, and more.

 

 

We’ll give you all the information you need for an educated decision, pointing you to the best insurance policies money can buy, with the perfect combination of coverage, affordability, and customer service.

Click here to get your condo quote in under 4 minutes – starting at 12$/mo!

 

FAQ about Ottawa condo insurance

Can you cancel Ottawa condo insurance?

• • You can cancel your condo insurance in Ottawa at any point. Bear in mind, though, that carriers  usually charge a fee for early cancellation. The fee is relatively small, ranging from 2% to 7% of your yearly premium. Generally speaking, the sooner you decide to cancel, the higher the percentage.

Does Ottawa condo insurance cover Airbnb rentals?

• • Typically, Ottawa condo insurance won’t fully cover Airbnb rentals. You may need specific short-term rental insurance for comprehensive coverage. If you plan on doing Airbnb rental, you need to let the insurer know. Some insurers refuse coverage based on this factor.

Do I need condo insurance in Ottawa?

• • While not legally required, condo insurance is essential for protecting your belongings and any upgrades made to your unit, as the building’s policy won’t cover them. In addition, you’ll get liability coverage, so you’re financially protected if you accidentally damage a neighbor’s property, such as by causing a fire or water damage. This insurance is often a prerequisite for mortgage approval and is a wise investment.

Is condo insurance mandatory in Ottawa?

• • Condo insurance is not mandatory by law in Ottawa, but it’s often required by lenders before approving a mortgage. Even without such a requirement, it’s highly recommended to protect your investment. 

 

More about condo insurance:

Our condo insurance guide

Condo insurance helpful articles

Insurance tips helpful articles

 

Compare condo rates from top insurance companies in 4 minutes starting at 15$/mo.