Compare home insurance quotes in Windsor. Raise the roof!

Because home insurance in Windsor is offered by a number of different providers — and is calculated based on a range of personal and regional variables — there is no standard cost that homeowners in Windsor can expect to pay. If you want an idea of what your home insurance premium could be, get a free, no-obligation quote on LowestRates.ca. In only a few minutes, we’ll show you 10+ quotes from Canada’s leading home insurance providers.

• Thunderstorms and tornadoes. Located at the southwest tip of Ontario, Windsor enjoys the warmest climate of any major city in Ontario. While its climate is largely modified by the surrounding Great Lakes, Windsor still experiences inclement weather, including severe thunderstorms and even the occasional tornado, potentially causing major home damage.
• Earthquakes. While not common, Windsor and Essex County do experience the occasional earthquake, including a 4.1 magnitude quake in 2018. Unfortunately, basic home insurance policies generally do not cover earthquake damage. However, some insurers offer extra coverage for earthquakes.
• Wind gusts. Windsor periodically experiences severe wind conditions, with gusts reaching speeds of 100 km/h.
• Flooding. Situated along the Detroit River — and surrounded by Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie — Windsor is no stranger to flooding. Flooding is a leading cause of property damage throughout Ontario and can happen suddenly or over time. Backed up sewers, severe rainfall, major storms, snow thawing, or broken dams and water mains can all trigger floods.
• Wintery conditions. Although Windsor is known for its mild winters, the city still does experience occasional lake-effect snowfalls and winter storms originating from Lake Michigan. Wintery conditions can wreak havoc on homes, causing freeze-thaw weather that leads to ice forming inside walls and roofs. The end result can be water damage that isn’t always covered by standard home insurance policies. Ask your broker if your policy covers winter-related water damage. Your broker can also show you products that offer extra coverage on top of your base policy.

A basic home insurance policy will protect your Windsor home against a number of threats, including the following:

• Theft, break-ins, vandalism.
• Wind and hail damage.
• Fire and smoke damage.
• Violent protests, rioting, and civil unrest.
• Damage from aircraft or vehicle collision.
• Certain kinds of explosions.
• Frozen pipes.
• Any impact from falling objects.

Standard home insurance policies also usually cover you if someone is injured on your property, or if you inadvertently damage another person’s property. It doesn’t matter if the incident happens in another part of Ontario, of Canada, or in a foreign country — your liability is protected. It’s also worth noting that most basic home insurance policies extend to sheds, garages and other detached structures on your property. Whether it’s walls, floors, or electrical appliances, repairing and replacing elements of a home is expensive — that’s why all Windsor homeowners are encouraged to purchase a home insurance policy.

Remember, not all threats to homes are covered with a standard home insurance policy. Here is a list of perils that typically might require you to purchase additional coverage:

• Home businesses. Are you using your residence to operate a business? You’ll likely need extra coverage to protect your business-related possessions, including hardware, software, inventory, and work-specific equipment and furnishings.
• Flood damage. First, the good news: damage caused by broken pipes or backed up toilets is typically covered. The bad news? Damage caused by floods is typically not covered. Inquire about additional coverage if you want to be protected against naturally occurring water perils.
• Mother Nature. ‘Acts of God,’ such as earthquakes or landslides, are not usually covered by basic home insurance policies. Additional coverage is typically required.
• High-value items. Here’s the rule of thumb: if the value of an item exceeds the limits of your policy, it’s not covered. So if you have expensive artwork, antiques, or jewelry that you want to insure, enquire about extra coverage.
• Infestations. They’re called pests for a reason. Damage to your home by rodents, insects and birds are generally not covered by basic home insurance policies.
• Normal wear and tear. The anticipated deterioration of a home is considered part of normal home maintenance and thus is not covered by home insurance.

Here are the main types of home insurance policies you need to consider for your Windsor dwelling:

Comprehensive (also called All Perils) - True to its name, comprehensive home insurance is the most complete type of home insurance. It protects your home — and the contents therein — against all threats (except for the above-mentioned risks).

Basic (also called Named Perils) - Basic home insurance covers your home and your belongings against a predetermined list of risks that you get to choose from.

Broad - Broad home insurance protects your property against all major threats, but only protects your contents against certain named threats. You get to decide which risks you want covered from.

No-Frills - No frills home insurance is intended for unique properties that are unable to be covered by one of the other types of coverages. Speak with your broker to see if this kind of home insurance is suitable for your needs.

Here are just some of the ways you can save money on your Windsor home insurance:

• Don’t settle. Compare options online to find the best policies and rates.
• Get claims protection. This protects you against premium increases resulting from a home insurance claim. It could save you money in the long run, but it will increase your monthly premium.
• Credit matters. A healthy credit score can lower your home insurance premium.
• Bundle your coverages. Insuring your home and vehicle with the same company can result in significant premium discounts.
• Pay up front. Paying your full home insurance premium once annually — instead of in monthly installments — can result in a sizeable discount.
• Safety first. Smoke alarms, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, centralized sprinklers and security systems can result in lower home insurance premiums.
• Butt out. Smoking is bad for you — and for your home insurance premiums. It’s a fire hazard.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Making minor claims and repeat claims can raise your risk profile in the eyes of your insurer. If possible, avoid making claims on minor incidents.

It’s impossible to say what the best insurance company is for Windsor homeowners. There are many different providers that offer a range of coverages and discounts. What is fair to say is that asking for referrals and shopping around on a comparison site like LowestRates.ca is the only real way to find out what’s best for you.

Here are some established home insurance providers that Windsorites can trust:

• Wawanesa Insurance
• Economical Insurance
• RSA Canada
• Aviva Canada
• Travelers Canada