​​Compare home insurance quotes in Windsor

How we find you the best home insurance in Windsor

Windsor, Ont., is the province’s southernmost city and the urban centre of Essex County, a region known for automotive production, industrial manufacturing and agriculture. Windsor is home to 217,188 residents — 329,144 if you include the surrounding communities of Lakeshore, LaSalle, Tecumseh and Amherstburg. Although having home insurance is not legally mandated for Windsor homeowners, it’s a prerequisite for those homeowners who carry a mortgage — and it’s the easiest way to protect your most valuable investment. So for most Windsorites, homeownership goes hand in hand with home insurance.

What’s covered with home insurance? What weather-related threats should Windsorites be concerned about? Read on for answers to all of your Windsor home insurance questions. At LowestRates.ca, we’ll make sure you’re well-informed before you insure your biggest asset. And when you’re ready to act, we’ll shop the market for you and connect you with a trusted home insurance partner.

Education, savings, and peace of mind — all in one place at LowestRates.ca.

What kind of risks are specific to Windsor?

• 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.

What risks won’t home insurance cover in Windsor?

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.

What can you do to save on home insurance in Windsor?

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.