6 Home Renovations that Can Affect Your Insurance
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Text, Travelers. Can Home Renovations Affect My Homeowners Insurance?
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Home renovations can make your home more enjoyable but can also mean you need to update your homeowners insurance.
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Blueprint for a Dream Deck
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So before tackling that new porch, remodeling your kitchen, or adding a patio or deck, make sure you have the coverage that fits your updated home.
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Here are some tips-- before you renovate, ask your broker if you need to make any changes to your homeowner's policy because some upgrades like adding a living space, a pool, or other detached structures may require you to increase your coverage as a result of the renovation.
On the other hand, some home renovations like security systems, fire protective devices, and green home certification can qualify you for savings on your policy.
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Also, it's important to ensure your contractor has insurance. Ask them to provide their certificate of insurance.
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Home remodeling or not, it's still a good rule of thumb to review your insurance annually to make sure your coverage is still appropriate.
If you're considering a home renovation, talk to your insurance broker today to ensure that you have the right coverage in place to protect your home.
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Text, travelers canada.ca. Travelers Canada, 165 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B9. This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of any insurance policy issued by Travelers Canada. It is not a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy provisions and any applicable law. Copyright 2021 Travelers Canada. All rights reserved. Travelers and The Travelers umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in Canada, the US and other countries. Travelers Insurance Company of Canada, the Dominion of Canada General Insurance company and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (Canada Branch) are the Canadian licensed insurers known as Travelers Canada.
If you’re planning a home renovation, you may want to call your insurance broker first because this decision can impact your homeowners insurance. We cover six common scenarios that could affect your insurance, so you can plan ahead.
1. Building a new addition
When you expand and improve your home, you could likely increase its replacement value. This is the cost to repair or rebuild your home. Some additions that could increase your replacement value include: adding a second-story bedroom, expanding the living room or building a new garage.
After building a new addition, or making updates or other improvements, you may need to increase your coverage because the value of your home, and the cost to rebuild it will likely have increased.
Your insurance broker can recalculate your home value to determine whether you’ll need more coverage because of the addition or improvement.
2. Building a pool
If you’re looking to add a pool, you will want to contact your insurance broker to review coverage for changes to your property’s value, as well as any increase in risk. When people are swimming and running around the pool, there’s the chance for an accident. If someone gets hurt, they could try to hold you responsible for damages. This can apply even if the accident isn’t your fault.
Check with your broker to see whether your existing policy covers a pool and if you need to increase your liability coverage. This coverage can help pay damages to injured persons and provide for a defence if you are sued as a result of their injuries.
You should also ask your broker what steps you can take to keep your pool safe so you can avoid accidents. Adding a fence with a locked gate is a smart move. You could also add lights with motion sensors or a pool alarm to discourage trespassers. Consider skipping the diving board, because this increases the chance of an accident.
Travelers Canada wants to help you protect the things that matter to you. e offer a wide breadth of products so you can be covered at home and on the road.
3. Adding a deck
A new deck is another improvement that can add value but also risk, especially if the deck is attached to a second story or higher. You should let your broker know that you’ve added a deck, so he or she can adjust your policy as necessary.
4. Renovating the kitchen
Upgrading the kitchen can significantly increase the value of your home, especially if you switch to higher-quality counter tops, appliances and new flooring. You should contact your broker to see if you need to increase your insurance coverage.
If your contractor upgrades the plumbing or electrical wiring as part of the renovation, ask your homeowners insurance broker if you qualify for a discount or if your coverage needs to be adjusted. These upgrades can reduce the chance of flooding water damage and fire, so check if your insurance company has discounts that can help to reduce your premium.
5. Finishing the basement
Finishing your basement can also increase the value of your home. That means, yet again, you may need more homeowners coverage. Flooding can be a concern, especially for the lowest floor in your house. Ask your broker to review your coverage and look to see if there are steps you can take to help prevent future damage, like installing a sump pump or backwater valve.
6. Redoing the roof
Redoing the roof could increase your property value, which means you might need more coverage. Talk to your insurance broker to learn more.
When you’re considering making home renovations, it is a good idea to contact your local independent broker to get a home insurance quote. Their knowledge and expertise can help you get the most out of your discounts while making sure your home is adequately insured.
