Home Insurance: The Basics

1500x675_white_home_editedHome insurance is hugely important, allowing you to have protection against numerous hazards that may befall your property. A good policy will protect your home against fire and other damage, while also giving coverage for possessions in your property, protecting from the risk of theft and other damage.

As Canada is home to often brutal weather, the risk of damage from snow and particularly water is high, with overland flooding a common occurrence in North Bay and the province as a whole. Home insurance can help ease the pain of climate change and weather related damage by offering protection for the most valuable investment that you may make.

Unfortunately, while home insurance is offered by all major insurance providers, many Ontarians still do not understand the benefits of coverage, or do not understand how to get the best deal.

Knox Insurance is a dedicated team that works to get you the best possible protection for your home and at the best possible price. Out brokers work for you to ensure the best outcomes, and we are on hand with expert advice to guide you through the process of home insurance.

When looking for home insurance, there are some very easy things you can do to help you get the best deal:

Shop for quotes – It is amazing how many consumers still do not shop around for home insurance, and instead opt for the first policy they see. Shopping around will give you an idea about what is available, what a good policy should offer, and how much you should be paying. Shopping around is a guaranteed way to find the best deal, if you know what to look for.

Our quote engine will find you the best possible policies at the lowest prices from an array of Canada’s leading insurance providers.

Bundle those policies – If you have an auto insurance policy, ask your insurer about bundling it with home insurance coverage and watch the discounts roll in. Customers can save up to 15% off their policies by bundling car and home insurance together.

Consider Flood Protection – Yes, home insurance is expensive, and even more so when flood protection is included. However, if you live in an at risk area then it is essential to protect your home from sewer back-up and overland flooding. Only select insurer’s offer overland flooding protection in the North Bay area, but general sewer back-up protection is common.

Please the insurance company – If you make your home more secure by installing smoke alarms, sprinklers, alarm systems, security cameras, and advanced locks, insurance companies are likely to see less risk and could offer a better deal.

It is worth remembering that nothing is better than getting in contact with us directly by phone or email, giving you access to our expert advice on home and auto insurance.

North Bay Flood Statement Released

Caution - Heavy RainA flood statement has been issued by the city, with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority saying heavy rainfall could lead to overland flooding in some areas.

Heavy rain over the last week and snow melt from the end of the winter season have contributed to potential high water conditions for many rivers and waterways in the North Bay area. The middle of the week (Wednesday through Friday) is also expected to see rain, adding to the potential for flooding in at risk locations.

The Conservation Authority is saying it only expect minor flooding at the moment and that it should be localized to vulnerable areas. However, with rain likely to be ongoing in the coming weeks and snow continuing to melt, the risk of overland floods could be prolonged.

Rainfall overnight on Wednesday is expect to contribute 25 to 40 mm, thanks to a Colorado low moving towards the Great Lakes that will deposit thunderstorms on the Northern Ontario region. With temperatures expected above zero, the rain will not freeze and will likely cause minor flooding around the city.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is urging residents in high risk flood areas to keep a close eye on conditions and report any instances of early flooding. At the moment not flood warning has not been issued, so far it is only a statement of information about upcoming conditions.

For many insurance companies, flood damage has overtaken fire as the number one cause of home damage in Canada. Residents in North Bay should have their homes properly covered with home insurance and flood protection. Sewer back-up protection is common, but only a few providers offer overland flooding coverage.

Knox Insurance can help you to find the best premium for you, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected even in the event of flooding.

OPP advice on protecting home from theft

SONY DSCA spate of home thefts in the North Bay and Northern Ontario area have led to the Provincial Police (OPP) reminding residents to make their homes safe when out.

This is a time when many North Bay residents may leave on winter vacation, and the OPP is offering concise advice on taking care of your home when away. The police says you should take care to stop mail services and ask neighbors or friends you trust to perform other tasks. The OPP also offers the following tips on protecting your home:

DETER BREAK-INS
Equip your entry doors with deadbolts and lock windows.
Install outdoor motion-sensor lights.
Install a home/commercial security system and display the alarm company’s decal.
Keep garage doors secured.
Store bicycles inside garages and sheds.

ALWAYS APPEAR TO BE HOME
Make your home appear occupied when you are away. Install timers to internal and external lights, stop mail service and ask a neighbor you trust to take care of your garbage.
Keep your landscaping groomed and limit privacy fencing.
If you are away, do NOT announce your absence over social media.

SECURE YOUR VEHICLE
Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
Lock all doors even at home.
Remove valuables or keep them out of sight, even in your garage.
Close windows and park in well-lit areas.
Use a steering wheel locking devices.

Despite all measures it is still possible that your home may be burgled while you are on vacation or merely our. Home insurance is a great way to protect your belongings and give you peace of mind if the worst ever happens. Knox Insurance Brokers can give you quick quotes from over 25 isnurance providers in the North Bay area, giving you access to brokers who work with you to get you the best coverage at the best price.