Ontario home insurance rates to rise 5 per cent or more in 2022
Due to the pandemic, inflation and supply chain issues, many things have increased in price and now it looks like home insurance will as well.
“We do anticipate seeing larger than normal increases in 2022," Henry Lof, with the insurance comparison website RatesDotCa, told CTV News Toronto Friday.
Lof said the industry is expecting that home insurance premiums will rise 5 per cent in 2022 and some companies may increase premiums 10 per cent or more.
According to the website, the average cost for home insurance last year in Ontario was $1,342 annually. It expects a jump of $67 to $1,409, but Lof said some companies may implement larger increases.
One of the primary reasons for the hikes is extreme weather issues due to climate change. The tornado that ripped through Barrie, Ontario in July led to insurance losses of $100 million.
The flooding in British Columbia in November was the most severe weather event in the province's history, leading to losses of more than $450 million.
"We do know across Canada in 2021, there were about 2 billion dollars of severe weather claims that were incurred from coast to coast,” Rob de Pruis, with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), told CTV News Toronto.
It may br frustrating for clients to see their rates go up even if they haven’t had a claim, but the industry says that when there are huge losses they will push up premiums for all customers.
“The underpinning concept of insurance is spreading the losses of the few among the many," Lof said.
IBC said that inflation, supply chain issues and the rising costs to rebuild a home are also putting pressure on premiums.
Many homeowners have also invested in their homes during the pandemic which makes them worth more.
RatesDotCa said rates are rising for multiple reasons — renovations have increased home values, the cost of home replacement has gone up, there has been an increase in the price of building materials and climate change and severe weather is leading to large insurance losses.
Clients are advised to ask if they're eligible for any discounts and to shop around to see if they can find a better deal.
“Across Canada, there are 200 insurance companies selling home, auto and business insurance, so there is quite a bit of competition,” de Pruis said.
Homeowners are also advised to contact their insurer to see if a security system, a good credit rating or bundling home and auto policies can save them money.
One of the most common insurance claims is flooding, so you want to make sure you have the proper flood coverage because, when it comes to water damage, there can be big differences between policies.
Customers are warned to not shop by price alone and to compare policies carefully.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
BREAKING Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.