Ontario is one of the more expensive provinces for home insurance in Canada, driven by the high cost of rebuilding homes in urban markets, increasingly frequent and severe weather events (ice storms, flooding, extreme heat), and high liability risk in densely populated areas. Average premiums run $1,200–$1,800/year for a typical detached home, though Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga homes often come in at the higher end of that range. This guide covers what Ontario homeowners pay, what they get, and how to bring costs down.
Ontario home insurance varies significantly by region. See Toronto home insurance and average home insurance Canada.
Average Home Insurance Costs in Ontario
By City
| City | Average Annual |
|---|---|
| Toronto | $1,500–$2,200 |
| Ottawa | $1,300–$1,800 |
| Mississauga | $1,300–$1,800 |
| Brampton | $1,400–$2,000 |
| Hamilton | $1,200–$1,700 |
| London | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Kitchener-Waterloo | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Windsor | $1,100–$1,500 |
| Barrie | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Kingston | $1,000–$1,400 |
| Sudbury | $1,000–$1,400 |
By Property Type
| Property Type | Average Annual |
|---|---|
| Detached house (avg value) | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Semi-detached | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Townhouse | $900–$1,400 |
| Condo (unit only) | $350–$700 |
| Rental property | $1,200–$1,800 |
Condo insurance covers your unit contents and liability — the condo corporation carries the building insurance through condo fees.
By Home Value / Rebuild Cost
| Rebuild Value | Average Annual |
|---|---|
| Under $300,000 | $800–$1,200 |
| $300,000–$500,000 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| $500,000–$750,000 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| $750,000–$1,000,000 | $2,200–$3,200 |
| Over $1,000,000 | $3,000–$5,000+ |
Note: rebuild cost (replacing your home if destroyed) is different from — and often lower than — market value.
What Standard Ontario Home Insurance Covers
Typically Included
| Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Dwelling | Structure of your home against fire, wind, hail, lightning, and other named perils |
| Personal property | Belongings inside your home |
| Detached structures | Garage, shed, fence |
| Liability | If someone is injured on your property |
| Additional living expenses | Hotel and living costs if your home is uninhabitable |
What’s NOT Included (Add-On Required)
| Excluded | Add-On Available | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Overland flooding | Yes | $150–$500/year |
| Sewer backup | Yes | $50–$150/year |
| Earthquake | Yes | $50–$200/year |
| Home-based business | Yes | Varies |
| High-value jewellery/art | Yes — scheduled items | Varies |
| Home rental income | Yes (if renting rooms) | Varies |
Ontario-Specific Weather Risks
Ontario’s weather profile is more varied than most provinces:
| Risk | Frequency | Recommended Add-On |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storms | Annual events | Dwelling coverage handles ice damage |
| Flooding (overland) | Increasing with climate | Overland flood add-on |
| Sewer backup | Common after heavy rain | Sewer backup add-on |
| Hail (southwestern ON) | Moderate | Comprehensive dwelling handles hail |
| Tornado (SW Ontario) | Rare but real | Standard dwelling covers wind |
| Wildfire | Low | Standard dwelling covers fire |
The 2013 Toronto flood and 2017 Ontario flooding were massive loss events — sewer backup and overland flood coverage is strongly recommended for Ontario homeowners.
Comprehensive vs Named Perils
Ontario insurers offer two main types of dwelling coverage:
| Policy Type | What It Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive (all-risk) | Everything except listed exclusions | Higher premium |
| Broad form | Dwelling = comprehensive; contents = named perils | Mid-range |
| Named perils | Only events specifically listed | Lower premium |
Most Ontario homeowners with a mortgage will have comprehensive or broad form coverage as lenders require strong protection.
Best Home Insurance Companies in Ontario
| Insurer | Best For |
|---|---|
| Intact Insurance | Market leader, wide coverage, strong claims |
| TD Insurance | Bank customers — bundle discounts with TD mortgage |
| Aviva | Online convenience, competitive |
| Wawanesa | Customer service, competitive pricing |
| The Co-operators | Member-focused, comprehensive add-ons |
| Economical (Definity) | Value pricing through brokers |
| Desjardins | Competitive in eastern Ontario |
| CAA | Member discounts |
| Gore Mutual | Strong in southwestern Ontario |
| Pembridge | Broker-distributed, competitive |
How to Save on Ontario Home Insurance
| Strategy | Savings |
|---|---|
| Bundle home and auto with same insurer | 10–25% |
| Increase deductible ($1,000 → $2,500) | 10–20% |
| Install monitored security system | 5–15% |
| Smoke and CO detectors | 5–10% |
| New roof (within 10 years) | 5–15% |
| Updated plumbing (copper or plastic) | 5–15% |
| Updated electrical (not aluminum wiring) | 5–15% |
| Newer build (post-2000) | Generally lower premiums |
| Claims-free loyalty discount | 5–10% after 3–5 years |
| Pay annually | 2–5% |
| Smart home devices (water sensor) | 2–5% |
Renovations and Insurance
Tell your insurer before starting major renovations. Your coverage may be suspended or reduced during construction, and your rebuild cost — which drives your premium — changes when you add square footage or finish a basement.
Ontario-Specific Considerations
Overland Flood — A Growing Priority
Ontario’s overland flood coverage has become increasingly important. The province is experiencing more frequent 1-in-100-year flood events due to climate change. Homes in flood-prone areas (near rivers, ravines, low-lying areas) can face exclusions or surcharges — always disclose your address accurately and ask specifically about flood coverage.
Older Homes (Pre-1960)
Homes with old knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, or original foundations face higher premiums and may be difficult to insure. Some insurers will not cover these homes without updates. If you own an older home, consider getting electrical and plumbing inspections before shopping for insurance.
Aluminum Wiring
Homes built between 1965 and 1975 may have aluminum wiring — a known fire risk. Many Ontario insurers will not cover these homes without a Certificate of Compliance from an electrician confirming the wiring has been made safe through proper connections or pigtailing.
Filing a Home Insurance Claim in Ontario
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure safety — call 911 for fire, gas leak, or injuries |
| 2 | Prevent further damage (shut off water, board broken windows) |
| 3 | Contact your insurer immediately |
| 4 | Document all damage with photos/video before repairs |
| 5 | Make list of damaged/missing items with values |
| 6 | Keep receipts for emergency expenses (hotel, food) |
| 7 | Work with insurer’s adjuster to finalize claim |
For disputes, Ontario homeowners can contact the Ontario Insurance Commission or the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO).