Home insurance coverage goes a long way towards giving you peace of mind. In unexpected events like theft, fire, or natural disaster, it can provide you with a sense of financial security that would otherwise be lacking.
Figuring out home insurance in Barrie, Ontario can be tricky if you don’t know the ins and outs. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including how it works, what it costs, and how you can get the best rates.
Quick Facts About Home Insurance in Barrie
- Barrie home insurance is LESS expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual cost of home insurance in Barrie is around $1,100.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
What Risks Affect Homeowners in Barrie?
According to the Barrie government’s hazards and risk assessment, there are some natural and technological risks to owning a home in Barrie, Ontario:
Winter storms
Heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing rain are common occurrences during winter.
Heat and cold waves
Climate change has been causing more extreme weather in Barrie, causing winter thaws or heavy summer rainfalls.
Summer storms
Lightning, tornadoes, hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding happen frequently during the summer months.
How Much Does Home Insurance in Barrie Usually Cost?
The average home insurance cost in Barrie is around $1,100/year.
The cost of home insurance premiums in Barrie can vary greatly depending on several factors:
- The size, age, and construction of your home all impact your insurance premiums. Generally, newer and larger homes will be more expensive to insure.
- The location of your home also has a big impact on the cost of home insurance in Barrie. Insurance providers will check proximity to fire stations, crime rates, and risk of natural disasters in your area and factor that in when giving you a quote.
- The type and amount of coverage you want also affect the final cost. Higher limits and additional coverage options, like water damage or sewer backup coverage, will cost extra.
- Your deductible is another factor in play. If you choose a higher deductible, your home insurance premiums will be lower, and vice versa.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
Does Where You Live in Barrie Affect Your Home Insurance?
Yes, where you live in Barrie does affect your home insurance rates. The location of your home is one of the biggest factors that insurance providers use to determine your premiums. For example, if you live in an area with a higher crime rate or chance of flooding, your premiums will also be higher because of the greater risk in the area.
Historically, densely populated areas or neighbourhoods with a higher concentration of commercial establishments in Barrie are more susceptible to property crimes such as burglary, theft, or vandalism. This includes areas near the downtown core, the southeastern neighbourhood near Innisfel, and the area around Loggers Run near Essa Road.
Postal Codes With the Most Expensive Home Insurance in Barrie
L4N is a slightly more expensive postal code in Barrie for home insurance premiums on average.
Postal Code | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
---|---|
L4N | $1,138 |
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
Postal Codes With the Least Expensive Home Insurance in Barrie
L4M is the cheapest postal code in Barrie for home insurance.
Postal Code | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
---|---|
L4M | $1,062 |
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
Housing Data in Barrie
Here’s the housing data in Barrie from the 2021 Census of Population:
Type of Occupied Dwelling
The majority of occupied dwellings in Barrie are single-detached houses (58.2%). The next most common type of homes are semi-detached houses and apartments in buildings under five storeys (23%).
Owner vs Renter Stats/Condo vs Non-Condo Owners
Most people living in Barrie are homeowners as 67.7% of housing arrangements are owned and 32.3% are rented. Out of those, only 11.6% are condominiums and 88.4% are non-condo types.
Private Dwellings by Period of Construction: New or Older Homes?
Over a fourth of homes in Barrie were constructed before the 1980s (28.9%), a little over half were constructed between 1981 and 2005 (53.7%), and the rest between 2006 and 2021 (17.3%).
Major Repairs or Just Maintenance Needed?
Nearly all homes in Barrie are in good condition with 95.4% only requiring minor repairs, while 4.6% need major repairs.
Homeownership Rate by Age in Barrie
Relative to other Ontario cities like Ajax, homeownership among young adults (25-39) in Barrie is quite low, at just 54.7%, compared to 77.6% for the southern Ontario city.
Age Group | Homeownership Rate |
---|---|
15 to 24 | 16.3% |
25 to 39 | 54.7% |
40 to 54 | 73.8% |
55 to 74 | 75.4% |
75 and over | 67.8% |
Average Home Price in Barrie by Dwelling Type
The price of a single detached house in Barrie is around $826,050 which is on par with the provincial average.
Type of Dwelling | Average Value |
---|---|
Detached | $826,050 |
Semi-Detached | $670,000 |
Freehold Townhouse | $649,944 |
Barrie Population Growth
Barrie’s population increased by 4.5% from 2016 to 2021.
What Is Not Included in a Typical Home Insurance Policy?
Even if you’ve opted for a highly comprehensive home insurance policy, there are some risks that insurers explicitly don’t include as a covered peril. These are called “exclusions” by home insurers.
Here are the most common home insurance exclusions:
Criminal activities:
If your home was damaged due to criminal activity, it won’t be covered by your insurance policy.
Damage from tenants
Generally, home insurance companies require specific coverage for homeowners/landlords who plan to rent out their properties. A standard home insurance policy won’t include coverage if you rent your home out and the tenant causes damage.
Earthquakes
Most policies exclude this risk, but you can cover earthquake losses and damage as an add-on to a standard policy.
Failure to maintain your home
Damage or losses caused by poor home upkeep (e.g., clogged storm drains, broken bannisters) won’t be covered, as your insurer deems it your responsibility to manage wear and tear.
Flood damage
Flooding is typically not covered by a standard policy, but it may be included as an add-on.
Home business activities
Home businesses will need separate home-based business insurance to cover home or equipment damage.
Insect damage
Because this is considered a preventable risk, most insurers don’t cover insect damage.
Mortgage or property taxes
These are separate expenses handled by policy owners as they’re unrelated to your home insurance policy.
Mould
Mould caused by poor home maintenance is typically excluded by home insurance policies. Note that this is separate from mould caused by an insured peril, which will be covered by your policy.
Vacant dwelling risks
Many insurers may void your insurance if you leave your home vacant for a prolonged period.
This is by no means an exclusive list of risks typically excluded from a home insurance policy in Barrie. Talk to your home insurance provider to see what’s covered by your policy in case of loss or damage.
Why Do I Need Home Insurance in Barrie?
Having home insurance in Barrie is important for several reasons:
Protection against property damage
Barrie is prone to extreme weather events like heavy snowfall and windstorms. Home insurance covers property damage from natural disasters and will help you rebuild or repair in case of damage.
Protection against damage to personal belongings
Home insurance will also cover damage to your personal belongings like furniture, appliances, electronics, and clothing. If they’re damaged or destroyed, your insurance policy will reimburse you for the cost of the items.
Liability protection
If someone gets injured on your property and holds you responsible, home insurance will cover legal fees, medical bills, and potential settlements against you.
Unexpected living expenses
In the event your home is damaged and you need to live somewhere else till it’s repaired, your home insurance policy will cover the cost of temporary accommodation.
Mortgage requirements
When you take out a mortgage to purchase a home, your lender will want to protect their investment and will likely require you to have home insurance.
How You Can Get Cheap Home Insurance in Barrie
Visit our main provincial home insurance page to learn about tactics for reducing your home insurance premiums in Barrie.