Finding the right home insurance policy is an important part of protecting your housing in Guelph. With financial protection, you won’t have to worry about paying for unexpected repairs and replacements out-of-pocket. To make the most of living in Guelph, read on to learn more about your home insurance options.
Quick Facts About Home Insurance in Guelph
- Guelph home insurance is LESS expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual cost of home insurance in Guelph is around $822.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
What Risks Affect Homeowners in Guelph?
Many homeowners in Canada are affected by similar risks. However, there are some specific risks which Guelph homeowners should keep an eye on, and these are:
Water damage
Water damage can occur for various reasons, including burst pipes, plumbing leaks, sewer backups, or heavy rainfall. Guelph has experienced flooding, and homeowners should be prepared for potential water-related issues.
Theft and vandalism
While crime rates in Guelph are slightly higher than other cities in Ontario, they are below the general Canadian average. Still, you can’t be too prepared and should be aware of the risk of break-ins.
Bad weather conditions
Like other parts of Ontario, Guelph is susceptible to thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and the occasional tornado that can damage your home.
Fires
Fire is a risk that all homeowners face. Various factors, including electrical faults, cooking accidents, or faulty appliances, can cause it. In a fire, the damage to a home can be extensive, and insurance coverage is crucial for recovery.
How Much Does Home Insurance in Guelph Usually Cost?
On average, home insurance in Guelph costs around $822 annually. Expect higher rates in more expensive neighborhoods like Kortright Hills and lower rates in more affordable neighborhoods like Willow West and Sugarbush.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
Does Where You Live in Guelph Affect Your Home Insurance?
Yes, where you live in Guelph can affect your home insurance. Insurance providers consider various factors when determining home insurance premiums, and the location of your property plays a significant role in this assessment. Here are some ways in which your location within Guelph can impact your home insurance:
Risk of flooding
If your property is located near bodies of water like the Grand River Watershed, it may be considered at a higher risk of water damage. In particular, when water levels are higher, Guelph is most susceptible to floods in the spring. In such cases, insurance providers may charge higher premiums or require additional coverage for flood protection.
Building codes and regulations
Generally, building permits in Ontario cities cost a minimum of $174. If building codes require homeowners to retrofit their properties, expect these costs to affect your home insurance.
Claims history
Insurance providers may consider the claims history of your area when assessing your insurance premiums. If your neighbourhood has a higher frequency of claims, it can indicate an increased risk, potentially leading to higher premiums.
Postal Codes With the Most Expensive Home Insurance in Guelph
People living in the N1C postal code area have some of the most expensive home insurance rates in the city.
Postal Code | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
---|---|
N1C | $939 |
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
Postal Codes With the Least Expensive Home Insurance in Guelph
N1K is the cheapest postal code in Guelph for home insurance.
Postal Code | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
---|---|
N1K | $770 |
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, October 2024
Why Are Guelph Home Insurance Rates so Expensive?
There are three factors that may be driving up Guelph home insurance rates. Here’s a quick explanation of why these things make premiums higher in Guelph:
- Greater number of older properties: Most homes in Guelph are quite old, so it’s more likely that they have older systems for heating, plumbing, and electricity. This increases your likelihood of filing a claim for a fire or flood.
- Higher real estate values: Real estate prices indirectly affect home insurance premiums. As home values go up, so do the cost of rebuilding and the amount of coverage you’ll need from a policy.
- Housing density: Guelph is densely populated, and most of its homes are connected houses or apartments with very little space between units. This increases the risk of spreading fires between homes.
Housing Data in Guelph
Review housing data from the 2021 Census of Population to put your home insurance rates into perspective.
Type of Occupied Dwelling
48.6% of Guelph properties are single-detached homes, while only 11.5% are apartments in buildings over five stories. 6.4% of properties are apartments or flats in duplexes. 15.2% of homes are row houses.
Owner vs Renter Stats/Condo vs Non-Condo Owners
65.7% of the Guelph population owns their homes, whereas 34.3% rent their properties.
Private Dwellings by Period of Construction: New or Older Homes?
Most Guelph homes were built between 1961 and 1980 (24%), while the next largest population of homes were built before 1960 (19.7%). By comparison, only 7.2% of homes were built between 2015 and 2021.
Major Repairs or Just Maintenance Needed?
Most Guelph homes are well-maintained, with 95.3% requiring only regular maintenance and minimal repairs. 4.7% require more significant repairs.
Homeownership Rate by Age in Guelph
Only two in four young adults (25-39) in Guelph own a house. Below are homeownership rates in Guelp categorized by different age groups:
Age Group | Homeownership Rate |
---|---|
15 to 24 | 13.6% |
25 to 39 | 51.0% |
40 to 54 | 71.6% |
55 to 74 | 75.8% |
75 and over | 74.3% |
Average Home Price in Guelph by Dwelling Type
The average price for a single detached house in Guelph is $895,000, above the provincial average of $800,000.
Type of Dwelling | Average Value |
---|---|
Detached | $895,000 |
Semi-Detached | $765,000 |
Freehold Townhouse | $700,000 |
Guelph Population Growth
Guelph’s population grew by 9.06% in 5 years since 2016.
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 Guelph. 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 Guelph?
Home insurance is important in Guelph, as in any other city or region. Here are a few reasons you shouldn’t skimp on insurance for your home in Guelph:
- To replace stolen belongings and recover their value in case of theft.
- To protect you in case someone gets injured on your property and files a lawsuit against you.
- To provide financial protection in case your property incurs damage from natural disasters or environmental hazards.
- To satisfy mortgage requirements and reassure lenders that their investment is protected.
- To provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events.
How You Can Get Cheap Home Insurance in Guelph
If you’re trying to save money on home insurance premiums in Guelph, visit our Ontario page for practical tips.