Buying a home in Markham is a huge investment – an investment that you should protect with a solid home insurance policy. While home insurance in Markham isn’t mandated, a policy can provide financial protection against specific perils or in case of a liability lawsuit.
Learn more about the home insurance policies available in Markham, how they work, and how you can save money on rates.
Quick Facts About Home Insurance in Markham
- Markham home insurance is LESS expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual cost of home insurance in Markham is around $920.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024
What Risks Affect Homeowners in Markham?
If you live in Markham, you may be prone to the following risks:
Flooding
Markham is a flood vulnerable area because it is located near the Don River watershed. Unfortunately, its current open channel system isn’t capable of handling storm water runoff under significantly inclement weather.
Lack of natural infrastructure
Because Makham lacks absorbent green spaces, it can be challenging to contain floods.
Seasonal hazards
During the winter, many Markham creeks experience ice jams, causing water to rise significantly. Creeks also flood during summer thunderstorms.
How Much Does Home Insurance in Markham Usually Cost?
On average, home insurance in Markham usually costs $920 These rates fluctuate depending on:
- Home value and property type
- Location
- Policy coverage
The best way to get an idea of how much home insurance in Markham costs is to request a quote from a provider.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024
Does Where You Live in Markham Affect Your Home Insurance?
Yes, where you live in Markham can affect your home insurance under the following circumstances:
Proximity to Don River watershed
The closer you live to the Don River watershed, the more likely your insurance rates will increase due to being in a high-risk area.
Neighbourhood
Higher-value homes will cost more to insure. In Markham, insurance rates are typically higher in neighbourhoods like Bayview Glen, Devil’s Elbow, and Thornlea. By comparison, insurance rates are lower in cheaper neighbourhoods like Warden.
Crime rate
If you live in an area of Markham where crime rates are high, expect your insurance to cost more. However, Markham is listed as the second safest city in Canada, with a safety index of 77.78.
Postal Codes With the Most Expensive Home Insurance in Markham
L6G is one of the most expensive postal codes for home insurance in Markham.
Postal Code | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
---|---|
L6G | $1,110 |
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024
Postal Codes With the Least Expensive Home Insurance in Markham
L3R is the cheapest postal code when it comes to home insurance in Markham.
Postal Code | Average Annual Home Insurance Premium |
---|---|
L3R | $899 |
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024
Housing Data in Markham
Below is a bit more information on housing and property ownership in Markam from the 2021 Census of Population.
Type of Occupied Dwelling
Most properties in Markham are single-detached homes (56.2%), while 15.9% are apartments in buildings with five or more stories. 5.5% of properties are apartments in flats or duplexes, whereas 14.4% are row houses.
Owner vs Renter Stats/Condo vs Non-Condo Owners
81.7% of people own their properties in Markham, while 18.3% rent them.
Private Dwellings by Period of Construction: New or Older Homes?
Most Markham homes were built between 1981 to 1990 (18.6%), with only 2.6% of homes built before 1960. 8.6% of homes were built between 2016 and 2021.
Major Repairs or Just Maintenance Needed?
97% of Markham homes only need regular maintenance and minor repairs. By comparison, 3% of homes require major repairs and replacements.
Homeownership Rate by Age in Markham
The homeownership rate for young adults (25-39) in Markham is at 66.5%. The highest homeownership rate in the city is among the 55 to 74 age group at 88.1%.
Age Group | Homeownership Rate |
---|---|
15 to 24 | 42.6% |
25 to 39 | 66.5% |
40 to 54 | 82.6% |
55 to 74 | 88.1% |
75 and over | 86.4% |
Average Home Price in Markham by Dwelling Type
The average price for a single detached house in Markham is $1,755,000, more than double the provincial average of $800,000.
Type of Dwelling | Average Value |
---|---|
Detached | $1,755,000 |
Semi-Detached | $1,398,888 |
Freehold Townhouse | $1,220,000 |
Markham Population Growth
The population in Markham grew only 2.89% in 5 years since 2016. This is quite low relative to some other cities in Ontario.
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 Markham. 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 Markham?
While it isn’t necessary to get home insurance in Markham, having a policy can benefit you in the following ways:
- You get financial protection in case your property incurs damage from natural disasters, theft, and vandalism
- You get financial protection in case someone gets injured in your home and files a lawsuit
- You get financial assistance in case your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable
- You can satisfy mortgage requirements and assure lenders of their investments
- You get peace of mind
How You Can Get Cheap Home Insurance in Markham
Visit our Ontario page for practical tips if you’re looking to save money on home insurance.