Understanding home insurance can be challenging, whether you’re a first-time or a longtime homeowner. There are so many coverage options, risk factors, and insurance companies it can get overwhelming.
A good knowledge of the home insurance landscape in Newfoundland helps you make informed decisions and choose the policies that fit your protection requirements.
Discover the different types of insurance coverage in Newfoundland, the most expensive places for home insurance in the province, how to save money on your policy, and more.
Quote data from MyChoice.ca, February 2025
Common Risk Factors for Homeowners in Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador is often exposed to adverse weather conditions because it’s a coastal province. Here are some things you should watch out for as a homeowner in Newfoundland:
Severe Event Probability in Newfoundland
On January 17–18, 2020, Newfoundland endured the “Snowmageddon” storm that buried the Avalon Peninsula in nearly 90 cm of snow, bringing daily life in St. John’s to a halt.
Below are the MyChoice severe event probability scores for Newfoundland, based on the historical data from the Canadian Disaster Database collected since 1950. The percentages reflect the likelihood of a major event in question occurring at least once in the region in the next decade – relative to other regions and events.
Does Where You Live in Newfoundland Affect Your Home Insurance?
Where you live in Newfoundland affects your home insurance. If you live in an area that exposes your home to more risks, your home insurance quotes may be higher than similar homes in safer areas. For instance, St. John’s is prone to flooding from the Waterford and Rennie’s Rivers, which may make home insurance costs more expensive than in less flood-prone areas.
Housing Data in Newfoundland
What does the average home in Newfoundland look like, and what is its condition? The 2021 Census of Population has answers to those questions and more. Let’s dive into our overview of housing in Newfoundland:
How Does Home Insurance in Newfoundland Work?
Home insurance in Newfoundland works by giving you financial coverage for your home if certain unforeseen events happen. If your home is damaged due to an event covered in your policy, you can file a claim to receive funds to repair or replace the damage. Tenant insurance and condo insurance work the same way – the only major difference is the your dwelling type.
There are three types of home insurance policies available for Newfoundland residents. Here’s an overview:
FAQs About Home Insurance in Newfoundland
How much is home insurance in Newfoundland?[2]
The average cost of home insurance in Newfoundland is about $718 annually depending on the type of dwelling, location, and other factors. Home insurance costs differ between home insurance providers. Note that several considerations can increase or decrease the cost of your Newfoundland home insurance, such as your home’s value and the property’s condition.
For a better overview of the cost of home insurance in Newfoundland, talk to an insurance broker or look up quotes on MyChoice.
Is home insurance mandatory in Newfoundland?
No, home insurance isn’t mandatory in Newfoundland. However, if you take out a mortgage on your home, your lender may require you to get coverage as a condition of getting a loan.
It’s also highly recommended that you get home insurance even if it’s not mandatory, so you can protect your house and personal property in case of unforeseen events like fires and hailstorms.
Do I need home construction insurance in Newfoundland for my renovation?
Yes, if you’re planning a major home construction or renovation project in Newfoundland, home construction insurance will protect you and your home during the process.
Also known as builder’s risk insurance, home construction insurance provides coverage in the event of damage or loss to your home and construction materials during the construction process. Some companies that offer this policy type even have liability coverage in case someone gets injured on your property during construction.
What is the home insurance claims process in Newfoundland?
The home insurance claims process in Newfoundland varies between insurers, but it generally consists of the following steps:
– Report the claim: Contact your insurer and inform them about the damage or loss, including relevant details and evidence like videos or photos.
– Claim evaluation: Your insurer will assign an adjuster, who will schedule an assessment of the value of any loss or damage.
– Approval or denial: After the home inspection and evaluating your documentation, your insurer will either deny your claim or approve it, offering a settlement for repairs or replacement of damaged property.
– Claim resolution: If you accept the offer, the payment will be made. If not, you can negotiate with your insurer or file a dispute with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Newfoundland (FSRA).
Can you cancel home insurance in Newfoundland?
Yes, you can cancel your home insurance policy in Newfoundland. The process may vary depending on your insurer and policy terms.
Generally, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider to let them know. Some insurers may require written notice of cancellation by mail or email.
Keep in mind that if you cancel your policy before its expiry date, you may be subject to penalties or cancellation fees.
Do I need home insurance for Airbnb in Newfoundland?
Yes, you may need home insurance for Airbnb in Newfoundland. While Airbnb has some host protection insurance, its coverage is limited and may not cover all types of liabilities or damages if you’re using your home for short-term rentals. Having a home insurance policy can provide additional protection and peace of mind.
Note that renting out your property as an Airbnb without telling your insurer may void your policy, and not all home insurance policies include coverage for short-term rentals. Check with your home insurance company to see if your policy has this protection or if you need to get additional coverage.
I have a vacation home in another city in Newfoundland. Can I insure that home too even if I don’t always live there?
Yes, you can insure your vacation home in another city in Newfoundland even if you don’t always live there. There are insurance policies specially tailored to cover seasonal or vacation homes to protect your property, belongings, and other liabilities from damage or loss.
Typically, these policies offer coverage for damages due to risks like fire, theft, and water damage. They may also have coverage for additional situations such as temporary living expenses if a covered risk makes your vacation home uninhabitable.
Home insurance companies have different requirements and limitations for vacation home insurance. In some cases, you may be required to take out additional coverage or accept different terms and conditions.
Is fire insurance mandatory in Newfoundland?
No, fire insurance is not mandatory in Newfoundland. However, it’s highly recommended that property owners get it to cover damages or loss to their property caused by fire, smoke, and other related perils.
Note that some Newfoundland mortgage lenders may require borrowers to have fire insurance coverage as a loan condition. This is because the property is collateral for the loan, and the mortgage lender may require coverage to protect the property from loss or damage.
Can I bundle home insurance with auto insurance in Newfoundland?
Yes, you can bundle home insurance with auto insurance in Newfoundland. Insurance companies typically offer bundled packages, and getting one can lead to big cost savings. It can also be more convenient for managing your insurance policies and premium payments, so you should compare bundles between insurers to see what discounts and levels of coverage they offer.
It’s my first time owning a house in Newfoundland. What type of home insurance should I get?
Before choosing a home insurance policy, first-time homeowners should consider the following factors:
– Financial capability
– Risk of exposure to specific risks in their area, such as flooding or earthquakes
– Home value and condition
If you’re on a low budget and live in an area that isn’t prone to natural disasters or crime, a basic policy may be enough for your needs. But if you want to cover all your bases, comprehensive home insurance will help you rest easy.
Talk to your insurance provider to find the best option for your budget and the coverage you need.
Who has the best home insurance rates in Newfoundland?
There’s no definitive company that offers the “best” home insurance rates in Newfoundland. This is because different providers will have their own processes for assessing the cost of providing coverage, so premiums vary from company to company for the same homeowner-applicant.
To find the best Newfoundland home insurance rates, compare offers through MyChoice’s home insurance calculator. We can help you find the most affordable options on the market.
Will I be charged if I switch home insurance providers in Newfoundland?
Yes, you may be charged if you switch home insurance providers in Newfoundland. Depending on the terms of your current policy, your provider may charge a fee for cancelling your policy before its expiration, while others don’t. Review your policy and talk to your provider to prepare for potential penalties.
What companies offer high-risk home insurance in Newfoundland?
Most insurance companies in Newfoundland offer high-risk home insurance. However, the rates that they’ll present will vary depending on their assessed risk of insuring your property in your area, as well as the factors that make you “high-risk”.
High-risk home insurance can be much more expensive than a standard policy, so compare rates through MyChoice to find affordable coverage for your home.
What is a home insurance peril?
A home insurance peril is a risk or event that may cause damage or loss to your home, covered by your home insurance policy. Examples of perils typically covered by standard home insurance policies in Newfoundland are:
– Hail and ice damage
– Fire and smoke
– Damage from lightning strikes
– Theft
– Vandalism
Do I need home insurance before closing in Newfoundland?
You need home insurance before closing in Newfoundland if your mortgage lender requires it. Lenders require you to get home insurance because they have a stake in your property as well.
What factors aren’t used to calculate Newfoundland home insurance rates?
Factors that aren’t used to calculate Newfoundland home insurance rates include:
– Disability
– Marital status
– Political affiliation
– Race
– Religion
– Sexual orientation and gender
How is home insurance regulated in Newfoundland?
Home insurance in Newfoundland is regulated by Digital Government and Service NL (DGSNL). It’s responsible for regulating all insurance related-matters, including dispute mediation.