As the picturesque snowy landscape arrives in Ontario, so do the challenges of the winter season. From heavy snowfall and deep freezes to slippery conditions, taking simple, proactive steps now can reinforce the solid foundation of your home and business, preventing costly damage and ensuring you have profound peace of mind all season long.
Protect your water systems from the deep freeze. Shut off exterior water valves, drain garden hoses, and insulate all exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. This simple, time-saving task is one of the most reliable solutions to avoid major water damage claims.
Heavy snow and ice buildup can lead to ice dams and structural damage. Ensure your roof and eaves are clear of excessive accumulation. As your neighbours and partners, we also advise you to keep walkways and driveways free of ice and snow to help prevent slip-and-fall liability claims.
With furnaces and fireplaces running, maintenance is key. Have heating systems professionally inspected and serviced to ensure they are working efficiently and safely. Also, remember to check and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Winter driving conditions require comprehensive coverage and preparation. Install dedicated winter tires for improved safety and check your fluid levels, battery, and emergency kit. For those in our key areas like Kitchener, Stratford, or Guelph, being prepared for the snow squalls is essential.
For our business clients, especially those that rely on continuous operation, review your commercial property insurance and ensure your inventory is protected against winter-related perils. Protecting your business from the ground up means being ready for any weather-related interruption.
In rural Ontario, winter can be especially demanding. Ensure all livestock housing and outbuildings are structurally sound and secured against strong winds and heavy snow loads. Your farm equipment and assets are a solid foundation of your livelihood, and we offer tailored solutions to keep them protected.
Taking these proactive steps can help protect your home and family from winter-related damage. Need home insurance coverage? Strong Roots Insurance Brokers Ltd. is here to help!
what to read next
Essential Tips to Minimize Risks and Protect Your Assets
Find Answers to Your Most Common Questions
While brokers are here to provide advice and help you select coverage, it is essential to read and understand your policy. Insurance policies are legal contracts, and being aware of your coverage, exclusions, and obligations helps prevent surprises in the event of a claim.
No policy covers every possible scenario. Most insurance policies have exclusions and limitations. For instance, standard home insurance may not cover flood damage or wear and tear. It’s crucial to ask about policy limitations and consider additional coverage where needed.
Providing false or incomplete information (e.g., failing to report a new driver in your household) can lead to policy cancellation or denied claims. Honesty is crucial when applying for and maintaining insurance coverage.
Insurance rates are influenced by broader market trends, such as increased claims in your area, higher repair costs, inflation, and regulatory changes. Even if you haven’t made a claim, these factors can impact your premiums.
Loyalty to an insurer doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best rate or coverage. Insurance companies change their pricing models over time, and new discounts or coverage options may now be available that better suit your needs. We shop multiple insurers to find the best fit for you.
No, as long as the transition is properly managed. We ensure that your new policy starts the moment your old one ends so there is no lapse in coverage.
No, your claims-free history follows you. When you switch insurers, your new provider will apply any applicable claims-free or loyalty-based discounts, as long as your history remains intact.
Most insurers charge a cancellation fee if you cancel mid-term, but in many cases, the savings from switching to a better policy outweigh any penalties. We’ll help you calculate if switching now is beneficial or if it’s better to wait until renewal.
Yes, your clean claims history is an important factor in pricing, and we ensure that your new insurer recognizes it when calculating your premium.
Not necessarily. Often, clients who have been with the same insurer for years find they’re paying more than they should be. We shop for competitive pricing to ensure you’re getting the best value.
One of the most common mistakes is choosing only the minimum coverage required by law. Ontario mandates $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, but that’s not enough – that limit was set in 1979. If you’re in a serious accident, where anyone is hurt, their medical bills, lost wages, and damages could easily exceed that amount, leaving you personally responsible. We recommend at least $2M in liability coverage to protect your financial future.
If you use your vehicle for work-related activities beyond just commuting—such as making deliveries, carrying work equipment, or transporting clients—you likely need commercial auto insurance. Personal auto policies often exclude coverage for business use, meaning if you get into an accident while working, your claim could be denied. Even rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft) need special endorsements to be fully covered.
It depends. In Ontario, insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver, so if you let someone borrow your car, they may be covered under your policy. However, if the person driving was:
Then your claim could be denied, and you might have to pay out-of-pocket. Always ensure you trust whoever you lend your vehicle to.
Several factors influence auto insurance rates in Ontario, including:
A little-known fact: Some insurers rate certain vehicle models higher than others based on theft rates and repair costs. Before buying a car, check if it has a high-risk rating for insurance.
Many people purchase extra insurance at the rental counter, not realizing that:
Before renting a car, check your existing policies so you don’t overpay for unnecessary insurance.
Many people misunderstand Ontario’s no-fault insurance system. It doesn’t mean you can’t be held responsible for an accident. Instead, it means:
No-fault simplifies claims processing, but it doesn’t eliminate financial consequences for at-fault drivers.
If your home is vacant for more than 30 days, your insurance may no longer cover:
If you plan to leave your home empty, let us know! We can arrange a vacant home insurance policy or add endorsements to keep your property protected.
Cyber liability insurance. Even small businesses in Ontario are being targeted by hackers and cybercriminals. A cyberattack can result in:
Cyber liability insurance helps cover legal costs, data recovery, and financial losses caused by cyber incidents. If your business collects customer information, this coverage is no longer optional—it’s essential.
If you experience a loss, the payout you receive depends on how your policy is structured: