What You Should Know About Home Insurance in Ontario

The city of Ontario lies just east of downtown Los Angeles, but it has a distinct identity. Located in San Bernadino County, the city is known for its bustling industry and status as a transportation hub. The Ontario International Airport is the 15th busiest airport in the United States.

The city, developed in 1882, earned its name from founders George and William Chaffey. These Canadian residents named the original colony after their home province of Ontario, Canada. Since then, the city has grown to a population of over 175,000.

As an Ontario resident, your home needs protection from the kind of catastrophic events that are outside your control. The expert agents with InsureOne are here to answer your questions about high-quality California homeowners insurance at a price that fits your budget.

How Much Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Typically Cost in Ontario?

The value of your property is a significant factor in determining the cost of your homeowners insurance. The average premium for a policy for a $300,000 residence in California is $115 per month or $1,383 per year.

The following table contains the average premium prices for different kinds of houses in California.

Type of Home in California Average Annual Cost in California Average Annual Cost Nationwide
Homes $300K-$700K $1,403 $1,358
Co-ops and Condos $576 $730
High-end Homes $2,268 $1,110
Homeowners Insurance
Ready to Get a Quick Quote?

How Do Home Insurance Deductibles Change Insurance Rates in Ontario?

The cost of your insurance policy comes in two forms: your monthly premiums and your deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of your own pocket after filing a claim before you are entitled to benefits from your insurance company.

You have options when it comes to your deductible amount. When your deductible is low, you carry little risk of having to pay a large part of your claim after you suffer a loss. That said, low deductibles come with higher monthly payments. You generally have the choice of paying more each month or risking a greater one-time payment when you file a claim.

This decision is important, and it is not always an easy one to make. An experienced professional can answer your questions and guide you on the best option for your situation.

Compare Home Insurance Rates in Ontario

Our expert insurance agents can provide you with many coverage options for your home. These plans are customizable, giving you the chance to select a policy that fits your needs and your budget.

The following chart contains the average annual cost of coverage in California based on home value.

Home Value Average Annual Home Insurance Rates in CA
$300,000 $1,383
$400,000 $1,773
$500,000 $2,174
$600,000 $2,449
$700,000 $2,789

 

At InsureOne, our expert agents can help you find the best homeowners insurance coverage available.

Is Home Insurance Tax Deductible in Ontario?

California generally does not allow you to deduct the cost of your homeowners policy, at least when it comes to coverage for your primary residence. That said, there may be some exceptions for which you might qualify. It is in your best interest to discuss these matters with a tax professional to make sure you are covered.

One major exception might be an option if you work from home. If a specific area of your home is used exclusively for work purposes, you can take a partial deduction of your home insurance costs for tax purposes. This is because you are allowed to consider that to be a business expenditure.

Another option relates to any rental property you might own. These expenditures are also treated as business expenses, meaning you can fully deduct the cost of homeowners policies on those properties.

Does Ontario Have the 80% Homeowners Insurance Rule?

The “80% rule” is an industry standard that applies to the value of your homeowners policy. There is a misconception that it is some kind of state or federal law, but that is not the case. Although it is an informal standard, many insurance companies operating in Ontario have adopted it.

Under this standard, your carrier expects you to have a policy worth at least 80% of the replacement value of your home. This standard ensures that you have enough coverage to replace your home after a catastrophic loss. For example, a home with a replacement value of $500,000 needs at least $400,000 in coverage.

Determining this value is not always easy. You could benefit from working with an experienced professional in the insurance industry to determine how much coverage you need.

Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Ontario

Bunding involves purchasing two or more insurance policies from the same carrier. For example, you could get your home and auto insurance from InsureOne. Doing so can benefit you in a number of ways. First, InsureOne offers discounts on each of the policies you bundle, which can save you substantial amounts of money.

In addition to these savings, you can also simplify things by bundling coverage for your home and vehicle or other valuables with the same carrier. Managing your policies, claims, and coverage is much simpler when you only have one company to deal with.

How Does Home Composition Impact Insurance Rates?

The composition of your home can directly impact your insurance rates. For example, sturdy homes built from stone are less expensive to insure compared to buildings made from wood. While this can lead to lower premiums, it is important to note that better materials increase the replacement value. This could, in turn, increase the amount of coverage you need for your house.

Homeowners Insurance
Ready to Get a Quick Quote?

What Are the Different Types of Homeowners Coverage Offered in Ontario?

When you are considering homeowners insurance, you have eight different types of policies from which to choose. The nature of your home and the type of coverage you want will ultimately determine the right option for you. Some of the most popular examples include the following:

  • HO-1 coverage is the minimum coverage you can get for your home. It only pays out benefits for claims related to 10 specific hazards, including hail damage and fire. Numerous other issues are not covered.
  • HO-3 policies are the most popular option. Instead of covering a list of hazards, this insurance covers everything except the exclusions listed in the policy. Common examples include earthquake and flood losses.
  • An HO-4 policy is more often referred to as renters insurance. These policies cover a list of standard perils, but they only apply to the property within the home instead of the structure itself.
  • An HO-6 policy is designed specifically for condominiums and co-ops. It is referred to as “walls-in coverage,” meaning it covers everything within the building’s structure, including personal belongings, floors, ceilings, and liability coverage.
Find an office near you

What Is the Most Common Type of Home Purchased in Ontario?

Ontario is a competitive housing market where single-family homes come at a premium. Although there is a wide range of architectural designs in the city, the most common type is the bungalow style popular throughout California. Split-level homes are also plentiful. In addition to single-family homes, there are plenty of options for apartments and condominiums.

No matter what type of home you have chosen, having the right type of homeowners insurance coverage is crucial. A homeowners policy can protect not only your home but also other parts of your property, like a gazebo or custom-built dog house.

Which Common Natural Disasters Are Covered by Home Insurance in Ontario?

California has a reputation for seismic activity, and much of that is centered on Ontario and the Inland Empire. Some of the most devastating earthquakes that have occurred in the region caused widespread damage throughout the city.

Ontario faces many of the same risks that the rest of the state does. Wildfires are a growing concern, and flooding is possible in some areas. That risk is important to consider, given that flood insurance does not come with most basic policies.

Get the Best Homeowners Insurance in Ontario With InsureOne Today

InsureOne offers Ontario residents a top-tier, one-stop home insurance shopping experience. Our expert agents can tailor a policy to your needs and provide concierge service along the way.

To find the best plans in Ontario, visit us online for a free quote, come to a California office near you, or call our experts at (800) 777-5620.