Ontario Home Insurance: Can You File a Claim After Repairs?

Unexpected damage can strike your home at any point in time. It is natural for you to fix the place you live in. However, you must be prepared to file the claim as well. But wait, what happens when you repair the damage before filing a claim? People often get confused about whether a claim may not be accepted and whether they might not be reimbursed. The short answer is yes! Homeowners can still file an insurance claim after repairs, but doing so is risky and can complicate the insurance process. This blog post will highlight the key aspects of home insurance in Ontario, Canada, including coverage details, the claim process, and more.

What is Covered Under Home Insurance?

Home insurance coverage in Ontario protects your home, personal belongings, and more. Here are a few components that are covered under home insurance:

• Dwelling Coverage

This helps protect the physical structure of your home, including the walls, roof, floors, windows, and built-in fixtures. If any attached structures are damaged, they can also be covered under it.

• Personal Property Coverage

Home insurance often covers personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, and other valuables, for reimbursement.

• Other Living Expenses

When homeowners need to live elsewhere while their home is being repaired, insurance carriers will also cover hotel bills, meals, and other moving expenses.

• Personal Liability Coverage

If anyone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property, you can file an insurance claim. It can cover legal fees, medical bills, and even settlements.

Why Filing a Home Insurance Claim After Repairs is Risky

When you file a claim after repairs, it often carries significant risks that can lead to denial and reduced reimbursement. Here are a few risks when filing a claim after repairs:

• Lack of Evidence

  When homeowners have repairs completed, insurance companies may have difficulty inspecting the physical damage. Preliminary repairs often remove all evidence, reducing the ability to detect damage.

• Policy Violations

  Home insurance policies often require homeowners to allow the insurer to inspect the property before repairs are made. If you complete repairs without notifying your insurer, your claim may be denied.

• Risk of Inadequate Repairs

  When you get your house repaired by a non-licensed professional, there are risks of inadequate repairs. An insurer may refuse  reimbursement for such repairs.

• Lower Settlements

  If you have already repaired all the damages from your pocket, then the insurer might not reimburse you fully. There is a chance that they might offer lower settlements.

How to File a Home Insurance Claim?

Have you suffered from severe damage to your home? If so, then you must file an insurance claim as soon as possible. If you are unaware of the home insurance claim process in Ontario, then read on. Here is how you can file the claim:

• Ensure Safety and Prevent Further Damage

Safety is the most important thing. It doesn’t matter what; you must ensure you are safe. Then take the necessary steps to prevent future damage. See if there’s anything you can do to control the situation. Cover broken windows or fix the roof temporarily. Make sure to keep receipts for all the materials.

• Document the Whole Damage

Make sure to take photos and videos of all the damage caused to your property, belongings and any injuries to people. Don’t start with the repairs before documenting everything.

• Inform Your Insurance Company

After you have documented everything, contact your insurance company. Make sure not to delay informing them, as the longer the delay, the higher the risk of claim denial. Explain to them thoroughly what happened and what things are damaged.

• File a Police Report

If you are facing damage due to theft, burglary, or vandalism, you should file a police report. Explain the situation to them and provide all the required documents.

• Submit the Evidence

After filing the claim and a police report, you should submit all the evidence. Share every photo and video you have recorded of the damage. Also, submit the police report, inventory of lost items, repair estimate, and proof of ownership to your insurer.

• Meet the Adjuster

The insurance company will appoint an adjuster who will inspect the damage. If you want a fair reimbursement, then you can reach out to a public adjuster who will be present with you during the visit. Explain to the adjuster everything and provide the gathered documents.

• Review Settlement

When the insurer assesses the damage, they will offer a settlement based on your policy coverage. Once your claim is approved by the insurance company, you will receive the payment to begin the repairs.

Considerations When Filing a Home Insurance Claim

• Inform Your Insurer Immediately

The most common mistake homeowners make is delaying informing the insurer. You must not delay the process; inform them as soon as possible. Tell them everything about what happened and how.

• Document everything

You must not have everything repaired in advance. First, document all physical damage to the house and your belongings.

• Prevent further damage

You should prevent further damage by evaluating what you can do. If you are not controlling the damage, even when you can, the insurer may still deny the claim.

• Review policy coverage

You must carefully review your policy to get to know about the deductible, policy limits, and exclusions to determine whether filing a claim is worthwhile.

• Report crime immediately

If the damage includes theft, burglary, or vandalism, you must contact the police as soon as possible. Get a claim reference number for the same.

• Keep records

You must keep a record of all the receipts, invoices, and records of the communication with your insurer.

• Get professional assistance

While you might think navigating this all is easy, it comes with a lot of complexities. An insurer won’t just approve your claim. When you are filing a home insurance claim after getting the damage repaired, there are chances of loss of reimbursement.

When to Seek Help From a Public Adjuster?

Insurance companies will assign an adjuster to handle the insurance process. However, adjusters appointed by insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They do not work in your favour. That’s where you need a public adjuster by your side.

Public adjusters like Onyx Adjusting can help you navigate the claim process. Whether you have questions about your insurance documents or anything, you can simply get in touch with Onyx Adjusting.  Our adjusters will work in your best interest and ensure you get the maximized claim payout. If your insurance claim was denied, then get in touch with us. Let us handle the claim process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is not covered under a home insurance policy?

A: There are various damages that are not covered under a home insurance policy, such as: 

• Pest infestations 
• Mould growth 
• Intentional damage
• Sewer backups 
• Maintenance & wear and tear 
• Natural disasters

Q: What can I file a claim for?

A: You can file a home insurance claim for:

• Theft and vandalism 
• Fire damage
• Property damage
• Damaged items
• Severe weather damage 
• Injury due to damage 
• Compensation for other perils mentioned in your policy

Q: Is there any time limit for the insurance claims?

A: Yes, if you experience loss or damage to your property, then you must file the claim within 90 days and 12 months, depending on the policy. Make sure to file the claim as soon as possible.