Save up to 25% on the best home insurance in Halifax
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is located on the East coast of Canada and has close to 500,000 residents. Although it is the largest city on the East coast of Canada, it has a small town feel, so residents get the best of both worlds. Surrounded by nature there is lots to do outdoors as well as a large array of restaurants, bars, and pubs. Youâll find a Celtic feel among the capital that honours the province as Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland. Halifax has a lower cost of living compared to larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Of course, people go for the breathtaking views the city has to offer from the beautiful backdrop of Peggyâs Cove to the colourful painted houses of the communities dotting the coastline with iconic ocean views of the Atlantic.
By comparing rates on Surex.com, Halifax homeowners can find home insurance that keeps their property safe and their budget intact.
This provides coverage for loss and damage to your property and/or any assets.
This would provide protection against a lawsuit resulting from damaged property or personal injuries
A predetermined amount of money that you must pay towards the cost of the claim. Home insurance has different deductibles for different coverage.
These are optional coverages you can buy that protect you for water damage such as sewer back up and fresh water flooding.
This allows for the protection of your âclaims free discountâ in the event of your first claim.
Referring to 'special limits' on items like jewellery or art if the value is greater than the special limit you should list the item separately.
When you purchase comprehensive home coverage, it means you are covered for anything that is not excluded.
When you purchase broad home coverage, it limits your contents coverage to only specific coverages, (ie. theft, fire, water damage, etc.)
Home Insurance in Halifax - What You Need to Know
The average cost of home insurance in Halifax is approximately $65 per month, or $780 annually, and is based on location in the city and the neighborhood. But, always talk to your dedicated insurance advisor as prices are determined by multiple factors and your amount may differ. Here's why:
Home insurance rates in Halifax are impacted by a range of variables, including age and location of the home, type of home, home construction details, the replacement cost of the home, personal claims history, coverages selected, deductible amount, the value of possessions, nature of home improvements, neighbourhood crime rate, and home safety and security features.
The top Canadian home insurance companies examine a number of factors when determining home insurance rates in White Rock. Here are some of the main variables that are considered:
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Coverages. Home insurance has three primary coverage types: Comprehensive (or All Perils), Basic (or Named Perils), and Broad. Comprehensive offers the most robust coverage for your home, and is, therefore, the most costly coverage type. Beyond these three main coverage types, if you require extra protection (i.e. for high-value items or water damage), you may be required to purchase additional coverages, which would result in a higher premium. Speak with a Dedicated Insurance Assistant to get a professional and unbiased opinion about what coverage type is right for you.
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Replacement cost. Home insurance is based on the cost to replace your home in its current condition, not the market value of your home. Therefore if the unthinkable happens and you lose your home in a fire, you would be reimbursed at the âreplacement cost value of your home. For example, if your home costs roughly $400,000 to completely rebuild â even if itâs worth $750,000 on the open market â you would receive a $400,000 payout from your insurance company in the event of a total loss. So when purchasing home insurance, you only need coverage for the lower replacement cost value, not the higher market value.
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Residence type. The top Canadian home insurance companies consider whether you have a condo, townhouse, detached home, semi-detached home, seasonal residence, or rental property.
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Home improvements. Renovations and home betterment projects will likely raise the replacement value of your home, and will thus raise your premiums. Be sure to report all home upgrades to your Dedicated Insurance Assistant.
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Personal claims history. Insurance rates are always influenced by your claims history. If you have a track record of making few or no claims, you will be viewed as a low-risk customer by your insurance company, and should expect to see lower rates as a result.
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Home safety. Centralized sprinklers systems, carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms, deadbolts, and proximity to police stations and fire hydrants could result in a discount to your premium.
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Value of belongings. Basic home insurance will protect your home and your belongings, but if you own high-value items, such as costly antiques or an expensive sound system, you may need to purchase additional coverage, which will raise your annual premium.
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Local crime. The crime rate in your neighbourhood could have an impact on your home insurance premium, as it may increase (or decrease) your chance of making a claim.
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Deductible. The amount youâre responsible for paying in the event of a claim (i.e. your deductible) will have an impact on your rate. Generally, a higher deductible will lower your home insurance premium.
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Home construction factors. Variables such as type of electrical wiring, the condition of your roof, the quality and age of your plumbing, the heat source, and the age of your home are all considered by the top Canadian home insurance companies when calculating your premiums.
A basic homeowners insurance policy in Halifax will cover your home and its contents against a range of damages and perils. Here are some of the threats you can expect to be protected against:
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Weather-related damages are typically covered, including damages from thunderstorms, hail, severe wind, earthquakes, and hurricanes. However, water damage from flooding may require additional coverage, so speak with a Dedicated Insurance Assistant about what weather threats are covered, and what are not.
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Home break-ins, vandalism, and theft
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Explosion damage
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Impact from a plane, helicopter, or vehicle
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Fire and smoke damage
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Frozen pipe damage
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Detached structures on your property are covered, including guest houses, garages, and sheds. Be sure to disclose all structures prior to securing your home insurance policy.
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Coverage if someone is accidentally injured while on your property
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Coverage if you accidentally cause damage to another personâs property
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Coverage for the cost of temporary housing (i.e. apartment rental, hotel) for the duration of home repairs (or replacement)
Comparing quotes online is the easiest and fastest way to find cheap home insurance. By visiting Surex.com, Halifax homeowners can compare offers from up to 10 of Canadaâs leading home insurance companies, all with a few clicks of a mouse. And the quotes they see are free and no obligation, so itâs the perfect low-pressure environment to find the best policy for your individualized property needs. Once homeowners find a competitive rate, they can speak on the phone with a Dedicated Insurance Assistant to learn about more ways to lower their home insurance premium, including bundling their policies, raising their deductibles, and paying annually instead of monthly. Comparing quotes online is the first step to finding the best and cheapest home insurance in Halifax.
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
- Halifax Waterfront
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Walk along the waterfront boardwalk
- Visit the Old Town Clock
- Stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens
- Dilly Dally coffee cafe
- Wired Monk
- Cabin Coffee
Have questions? We've got answers!
When searching for an affordable home insurance policy, look for the best price, the appropriate type, and the right amount of coverage. To find a good rate, use Surex.com and ask your Dedicated Insurance Assistant about other ways to lower your premium. To find the right coverage type â Comprehensive vs. Basic vs. Broad â be clear about whatâs important to you. If having protection against only certain perils is all you require, you may not need Comprehensive coverage. Itâs best to explain your situation to a Dedicated Insurance Assistant who can walk you through the pros and cons of the various coverage types. Lastly, be sure you purchase enough insurance to cover the cost of replacing your home (as it currently is), and not enough to cover the market value of your home (which is usually higher). This is also something your Dedicated Insurance Assistant will be able to help you with over the phone.
There are several different types of home insurance policies you can choose from and purchase. They include:
Basic (or standard) policy: This is also known as ânamed perilsâ and is the cheapest option. This covers your house and its contents against named perils. It only covers the insured perils that are specifically stated in your policy.
Broad policy: This is considered a âmid-tierâ policy - more coverage than standard, but less than comprehensive. It covers your home against all risks (minus exclusions) and coverage for your contents against any named risks.
Comprehensive policy: This is the most expensive policy, but provides the most coverage. It covers the building, personal liability and all risks. It covers your home and its contents against all perils (except the ones specifically excluded from your insurance policy).
No Frills policy: This is coverage for properties that donât meet normal insurance standards.
In order to purchase homeowners insurance, youâll need to have a lot of information handy. Here is a summary of what youâll need to track down: date of birth, home address, social insurance number, marital status, employment information, estimated home replacement value, square footage of home, property size, detached structure details, age of home, home construction information (ie. heating, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling, septic, materials used, fireplace), purpose of home (strictly residential? operating a small business?), other insurance information (e.g. past policies, current policies, length of time with providers), mortgage information, kitchen and bathroom details, security features (i.e. lock type, fire alarm, carbon monoxide protectors, sprinkler system, security system), and information regarding your personal belongings (including if you require additional coverage for high-value items or exotic pets).
A certain number of home insurance claims are expected by insurers, usually around 1 or 2 claims every 10 years. However, if a policyholder exceeds this, they risk being considered high-risk, and thus facing higher premiums. The amount that your insurance goes up after a claim depends on whether or not youâre a high-risk customer, the frequency of your claims, and the amount of your claims. Thereâs no standardized rate increase structure, so it could vary for each provider. Itâs possible that your rates could jump by 30% following a major claim, or they may only go up 10% or 15%. One thing is for sure â home insurance claims will result in premium increases, and repeat claims could put you at risk of being denied coverage altogether. When possible, avoid making claims (especially minor claims).