1. What is the value of your property?
To calculate the amount of the policy to be paid, your insurer will, among other things, consider the value of the property to be insured.
He will therefore want to know if you are in one of the following situations:
- The inventory value of your property has increased or decreased.
- You bought goods whose value is higher than what is indicated in your contract (e.g. jewelry, bicycle, etc.)
2. Have you changed jobs?
Your new job is not likely to have an impact on your home insurance, but your client file will be up to date.
3. Are you going to do renovations?
Perhaps you are moving into a home with the intention of making renovations? In general, renovations are accompanied by an increase in the value of the insured property and the amount of the policy.
If the characteristics of your new home will change in the coming months, your insurance company should be informed to offer you a protection that reflects the improvements you have made to your home.
Here are the renovations that can increase the value of your home:
- Renovation of the kitchen and the bathroom
- Addition of new rooms
- Finishing the basement
Swimming pool, spa or sauna?
Is there or will be a swimming pool, spa or sauna at your new address? Your insurance company will want to know the answer to this question.
What if renovations can lower your insurance policy?
Some renovations reduce the risk of fire or water damage. As a result, the amount of the home insurance policy may decrease.
Among these renovations, there are:
- Replacing the water heater
- Installation of an alarm system with water leak detection
- Roof repair
- Correction of the negative slope of the land towards the house
- Replacement of a deficient wood heating system with an electric heating system
4. How do you use your home?
The risk of claims may increase in one of the following situations:
- Home office for self-employed or business owner
- Professional equipment stored at your home (e.g. tools, computer, etc.)
- Uninhabited house for more than a week
- New person living with you
- Presence of smokers in the house
- House rented, short or long term, whether with Airbnb or to a student in the basement.
5. Are you a member of a group or association?
Finally, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to enter into partnership agreements with groups and associations in order to gain customer loyalty with the discounts offered.
Do not hesitate to mention it when you call for your move. Who knows, you could get a discount!
