- TD Insurance survey shows Alberta homeowners don't have all the
insurance facts on renovations -
CALGARY, April 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Most Albertans who decide to renovate
their homes this spring will forget an important step: they won't
consider the insurance implications of their renovations. According to
research from TD Insurance, only 5% of homeowners in Alberta checked
their policy to ensure they were covered during their latest renovation
and just 13% asked their insurer if their policy needed an update
following their upgrades.
"Whether you're installing water-efficient plumbing or simply new
cabinetry, before you pick up a hammer or drill, it's important to
understand and learn more about the insurance implications of upgrading
your home," says Dave Minor, a vice president at TD Insurance. "For
example, while being handy around the home is convenient for upgrades
such as painting or installing crown molding, more challenging projects
like tackling the electrical work yourself could actually invalidate
your insurance policy. Speaking with your insurance provider can be a
quick way to help clarify the unknown."
Dave Minor busts three common home insurance myths and offers advice for
handy homeowners to consider before upgrading their abode:
Myth #1: "My home will be covered under my original insurance policy
during renovations"
Fifty-three percent of homeowners in Alberta incorrectly believe they
will always be covered by their original home insurance policy while
their home is being renovated, and 18% are unaware that moving out for
more than 30 days during renovations requires a policy update.
"Upgrades requiring extensive work, such as adding an extension to your
home, may require you to change your entire policy to a building under
construction," says Minor. "And, if you're not living in your home
during renovations, it becomes an easier target for thieves and
undetected water damage, which is why your insurer may require you to
secure a vacancy permit if you move out for more than a month."
Myth #2: "If my contractor is injured on my property while working, his
insurance will cover it"
Contractors are trained professionals, but accidents can and do happen.
However, 39% of Alberta homeowners incorrectly believe that if a
contractor is hurt on their property while working, they will not be
liable.
"If a contractor or their employees are injured on your property, you
could be liable for their medical bills, lost wages, or damages for
pain and suffering - all out of your own pocket," says Minor. "When
choosing a builder, ask to see their public liability insurance
certificate. The amount of insurance coverage they have would depend on
the type of renovation, the number of employees and cost of the
renovation. The higher the limits of coverage, the more protection you
would have."
Myth #3: "Renovations don't affect my insurance coverage"
Many homeowners in Alberta don't know which renovations can decrease
your premiums, but are willing to find savings: eight-in-ten homeowners
said they would be likely to make certain upgrades to their home if
they could save money on insurance premiums in the longer term. "Simple
renovations like installing security devices, such as alarm systems and
deadbolts, or fixing your weathered roof may decrease your premiums,"
says Minor.
On the other hand, many homeowners in Alberta don't know the types of
renovations that can impact their premiums: 21% are unaware that
upgrading your electrical system or replacing a weathered roof could
lower your premiums, and half did not know that installing granite
countertops or expensive appliances could increase their premiums.
"Remember, anything that may impact the value of your home or
probability of a claim will also affect what and how much insurance
coverage you need," says Minor. "Although water proofing your basement
may not be as exciting as new stainless steel kitchen appliances, these
types of renovations can help protect your home and belongings. It's
always a good idea to talk to your insurance provider to understand
more about your coverage."
Looking to learn more about home insurance? Visit the TD Insurance Learning Centre for more information.
About the TD Insurance Survey
TD Insurance commissioned Environics Research Group to conduct an online
custom survey of 2,748 Canadians aged 18 and older, including 225
homeowners in Alberta who have insurance. Responses were collected from
February 7 to 18, 2013.
About TD Insurance
TD Insurance offers a wide range of products to help protect clients
from the 'accidents of life' including credit protection, auto, home,
health, life, and travel insurance. With more than 3 million clients,
TD Insurance authorized products and services are available through a
network of more than 1,150 TD Canada Trust branches, the Internet and
telephone. For more information, visit www.tdinsurance.com
SOURCE: TD Insurance
