Wildfires are once again affecting Ontario, with active fires in northern parts of the province and wildfire smoke travelling into southern Ontario. The smoke has created hazy conditions and air quality concerns across several communities, demonstrating how the impact of a fire can extend far beyond where it begins.

For Ontario homeowners, current conditions are an important reminder to understand how your home insurance may respond to fire-related damage and whether your coverage still reflects your home today.

Does Home Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

In most cases, home insurance policies cover damage caused by fire, including wildfire. The Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that virtually every home insurance policy covers fire damage, provided the fire was not intentionally started by the policyholder or a member of their household.

Depending on your policy, coverage may apply to your home, personal belongings and certain additional structures on your property.

Every policy has specific terms, conditions, limits and exclusions, which is why understanding your individual coverage before a loss occurs is important.

What About Smoke Damage?

A fire does not have to reach your property directly to cause damage.

Smoke and soot can affect walls, ceilings, furniture, clothing and other belongings. Whether smoke-related damage is covered will depend on the cause of the damage and the terms of your insurance policy.

With wildfire smoke affecting parts of Ontario, homeowners can follow current fire conditions through the Government of Ontario’s Forest Fires resources and speak with their broker about questions related to fire and smoke coverage.

What Happens If You Have to Leave Your Home?

If an insured fire makes your home unliveable, your policy may include Additional Living Expense coverage, often referred to as ALE.

This coverage may help with additional costs such as temporary accommodations and increased living expenses while you are unable to return home. Coverage limits and time periods vary by policy.

Are You Prepared to Document Your Belongings?

After a major fire, remembering every item in your home can be difficult.

Consider creating a home inventory by taking photos or videos of each room and keeping records for higher-value belongings. Important documents and inventory records should be stored somewhere you can access if you are unable to return home.

Homeowners can also review FireSmart guidance from the Government of Ontario for practical steps to help reduce wildfire risks around their property.

Review Your Coverage Before You Need It

The current fire situation in Ontario is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change. Homeowners should review their coverage limits, confirm their home’s replacement cost, document major property updates and understand what their policy may provide following an insured fire loss.

At Merit Insurance, we believe insurance should reflect your home, your property and the risks you face today.

Our brokers take the time to understand your individual needs, explain your coverage and help identify areas of your policy that may need to be reviewed or updated. That’s The Merit Difference: personalized service, trusted advice and a broker who is there to help you understand your insurance before you need to use it.

Have questions about fire coverage or your home insurance policy? Contact a Merit Insurance broker today to review your coverage.

Insurance coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the individual policy. Speak with your insurance broker to understand the coverage available under your policy.

When water damage happens, one of the most important questions your insurer will ask is simple: Where did the water come from?

That answer matters because not all water damage is treated the same under a home insurance policy. Two of the most commonly misunderstood coverages are overland flooding and sewer backup. They may sound similar, but they protect against very different risks.

Understanding the difference can help you avoid costly surprises when it matters most.

What Is Overland Flooding?

Overland flooding happens when water enters your home from the outside, above ground.

This usually occurs when heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or overflowing rivers and lakes cause water to collect on land and move toward your home. If that water enters through doors, windows, or foundation openings, it is generally considered overland flooding.

In Ontario, this type of loss is becoming more common as weather patterns shift and storms become more severe. Many homeowners assume this is automatically covered under standard home insurance, but that is often not the case.

Overland flood coverage is typically added as an optional endorsement to help cover things like:

• Water entering through basement windows or doors
• Damage to flooring, drywall, and personal belongings
• Cleanup and repairs after water enters from outside
• Additional living expenses if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable

Without this endorsement, damage caused by water entering from outside your home may not be covered.

What Is Sewer Backup?

Sewer backup is different. This type of loss happens when water or sewage backs up into your home through drains, toilets, sinks, or sump systems.

Instead of water coming in from above ground, sewer backup happens when drainage or sewer systems become overwhelmed or blocked. Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, aging infrastructure, and clogged municipal systems can all contribute to this type of damage.

It’s important to note that sewer backup coverage isn’t just for homes connected to municipal sewer systems. Many country homes rely on private septic systems, and this endorsement can help cover damage if a septic system backs up into the home. A common misconception among rural homeowners is that because they don’t have a municipal sewer connection, sewer backup coverage isn’t necessary. In reality, septic systems can become overwhelmed, blocked, or fail, resulting in the same type of costly water and sewage damage.

Sewer backup coverage is also usually optional and can help cover:

● Cleanup and sanitation
● Damaged flooring, walls, and finishes
● Replacement of personal belongings
● Repairs caused by sewage or drain backup
● Additional living expenses if the property becomes uninhabitable after an insured loss

Because sewer backup claims often involve contaminated water, they can be especially disruptive and expensive to repair.

Why the Difference Matters

While both involve water damage, insurance policies treat these losses differently because the source of the water is different.

That means two homeowners with similar damage may have very different claim outcomes depending on how the water entered the home and what endorsements are on the policy.

For example:

• Water enters through a basement window after heavy rain = likely overland flooding
• Water backs up through a basement floor drain = likely sewer backup

The damage may look similar, but the coverage is not.

What About Condo Owners and Renters?

This distinction matters for condo owners and renters too.

Many assume sewer backup is only a concern for basement homes, but that is not the case. In multi-unit buildings, sewer and drainage issues can affect units on multiple floors, especially during major weather events or infrastructure failures.

Condo corporation insurance typically covers common areas and shared systems, not personal belongings, unit improvements, or temporary living expenses. If a sewer backup affects your unit or makes the building uninhabitable, your own policy may be what protects you.

Why It’s Worth Reviewing

Water losses are among the most common and expensive home insurance claims in Ontario, and they are rarely as straightforward as they seem.

The key difference between overland flooding and sewer backup comes down to one thing: how the water got in.

That small detail can determine what is covered, what is excluded, and how much you may have to pay out of pocket.

At Merit Insurance, we help clients understand exactly what their policy includes, where the gaps may be, and what should be reviewed before the next storm hits.

Insurance billing usually feels straightforward until something changes mid-policy and your payment suddenly looks different than expected. Maybe you added a vehicle, removed coverage, changed your address, or cancelled a policy early and expected a larger refund.

That’s where pro-rated billing comes in.

What Is Pro-Rated Billing?

Pro-rated billing means your premium is adjusted based on how long a policy change was actually in effect. Instead of recalculating your full annual premium, your insurer adjusts only the portion of the policy term affected by the change.

In simple terms, you are only charged or credited for the number of days the revised coverage applies.

This is one of the most common reasons clients have questions about why their monthly payment changed, why a refund was smaller than expected, or why an update made today is not showing on the next invoice.

What Can Trigger a Pro-Rated Change?

Any mid-term policy adjustment can affect billing.

For auto insurance, this often includes:

• Adding or removing a vehicle
• Adding a driver
• Changing your address
• Adjusting coverage
• Updating annual mileage or vehicle usage

For home insurance, it may include:

• Changing occupancy
• Updating coverage limits
• Removing a property

Any of these changes can result in an additional premium, a credit, or a revised payment schedule.

Why Your Monthly Payment Changed

Even if the policy change was simple, the billing impact may not be.

For example, if a policy change increases your premium halfway through the term, the additional cost is spread across the remaining payments. Because there are fewer instalments left, the increase may appear larger than expected.

In some cases, changes made close to a billing date may not appear on the next invoice. Depending on the insurer’s processing timelines and billing cycle, adjustments may show up on a future statement instead.

Why Your Refund Was Smaller Than Expected

If you cancel a policy early, many people assume they will receive back the full unused portion of their premium. Sometimes that happens, but not always.

Refunds can depend on:

• How much of the policy term has already passed
• Whether there is any outstanding premium owing
• Whether cancellation fees apply
• Whether the insurer uses a pro-rata or short-rate calculation

A pro-rata cancellation means you pay only for the days coverage was active.

A short-rate cancellation means the insurer applies a penalty for ending the policy before the renewal date, which reduces the refund amount. This is common when the policyholder chooses to cancel coverage mid-term.

Understanding Policy Cancellations

Cancellation rules vary by policy type and insurer.

For property insurance, policyholders can generally cancel coverage at any time by providing written notice. Insurers may also cancel a policy by providing advance notice, with timelines that vary depending on the reason for cancellation.

For auto insurance, Ontario regulations provide specific requirements around cancellations, including notice periods and acceptable reasons for cancellation after a policy has been in force for a certain period of time.

If a policy is cancelled due to non-payment, insurers are required to provide written notice before coverage ends. Missing payments can also affect future insurance options and premiums, making it important to address billing concerns as soon as possible.

Why the Change Didn’t Show Up Right Away

Another common surprise is when a policy change is made, but the invoice does not reflect it immediately.

This is usually a billing timing issue, not a missed update. Changes made close to your billing date may not appear until the following statement, depending on the insurer’s processing timeline and billing cycle.

Pro-rated billing is simply how insurers adjust premiums fairly when a policy changes mid-term.

While the calculation itself is straightforward, the billing result often is not. That’s why your payment may shift, your refund may be smaller than expected, or your change may not appear right away.

If something on your bill does not look right, your Merit broker can walk you through exactly how the adjustment was calculated and explain the options available to you.

In Ontario, most people are familiar with home and auto insurance, but fewer understand what happens when a claim exceeds those policy limits. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in.

An umbrella policy provides an extra layer of liability coverage that sits above your existing policies. Think of it as protection for the larger, less predictable claims, those situations where a standard policy simply isn’t enough.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is designed to extend the liability limits of your existing coverage, such as:

• Home insurance
• Auto insurance
• Recreational vehicle or watercraft policies
• Commercial general liability (for businesses)

When a claim surpasses the limits of one of these policies, your umbrella coverage steps in to cover the excess costs. It can also provide protection for certain risks that may not be included in standard policies, such as defamation, libel, or liability related to social media activity.

Why It Matters 

Liability claims in Ontario can escalate quickly. Legal fees, medical costs, and settlement amounts can easily exceed $1 million, especially in serious injury cases or lawsuits involving multiple parties.

Without sufficient coverage, those costs may come out of pocket, putting personal assets or business finances at risk.

Umbrella insurance helps bridge that gap, offering broader and more cost-effective protection per dollar of coverage compared to increasing limits on individual policies alone.

Real-Life Example

Consider a major auto accident where you are found at fault. Your standard auto policy may cover damages up to its liability limit, but if the claim exceeds that amount, due to injuries, lost income, or legal action, your umbrella policy can cover the remaining costs.

The same applies to incidents at your home, rental properties, or even situations involving your children or other household members.

Who Should Consider Umbrella Insurance?

While umbrella insurance can benefit almost anyone, it’s especially valuable if you:

• Have significant assets to protect
• Own a home, rental property, or cottage
• Have a young or inexperienced driver in the household
• Travel frequently, including outside of Canada
• Volunteer or sit on boards
• Are active on social media or involved in public-facing activities
• Own a business or have exposure to liability risks

For business owners, umbrella insurance is equally important. It provides additional protection over commercial general liability, commercial auto, and other business policies, helping safeguard against large claims involving customer injury, property damage, or reputational harm.

What Does It Cover?

Umbrella insurance typically includes:

• Bodily injury liability
• Property damage liability
• Legal defence costs and settlements
• Personal injury claims (libel, slander, defamation)
• Incidents occurring outside of Canada

Coverage terms are often broader than standard liability policies, giving you protection in scenarios that might otherwise be excluded.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

The right limit depends on your individual situation. Factors include your assets, lifestyle, business operations, and overall exposure to risk.

A Merit Insurance broker will review your existing policies and identify any gaps to help determine the appropriate level of umbrella coverage.

The Bottom Line

Umbrella insurance isn’t just for high-net-worth individuals, it’s for anyone looking to protect what they’ve built. In a world where claims can quickly exceed standard limits, having that extra layer of coverage can make a significant difference.

Understanding how umbrella insurance works today can help you avoid financial strain tomorrow.

Water damage is rarely something homeowners plan for. It starts quietly, a heavy rainfall, a backed-up drain, a small leak that goes unnoticed. Then suddenly, there’s water in the basement, flooring is damaged, and cleanup crews are on site. It’s at this point, when stress is already high, that many homeowners first discover how much their deductible really matters.

Why Water Claims Work Differently

Most homeowners are familiar with their standard deductible, the amount they pay out of pocket when making a claim. What’s often overlooked is that water-related claims may not use that same deductible.

Depending on your policy, water damage may:

• Have its own, higher deductible
• Be subject to specific endorsements
• Be covered only under certain conditions

This means a water claim doesn’t always follow the same rules as fire or theft.

It All Comes Down to the Source of the Water

Insurance doesn’t treat all water damage the same way. Coverage and deductibles are typically tied to how the water entered the home.

For example:

• A burst pipe or failed appliance is usually considered sudden and accidental
• Sewer backup often requires optional coverage
• Flooding from heavy rain or spring thaw may only be covered if overland water protection is in place

Each category can carry its own deductible, limit, or exclusion. Two water claims can look similar but be handled very differently by a policy.

Why Water Deductibles Are Often Higher

Water losses are expensive, frequent, and sometimes affect many homes at once, especially during Ontario’s spring thaw or periods of heavy rainfall. Insurers respond to that risk by applying higher deductibles or separate water deductibles.

While higher deductibles can feel frustrating, they’re also one of the ways insurers manage large-scale losses and keep coverage available.

Spring Thaw: A High-Risk Season

Spring thaw is a prime example of how quickly water damage can occur. Frozen ground limits drainage, and melting snow has nowhere to go; overwhelmed systems can push water toward foundations and basements.

Even homes with good maintenance and grading can experience water issues when conditions align.

What’s Worth Reviewing Before There’s a Problem

Rather than discovering the details during a claim, homeowners should review:

• Which types of water damage are covered
• Whether sewer backup and overland water coverage are included
• The deductible is attached to each type of water claim
• Coverage limits and maintenance-related exclusions

These details directly affect how much a homeowner pays out of pocket after a loss.

At Merit Insurance, our role isn’t just placing coverage; it’s helping clients understand how it works in real situations. We explain deductibles, endorsements, and water risks in plain terms, so there are fewer surprises when it matters most.

If you’re unsure how your water damage deductible applies, or want to review your coverage ahead of the spring thaw or heavy rain season, our team is here to help.

A roof over your head isn’t just a saying. In Ontario, it’s what stands between your home and some of the harshest weather around. From heavy snow and ice to high winds and driving rain, your roof works year-round to protect what matters most. While most homeowners understand that roofs play a role in home insurance, what’s often overlooked is how strongly roof age, material, and condition influence coverage and claim outcomes.

Why roof age matters

As a roof ages, the likelihood of damage increases. For this reason, many insurers apply surcharges once an asphalt shingle roof reaches 20 years old, even if it appears to be in good condition. Some insurers begin limiting roof coverage as early as 10 years, settling claims on an age-adjusted basis rather than full replacement cost.

An age-adjusted settlement means depreciation is applied to the roof’s value at the time of a claim. In some cases, depreciation can be significant, reducing the amount paid toward repairs or replacement.

Ontario weather puts roofs to the test

Ontario’s climate is especially demanding on roofs. Heavy snow accumulation, freeze-thaw cycles, and strong winter winds all accelerate wear. Spring rain and summer storms add further stress, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage.

How roof type affects coverage

Roofing material also plays a key role in how a policy is rated. Asphalt shingles typically face stricter age guidelines, while materials such as metal, slate, tile, or concrete are often accepted for longer periods, sometimes up to 40 or 50 years, depending on the insurer and the roof’s condition.

Even with longer-lasting materials, age-based depreciation may still apply once certain thresholds are reached. Understanding how your roof is classified helps clarify how a claim would be handled if damage occurs.

Have you updated your roof?

One of the most common issues we see is homeowners replacing their roof without notifying their insurance broker. If the insurer isn’t informed, the policy may still be rated as though the roof is older.

This can lead to:

• Higher premiums than necessary
• Coverage restrictions that no longer apply
• Reduced claim settlements

If you’ve replaced or upgraded your roof, it’s important to ensure your policy reflects that update.

If your roof hasn’t been replaced

If your roof is approaching or beyond key age thresholds, it doesn’t mean you’re uninsured. However, it may result in higher premiums or more limited coverage. Reviewing your policy early allows time to plan ahead and avoid unexpected changes after a loss.

The bottom line

Your roof does more than keep the weather out. It plays a direct role in how your home insurance is priced and how claims are settled. Keeping roof information accurate and up to date helps ensure your coverage reflects your home as it stands today.

If you have questions about your roof, recent updates, or how your policy is structured, speak with your Merit broker to review your coverage and make sure nothing is overlooked.

At Merit Insurance, we understand that leaving your home unattended, whether for a winter escape, extended travel, or seasonal living, requires careful planning. Ontario’s changing weather, from freezing temperatures to heavy snowfall and spring thaws, can increase the risk of damage when no one is home.

Taking the right steps before you leave can help protect your property and ensure your insurance coverage responds properly if something unexpected happens.

Review Your Home Insurance Before You Go

Before travelling, it’s important to understand how your policy treats unoccupied homes. Many insurers have specific conditions related to:

• How long can a home be left unattended
• Minimum heating requirements during winter
• Expectations for regular property checks
• Coverage limitations for water damage or freezing

Protect Your Plumbing From Ontario Winters

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter claims in Ontario.

Before leaving:

• Shut off the main water supply and drain pipes if possible
• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces
• Keep your thermostat set between 12–15°C (55–59°F)
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation

If you’ll be away for an extended period, professional winterization may be worth considering.

Maintain Heat and Monitor Your Home

Even when empty, maintaining heat helps prevent damage to pipes, flooring, walls, and electrical systems.

Helpful options include:

• A smart thermostat with remote access and alerts
• Temperature monitoring devices
• A trusted neighbour or family member checking the home during cold snaps

Prevent Snow, Ice, and Roof Damage

Ontario winters can be hard on roofs and eaves.

Before leaving:

• Clean gutters to prevent ice dams
• Trim overhanging branches that could break under snow
• Arrange for snow removal if needed to avoid excessive build-up

Reduce the Risk of Water Damage

Water damage can happen year-round, especially during spring thaws or heavy rain.

Steps to take:

• Test your sump pump and consider a battery backup
• Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation
• Shut off water to appliances like washing machines

Secure Your Home

Unoccupied homes can attract unwanted attention.

Before leaving:

• Lock all doors and windows, including secondary entrances
• Use timers for interior and exterior lights
• Consider security cameras or monitored alarm systems

Arrange Regular Property Checks

Many Ontario policies require that someone checks on the home while it’s unoccupied.

Choose someone who can:

• Walk through the home periodically
• Look for leaks, temperature issues, or signs of damage
• Contact you or a professional if something doesn’t look right

Document and Prepare

Before you go:

• Take photos or videos of key areas of your home
• Leave emergency contacts and instructions with your designated checker
• Make sure they know where the water shut-off valve is located

At Merit Insurance, we believe protection starts with preparation. The Merit Difference means clear communication, proactive advice, and helping you understand your coverage before a claim ever happens.

If you’re planning to be away, connect with our team. We’ll review your policy, explain what your insurer expects, and help make sure your home and your coverage are properly prepared while you’re gone.

Winter in Canada brings more than snowbanks and frosty mornings, it brings questions, lots of them. And with so much mixed information online, it’s easy for myths to feel like facts.

At Merit Insurance, clarity is the real protection. So we’re breaking down the top Ontario-specific winter insurance myths we hear every year and sharing what actually matters when temperatures drop.

Myth #1: “Winter tires only matter for getting a discount.”

Busted: In Ontario, winter tires do qualify you for a discount — but that’s not the only reason they matter. Winter tires significantly reduce braking distance, improve control on icy roads, and lower your overall risk of a collision. Even with the discount, their biggest value is safety, not savings.

Many drivers think the discount is the main benefit, but insurers look at winter tires as a key factor in preventing claims in the first place. Installing true winter tires (not all-weather) can make a measurable difference in how your vehicle performs once temperatures drop below 7°C.

The Merit Difference:
We look beyond the discount. We make sure your coverage reflects your actual winter driving habits and help you understand how tires, driving conditions, and coverage choices work together, because preventing a winter accident is always better than dealing with one.

Myth #2: “My home insurance will always cover frozen pipes.”

Busted: Not always. If your pipes freeze because the home wasn’t maintained, heated, or properly prepared, coverage may not apply. Insurers expect reasonable prevention, especially during Ontario winters.

What you can do:

●      Keep your heat on, even when you’re away

●      Insulate exposed pipes

●      Shut off exterior water lines

●      Ask us about low-temperature monitoring requirements

The Merit Difference:
We walk you through your policy wording so you know exactly what’s covered and how to avoid costly surprises.

Myth #3: “All winter weather damage to my vehicle is covered.”

Busted: Only the right coverage protects you from winter hazards like icy collisions, snowbank damage, falling branches, hail, or vandalism during a storm. Without collision or comprehensive coverage, some losses may fall back on you.

The Merit Difference:
We adjust your auto coverage based on your driving habits, commute, and real seasonal risks, not guesswork.

Myth #4: “If someone slips on my icy walkway, insurance won’t help.”

Busted: Home insurance often includes liability protection if someone is injured on your property, but proper maintenance matters. If you never shovel or salt, you could run into issues during a claim.

What insurers expect:
Regular shovelling, salting, and reasonable winter upkeep.

The Merit Difference:
We review your liability limits with you, making sure they reflect today’s realities, not outdated defaults.

Myth #5: “Minor winter accidents aren’t worth reporting.”

Busted: Even a small parking-lot bump can become a problem later. If the other driver reports it or hidden damage appears, failing to disclose the incident can complicate future claims.

When in doubt, call us.
We help you understand what should be reported and what may qualify for collision forgiveness.

From frozen pipes to icy commutes, winter tests everything — but your insurance shouldn’t leave you out in the cold. At Merit Insurance, we take a hands-on, personal approach so you always know exactly where you stand.

To review your winter coverage or confirm your policy is fully prepared for the season, contact your Merit broker. We’re here to help you navigate winter with clarity and confidence.

Global events don’t always feel like they hit close to home — until the impact shows up in everyday expenses. From groceries to gas, Canadians have already experienced how international trade tensions can push prices higher across the board. Now, those same forces are quietly influencing another area of daily life: insurance.

Recent U.S. tariffs on essential goods and raw materials are doing more than reshaping supply chains; they’re quietly driving up the cost of car repairs, home construction, and ultimately, insurance claims here in Ontario.

At Merit Insurance, we believe that awareness empowers you to make informed decisions. Understanding how these broader economic shifts connect to your coverage helps you stay ahead and ensure your protection keeps up with changing costs.

What’s going on with tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes or duties that one country imposes on imported goods from another country, typically to protect certain domestic industries or to negotiate more favourable trade terms. These tariffs can raise the cost of goods, raw materials and components. When those goods or materials are used in cars or to build homes, the increased expense doesn’t stay in the boardrooms; it shows up in repair costs, rebuilding costs, and insurance claims.

Tariffs: higher costs for cars

Although tariffs themselves don’t directly dictate your insurance premium, the chain reaction is real:

• When imported parts become more expensive (for example, steel, aluminum, or sophisticated sensors), the cost of repairing a vehicle rises.
  
• A higher repair cost means that when an accident or damage occurs, insurers are paying out more. Over time, these higher payouts feed into higher premiums.
  
• In Ontario, where many vehicles include advanced driver-assistance systems (radar, sensors) and share parts across North America, this effect can be amplified.
  

If you drive a newer or luxury vehicle, or one with a lot of embedded technology, you may be more exposed to these cost escalations.

Tariffs: higher costs for homes

It isn’t just the auto sector that’s affected. Your home insurance coverage can also be impacted when tariffs raise construction and rebuild costs:

• Tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, or other building materials increase the cost of rebuilding or repairing homes after damage.
  
• When rebuild or repair costs rise, insurers may need to factor in higher average payout costs in their pricing models, which may result in premiums increasing.
  
• In a market where home values, material costs, and labour costs are volatile, being under-insured or having an incorrect rebuild value can leave you exposed.

What this means for you

For Ontario-based car owners, homeowners, and even small business owners, the key takeaway is that you may feel the indirect impact of tariffs through higher premiums or changes in coverage options. But you’re not powerless. At Merit Insurance, we believe in transparent, proactive insurance tailored to your specific risk profile and here’s how you can respond:

• Review your coverage regularly: Ensure that your replacement cost, deductibles, and endorsements still align with your vehicle or home. Don’t pay for extras you don’t need; ensure you’re protected where you do need it.
• Consider your policy structure: A higher deductible may reduce your premium, but ensure you could afford that deductible if a claim arises (especially when repair/rebuild costs are elevated).
• Bundle where it makes sense: Combining your home and auto (and possibly business) insurance with a single trusted broker can unlock multi-policy discounts.
• Work with a broker who stays informed: Tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation are all part of the risk landscape. A knowledgeable broker can help you navigate which insurers are managing these pressures more competitively.

The bottom line

Yes, U.S. tariffs on essential materials can raise the cost of car repairs, home construction and eventually insurance claims. And yes, that may translate into higher premiums for Ontario policy-holders over time. But being informed, working with a trusted broker, reviewing your coverage carefully and managing your risk proactively can help you stay ahead of the curve.

If you’re looking for competitive, reliable car or home insurance in Ontario, tailored to your unique situation and backed by expert guidance, reach out to us at Merit Insurance. Together, we’ll make sure you’re protected with the right coverage at the right price.