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.

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.

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.

At Merit Insurance, we know Halloween is full of treats, costumes, and creative decorations, but sometimes the tricks can cause more than a fright. Between busy doorsteps, flickering candles, and extra visitors, a lot can happen on Halloween night that might leave you wondering: Would my home insurance cover this?

Let’s take a look at a few common Halloween mishaps and what your home insurance might do to help.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Trick-or-treating means plenty of visitors on your property and sometimes that can lead to accidents. If a child or adult is injured while on your property, your personal liability coverage may help cover medical expenses or legal costs. To help prevent these claims, keep pathways clear, secure loose cords, and make sure your porch and steps are well-lit.

2. Property Damage
Halloween decorations bring out creativity but also some risks. If your home or yard is damaged by vandals (for example, egged walls or broken windows), most home insurance policies cover vandalism and malicious mischief. Just remember to document any damage and file a claim promptly if needed.
Pro tip: Keep your property well-lit and consider motion sensor lights or security cameras to deter mischief-makers.

3. Fire from Decorations or Candles
Jack-o’-lanterns and string lights set the Halloween mood, but they also raise fire hazards. If a fire damages your home or belongings, your home insurance’s fire coverage would typically apply. Opt for battery-operated candles and check that your extension cords and light strings are in good condition to reduce the risk of an accident before the night begins.

4. Pet Scares
Even the friendliest pets can get startled by costumes or constant doorbell ringing. If your pet injures a guest or another animal, liability coverage may come into play, depending on your policy and the circumstances. Consider keeping pets in a quiet, separate room during trick-or-treat hours to avoid stress and surprises.

5. Stolen Decorations or Property
Unfortunately, theft can spike around Halloween. Whether it’s a missing inflatable ghost or stolen packages left at your door, home insurance may help replace stolen outdoor items, depending on your coverage and deductible. To prevent theft, bring in smaller decorations at night, keep valuables out of sight, and lock up when you head out for festivities.

A Safe and Spooky Night

Most Halloween mishaps are minor, but it’s always better to know where your coverage stands before the unexpected happens. If you’re unsure how your home insurance applies to certain scenarios, or whether your coverage is up to date, your Merit broker is here to help.

Enjoy the fun, stay safe, and keep those scares limited to the costumes, not your insurance claims!

As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home, property, and even your vehicle for the months ahead. Seasonal maintenance doesn’t just protect your home; it helps prevent costly insurance claims that may not always be covered. From roof repairs to road safety, a little preparation now goes a long way toward reducing risks in the season ahead.

Does Home Insurance Cover Maintenance Issues?

It’s essential to understand that home insurance is designed to cover sudden and unexpected losses, rather than wear and tear. Damage caused by routine maintenance issues is typically excluded from coverage. This includes:

• Plumbing backups
• Foundation cracks that lead to leaks
• Appliances that break down over time
• Roof leaks from missing or damaged shingles

That’s why proactive upkeep is key. By staying ahead of seasonal maintenance, you can avoid problems that lead to stress, expense, and uncovered claims.

Proactive Fall Maintenance for Home & Property

Taking care of both the inside and outside of your home before winter sets in helps reduce risks and prevent costly claims. Key tasks include:

• Inspect plumbing and pipes – Check for leaks and insulate before freezing weather.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Replace batteries and ensure devices work properly.
• Check the furnace – Schedule a tune-up and replace filters.
• Seal windows and doors – Prevent drafts, moisture entry, and higher energy costs.
• Clean dryer vents – Reduce fire risk by clearing lint buildup.
• Clean gutters and downspouts – Avoid water backup and ice dams.
• Trim trees and branches – Minimize the risk of falling limbs during storms.
• Inspect the roof – Repair missing shingles or minor issues before snow arrives.
• Store outdoor furniture and equipment – Prevent wind damage and reduce liability risks.
• Check walkways and driveways – Repair cracks to reduce slips, trips, and falls.

By handling these jobs now, you protect your home’s interior, exterior, and surrounding property from water damage, fire hazards, and storm-related issues, keeping your home safer and your insurance claims to a minimum.

Seasonal Hazards and Automobiles

Fall brings shorter days, wet leaves, and early frost, conditions that can create hazards for drivers. To reduce risks:

• Check tires and brakes – Ensure proper tread depth and braking performance.
• Replace wiper blades – Improve visibility during fall rain and early snow.
• Top up fluids – Especially antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
• Prepare an emergency kit – Keep blankets, a flashlight, and basic tools in your vehicle.

While auto insurance covers collision and comprehensive losses, prevention helps you stay safe and avoid claims altogether.

Insurance and Prevention: Working Together

Insurance is your safeguard against the unexpected, but the best protection comes from combining coverage with preventative action. Fall clean-up helps you reduce risks, protect your property, and minimize claims.

If a claim does happen, your Merit broker will guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your coverage and next steps. Although the seasons may change, Merit Insurance is here to help you year-round.

Disclosure:

These lists cover the main points, but there may be other things you’ll need to take care of as well. Think of these as a starting point rather than a complete list.

As summer winds down, families across Ontario are preparing for the back-to-school season. New routines, after-school activities, and packed schedules can make this an exciting but busy time of year. It’s also a good reminder to ensure your insurance coverage keeps pace with the changes in your household.

Here are a few key areas families should review as the school year begins:

1. Driving Teenagers to School or Practice

If you have a new driver in the house, now is the time to confirm that they’re properly listed on your auto insurance policy. Even if they drive only occasionally, proper coverage is essential. For younger students, carpooling arrangements should also be reviewed, as understanding liability and accident benefits can help keep everyone protected.

2. Student Away at College or University

When a child moves away from home for school, your home insurance may extend some coverage to their belongings in a dorm or student rental. However, this varies depending on the policy. Reviewing coverage limits ensures laptops, textbooks, and personal items are protected against theft or damage.

3. School Sports and Activities

From soccer fields to school trips, kids stay active and that sometimes comes with bumps and bruises. Auto insurance benefits only apply if an injury is tied to a motor vehicle accident, so they won’t step in for sports or extracurricular mishaps. That’s why it can be worth exploring extra protection to keep your family covered no matter where their activities take them.

4. Technology at Home and On-the-Go

Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are now essential tools for learning. With students bringing devices to and from school, it’s essential to understand how they’re covered under your home policy and whether additional protection, such as a cyber endorsement, is necessary.

5. Updating Your Information

A new school year often means changes in schedules, addresses, or vehicles. Keeping your insurance provider updated ensures your coverage reflects your current lifestyle and reduces the risk of surprises when you need it most.

At Merit Insurance, we know families are juggling a lot this time of year. That’s why we work one-on-one with you to make sure your coverage supports your household’s changing needs, whether that means adjusting an auto policy, reviewing home insurance, or discussing additional coverage options.

Contact us today to review your insurance before the school year begins in full.

Flood Risks During Spring Thaw

At Merit Insurance, we know that as winter fades and temperatures rise, homeowners welcome the arrival of spring. However, with the change in season comes a significant risk—spring thaw flooding. The melting snow, heavy rains, and frozen ground can lead to rising water levels and potential damage to homes. Taking the proper steps ahead of time can help homeowners reduce the risk and avoid costly repairs.

Why Spring Thaw Increases Flood Risk

Spring thaw creates a perfect storm for flooding due to several factors:

• Melting Snow: A rapid temperature increase can lead to large amounts of snow melting quickly, overwhelming drainage systems and nearby water bodies.
• Frozen or Saturated Ground: If the ground remains frozen or overly saturated, it cannot absorb excess water, leading to runoff and pooling.
• Heavy Rainfall: Spring often brings significant rainfall, which adds to already high water levels and increases the chance of localized flooding.
• Blocked Drains and Ice Jams: Melting ice and debris can clog storm drains and rivers, causing water to go back into streets and homes.

How Homeowners Can Reduce Flood Risk

To lower the chances of flood damage, homeowners should take action before the thaw begins:

1. Keep Water Flowing Away from Your Home

• Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves, ice, and debris so water can flow freely.
• Extend downspouts at least six feet away from the foundation.
• Make sure sump pumps are working and have a battery backup in case of power outages.

2. Protect Your Basement and Foundation

• Seal foundation cracks to stop water from seeping into basements.
• Install window well covers to keep water from pooling around basement windows.
• Move valuables and electrical appliances off basement floors.

3. Improve Your Yard’s Drainage

• Ensure the ground slopes away from your foundation so water drains correctly.
• Avoid piling snow close to the house, as it can lead to excessive runoff when it melts.
• Clear storm drains near your property to prevent water buildup.

4. Review Your Insurance Coverage

• Standard home insurance policies usually do not cover flooding from melting snow or heavy rain.
• Overland flood insurance can help protect against water entering your home from overflowing rivers, rainfall, or snowmelt.
• Talk to your insurance broker to ensure you have the right coverage based on your home’s location and risk factors.

What to Do If Water Gets In

Even with preparation, flooding can still happen. If water starts to enter your home:

• Move valuables and essential documents to a dry, higher area.
• Shut off electricity if water levels rise near outlets or appliances.
• Avoid direct contact with floodwater, as it may be contaminated.
• Contact your insurance provider immediately to report damage and start the claims process.

Stay Ahead of the Thaw

Spring-thaw flooding is a reality many homeowners face, but the proper precautions can make all the difference. By making small changes and ensuring proper insurance coverage, you can reduce the risk of damage to your home. If you have questions about flood insurance, Merit Insurance is here to help.

At Merit Insurance, we believe in more than just policies—we believe in protecting what matters most to you. Our team takes the time to understand your needs and provide guidance on the best coverage for your home. Whether you’re looking for flood protection or want to review your current policy, we’re here to help with honest advice and personalized service. Reach out to us today and experience the Merit Difference.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Items Often Overlooked in Your Home Insurance

At Merit Insurance, we know spring cleaning is more than just dusting and decluttering—it’s about ensuring your home and everything in it is protected. While you’re freshening up your space, it’s a great time to take a closer look at your home insurance policy. Some things often go unnoticed, and that could leave you without the coverage you need. Here’s a checklist to help you review what might be missing.

1. High-Value Items and Collections

If you own expensive jewelry, art, or collectibles, your standard home insurance might not cover their full value. If you’ve added to your collection or their value has increased, consider updating your policy to ensure they’re protected.

2. Home Renovations and Upgrades

Have you updated your kitchen, finished your basement, or added a new deck? Home improvements can raise your property’s value; you could be underinsured if your policy doesn’t reflect those changes.

3. Home-Based Businesses

Running a business from home? Your standard policy may not cover business-related losses. You might need extra coverage if you store inventory, have expensive equipment, or meet clients at home.

4. Outdoor Structures and Equipment

Sheds, detached garages, pools, and fences are often overlooked. Ensure they’re covered for fire, theft, and weather damage.

5. Personal Liability Coverage

With warmer weather comes more time spent outside. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or the kids are playing on a trampoline, accidents happen. Reviewing your liability coverage can help protect you if someone gets hurt on your property.

6. Emergency Preparedness

Spring is a good time to check your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. Proper safety measures keep your home and family safer and can sometimes qualify you for insurance discounts.

7. Flood and Sewer Backup Coverage

With heavy rain and melting snow, spring can increase the risk of water damage. Standard policies don’t always include coverage for flooding or sewer backup, so check if you need to add extra protection.

8. Seasonal and Recreational Equipment

Bicycles, kayaks, and lawn equipment—if you’re pulling these out of storage, now’s the time to check whether they’re covered, especially if they’re kept in a shed or garage. Theft or damage to these items may not be included in a basic policy.

Final Thoughts

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about ensuring you’re covered for the unexpected. Taking a little time now to review your home insurance can help you avoid costly surprises later. Not sure where to start? Give Merit Insurance a call. We’re here to help you ensure your home and everything in it is adequately covered.