Annual home insurance checklist

This checklist will help your insurance broker assess your home insurance needs when it comes time to renew your policy.

Have you passed a milestone birthday that would entitle you to a discount? (Some age-based discounts apply as early as age 45.)
Has there been a change in the number of people living with you in your home? For example, has a child moved out or is s/he living in a boarding school or university residence?
Do you travel frequently?
Are you away from home for long periods?
Do you participate in a holiday home exchange?
Do you have items such as a boat, trailer or RV, and are they kept at home or in another location?
Is yours a non-smoking household?
Are you planning on moving? If so, your broker can advise you about coverage should this home or your next home be vacant for a period of time, and about insuring your next home.
Have you bought or sold a recreational property?
Do you now employ in-home staff such as a nanny or housekeeper?

Are property valuations still appropriate? A valuation for insurance purposes differs from the assessed value and the appraised value, just as the cost to replace a structure often differs from the cost of original construction. Have you recently installed a burglar alarm, fire alarm, window bars or sprinkler system?
Have you installed a solid-fuel heating appliance (i.e. wood or pellet stove)?
Have you made any major renovations, upgrades or additions to the home?
Have you added a garage, storage shed or gazebo?
Has there been a change to municipal zoning, bylaws or fire protection?

Is the coverage on your home's contents adequate? Often it's based on a percentage of the property value, and may not provide for special high-end items you may own.
Have you installed a pool or hot-tub?
Have you bought or inherited any major items that need extra coverage, or have you sold something for which you had previously arranged special coverage? Some areas to consider in this regard are: jewellery, furs; collections such as art, antiques, coins, stamps, sports cards; musical instruments, cameras, compact discs, entertainment systems; recreational and sporting equipment; firearms; medical equipment; gardening equipment/tractors; tools.
Do you have property in storage or located elsewhere?

Do you need to have specialized tools or equipment for your work that you keep at home or take with you to the job site?
Have you started conducting business from your home? Do you have additional computer hardware or software?
Do you rent out part of your residence or take in boarders?