A Home Insurance Checklist Every Manitoba Homeowner Should Review
Home insurance is one of those things people often assume is “handled.” The policy is in place, the renewal comes up every year, and unless there’s a claim, it doesn’t get much attention.
But many home insurance issues don’t come from people being careless — they come from people not realizing how their coverage works.
At Garriock Insurance, we provide a home insurance checklist to clients when they purchase a new policy and again at renewal. The goal is simple: help homeowners understand what their policy includes, what it doesn’t, and where gaps commonly occur. This article expands on that checklist and explains why each item matters, using real-world examples we see every day.
Insurance isn’t about expecting something to go wrong — it’s about being prepared if it does.
Water Damage: Where Most Claims (and Confusion) Happen
Water damage remains one of the most common causes of home insurance claims across Manitoba. It’s also one of the areas where coverage varies the most from policy to policy.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that damage caused by sewer backup, sump pump failure, septic systems, or weeping tile is not automatically included in a standard home insurance policy. These risks usually require specific additional coverage.
Even with added coverage, insurance applies to sudden and accidental damage. Long-term leakage, seepage, or gradual wear and tear is generally excluded. This is especially important for homeowners with finished basements, where even minor water issues can become costly very quickly.
Understanding how water coverage works — and what protections you actually have — can make a significant difference during a claim.
More information on home insurance options can be found here:
https://www.garriock.ca/products/home-insurance/
Overland Water Coverage: Protection from Outside Sources
Overland water coverage protects your home from water that enters from outside sources, such as heavy rainfall, spring runoff, or overflowing rivers and lakes.
This type of coverage is optional and not available with every insurer. When it is available, it’s often recommended alongside sewer backup coverage to provide broader protection against water damage.
With Manitoba’s changing weather patterns and increasing frequency of intense rain events, this coverage is becoming more relevant for many homeowners — particularly those in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Because availability and limits vary, this is one of the most important conversations to have with your broker.
Home-Based Businesses: Small Details That Matter
Running a business from home — even a small one — can affect your insurance.
If you work from home, operate a daycare, store inventory, or use business equipment on your property, it’s important that your broker is aware. Some business activities can limit or exclude coverage under a personal home insurance policy if they aren’t disclosed.
In many cases, a home business extension can be added to provide coverage for business property and liability. If your business grows or changes, your insurance should be reviewed to make sure it still fits.
Learn more about business insurance options here:
https://www.garriock.ca/products/business-insurance/
Equipment Breakdown: Filling a Common Gap
Many homeowners assume that if their furnace, boiler, or electrical panel fails, it’s automatically covered under their home insurance. That’s not always the case.
Home equipment breakdown coverage helps protect against sudden mechanical or electrical failure of major systems, including heating and cooling equipment, electrical panels, and some appliances. Coverage can apply to losses caused by power surges, mechanical failure, or electrical issues.
This coverage is not included in all policies, but it can help reduce unexpected repair or replacement costs — especially during Manitoba’s colder months when system failures are more likely.
Being Away from Home: What Your Policy Requires
If you’re away from your home during the heating season, most insurance policies require specific precautions to remain covered for water damage.
Typically, one of the following must be done:
- A competent person checks your home regularly, or
- The water supply is shut off and the plumbing system is drained
If neither condition is met, coverage for water damage may be limited or denied.
This is especially important for homeowners who travel frequently, leave for extended periods, or spend time away during the winter. Planning ahead and understanding these requirements can help avoid issues later.
Understanding Policy Types: Broad vs. Comprehensive
Not all home insurance policies offer the same level of protection.
A comprehensive policy generally provides all-risk coverage on both the home and personal belongings, subject to exclusions. A broad policy usually provides all-risk coverage on the building but more limited coverage on contents.
Neither option is inherently better — the right choice depends on your home, your belongings, and your comfort level. What matters most is understanding which type of policy you have and how it responds in different situations.
Optional Coverages Worth Reviewing
Depending on the insurer and policy, optional coverages may be available for an additional premium. These can include:
- Sewer backup and groundwater coverage
- Overland water protection
- Increased personal liability limits
- By-laws coverage
- Identity theft coverage
- Service line coverage
- Lower deductibles
Optional coverages aren’t one-size-fits-all, but reviewing them helps ensure your policy reflects your needs.
Seasonal, Rental, and Secondary Properties
Insurance for cottages, rental properties, and secondary residences often differs from coverage on a primary home.
Seasonal properties may have limited coverage unless upgraded. Rental properties often exclude contents or have different liability requirements. If a cottage or home is rented out — even occasionally — this must be disclosed to ensure proper coverage is in place.
These policies should always be reviewed carefully, as assumptions can lead to gaps.
Valuables and Property Floaters
Most home insurance policies include special limits on certain high-value items, such as jewelry, tools, bicycles, collectibles, and electronics.
Property floaters can be added to insure these items separately for their full value. This helps ensure proper coverage at home and, in many cases, while travelling.
If you’ve made significant purchases over time, it’s worth reviewing whether those items are adequately insured.
By-Laws Coverage: An Overlooked Protection
If a home is damaged and must be rebuilt, current building codes may require upgrades that weren’t part of the original structure.
By-laws coverage helps cover the cost of demolition, construction changes, and code-related upgrades. Without it, homeowners may be responsible for these additional costs out of pocket.
This coverage is often overlooked, but it can be important when rebuilding older homes.
Changes You Should Always Report
Always notify your insurance broker if:
- You renovate or upgrade your home
- You install a wood-burning appliance
- Your home becomes vacant or unoccupied
- You add tenants, roomers, or boarders
- You start or expand a home-based business
Unreported changes can affect coverage and cause issues during a claim.
Discounts You May Qualify For
Many homeowners qualify for discounts they’re not aware of, including those for:
- Alarm systems
- Claims-free history
- Newer homes
- Higher deductibles
- Mortgage-free properties
- Mature or senior homeowners
A review can help identify potential savings while ensuring coverage remains appropriate.
Why Regular Reviews Matter
Home insurance isn’t something you set once and forget. Homes change, belongings increase in value, and coverage needs evolve.
A regular review helps ensure your policy still reflects your home, your lifestyle, and your financial protection needs.
At Garriock Insurance, our focus is on making insurance made simple — helping Manitoba homeowners understand their coverage and avoid surprises when they need it most.
To learn more or review your home insurance, visit:
https://www.garriock.ca