By Unknown

Copyright thestar

When upgrading your home, it’s natural to focus on design choices, budgets and creating a space that feels just right. Insurance may not be top of mind, but it does play an important role in protecting everything you’re working so hard to build. Desjardins Insurance can help — ensuring your upgrades are fully protected so you can enjoy your home with peace of mind.

A home insurance policy is designed to help protect the structure and contents of your property, which can change quickly. Significant renovations, like finishing an attic or adding a rental suite, could affect the rebuild value of your home. Even high-value purchases like new appliances, electronics or art can increase the value of your contents and change how much coverage you need.

If your insurer doesn’t know about these updates, they can’t include them in your coverage. That could mean policy gaps that leave you vulnerable in the event of damage or loss. Even smaller upgrades — like new flooring or updated windows — can make a difference. And if your coverage isn’t updated, you risk being underinsured, meaning your policy may not cover the full cost to rebuild.

That’s why it’s worth checking in on your policy any time your home changes. Whether you’re adding a deck, finishing a basement or making other improvements, these upgrades may increase your home’s rebuild cost, which is the amount your insurer would pay in the event of a total loss. A provider like Desjardins Insurance can help ensure your coverage reflects your current reality, helping to limit the gaps if something unexpected happens, meaning your policy stays aligned with the actual value of your home.

Home insurance isn’t one size fits all

No two homes — or homeowners — are exactly alike so it’s important to work with an insurer who understands how to personalize your coverage. Whether it’s updating your contents coverage after a big purchase or adjusting your liability protection because you’ve added a pool or a spa, your policy should represent how you live.

Desjardins Insurance can help guide you through the process, making sure your coverage evolves alongside your home, not just after something goes wrong. Regular reviews can help you avoid surprises should you need to file a claim and ensure you’re not paying for coverage you no longer need.

Renovating? Think resilience

Upgrades can do more than improve comfort or curb appeal — they’re also an opportunity to future-proof your space. If you’re replacing your roof, for example, you might opt for materials that can better withstand extreme weather like heavy rain, hail or high winds. Similarly, upgrading electrical or plumbing systems with newer technology — like installing a sump pump with a back-up power supply, adding a backwater valve or using GFCI outlets and surge protectors — can help reduce the risk of fire or water damage.

Desjardins Insurance encourages homeowners to build resilience into their renovations. Beyond potentially adding value to your home and reducing the chance of costly claims, some resilient improvement can also lower your insurance premium.

Take charge of your home insurance

Keeping your coverage up to date shouldn’t feel overwhelming. With Desjardins Insurance, you can choose Paper-Free to view your policy documents online, use the Home-Auto app to manage your account or take care of tasks like getting a home insurance quote, updating your address, even making a claim — all with just a few clicks.

By reviewing your policy regularly and keeping your insurer in the loop, you can help avoid surprises down the road and ensure you’re fully protected against life’s unexpected moments.

Learn more at desjardins.com/home.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. Desjardins Insurance shall not be liable for any damages arising from any reliance upon such information. We recommend consulting a qualified insurance agent for comprehensive, tailored advice.