Ottawa Home Insurance

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Written by Nolan Wilson Updated on April 17th, 2025 min read

Find better home insurance in Ottawa

Finding the best home insurance in Ottawa is easy with ThinkInsure. Owning a home is a major responsibility and one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make. Whether you rent, own, or live in a condo, we’ll protect your Ottawa residence from damage and threats with a personalized home insurance policy designed for your needs.

We can help you find the lowest rates from Ottawa's top home insurance companies. It's easy to shop and compare Ottawa's best home insurance quotes. It’s free, and it only takes a few minutes. So, get started with an online quote. Or give us a call, and a home insurance advisor can help you find even more discounts and maximize your savings.

Keep reading to learn more about home insurance in the Ottawa area and find some great savings tips.

Key takeaways about Ottawa home insurance coverage

Ottawa's average home insurance premium is $1,382/yr or $115/mth.
The neighbourhoods with the most affordable home insurance rates are Orleans and Rockcliffe.
Flooding and extreme weather, which can lead to ice damming and frozen pipes, are some of the biggest threats Ottawa homeowners should consider when getting coverage.

How to get a home insurance quote in Ottawa

Get quotes from Ottawa's top home insurance companies in a couple of minutes.

1) Start your quote

Enter some info to get started.

2) Enter your home details

Tell us about your home.

3) Compare best rates

See prices from the leading insurers.

Choose your policy

Select the lowest rate and get insured.

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5 star home insurance in Ottawa

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1507 Google reviews

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners just like you find the right home insurance.

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Carla Keown

2025-05-04

Besty was incredibly kind and helpful during a stressful time. I had no idea that a handheld ticket would result in my insurance company dropping me. It was a year after the ticket that I was informed of this so I was shocked and stressed. Besty assured me that we had time to figure out a solution and she worked around my busy schedule to find me the best insurance products to suit my situation. Besty is a 10/10 recommend!!!

e t

2025-05-01

I cannot say enough great things about Todd A! From start to finish, he provided an exceptional customer experience that truly stood out. Not only was he incredibly knowledgeable and efficient, but his kindness and cheerful attitude made the process smooth and absolutely stress-free. What could have been overwhelming was instead seamless and easy, thanks to his reassuring guidance and expertise. He was always quick to respond, informative, and genuinely invested in ensuring I got the best coverage for my needs—all while making sure I felt comfortable and confident every step of the way. His level of professionalism and warmth turned what could have been a daunting task into an absolute pleasure. If you're looking for someone who goes above and beyond to provide top-tier customer service, look no further than Todd A at ThinkInsure. Thank you for making this experience effortless and enjoyable, you made this all happen for me!

Carl Cronkhite

2025-04-24

I highly recommend ThinkInsure when looking for Insurance, Betsy Bannon was a huge help! As a high risk driver it was very difficult to find a premium i could afford and only had a few weeks to do so. I contacted ThinkInsure and Betsy was able to explain everything and find me a great policy right away. Thank you Betsy!

Keira Busby

2025-04-17

very friendly and willing to help anyway they can! great experience all way round.

Dharma Buyse

2025-04-17

Betsy Bannon was so helpful! I was insuring my new truck with my first personal policy and after one broker went mia on my calls she picked up, although from commercial department, and still handled everything for me within 24 hours! Also she pointed out that previously the drivers history was forgotten about in the prior list of documents that was requested from me. Definitely knows exactly what she’s doing and works great winging it in a different department than her specialty! I’m a high risk driver for one more year, unfortunately (did not follow cops advisory to fight distracted ticket while checking directions at a red) but she found the best quote for me, and revised this last minuite to find one that further accepted my 8year claim free policy on a commercial registered insurance. She was friendly, prompt to reply, patient, personable, and very knowledgeable. Finding insurance with one more year of this record has been discouraging as a now overly cautious driver, but she made it as seamless as possible

Quentin Chiotti

2025-04-16

Fast, seamless, and efficient. Betsy Bannon was great to work with. Thanks ThinkInsure.

Csaba Deac

2025-04-11

Special Thanks to Betsy Bannon. If you need business insurance , highly recommend her

Kelly Bouchard

2025-04-10

Sohel is amazing!! He responded so quickly and went out of his way to accommodate me. There were a few things I didn’t quite understand and he took the time to explain and reassure me that everything was properly covered. His follow up is so good! I highly recommend his service and expertise. He does all the research and comparisons for you to save you a lot of money! I can’t believe how much I was overpaying with my long time providers. Thanks Sohel!!

How home insurance in Ottawa works

Even though it's not legally required, Ottawa homeowners are highly recommended to have a home insurance policy. Proof of insurance is also a requirement to qualify for a mortgage, so you need it if you finance your home.

Basic coverage is usually not enough. Banks and lenders require you to carry a certain amount of coverage. Then there is most people's desire to have peace of mind in knowing they have protection against as many potential threats as possible.

This is why most choose to have comprehensive coverage for maximum protection against common threats and perils.

Home insurance works in the Nation's Capital the same way it does elsewhere in the province. The same rules and regulations apply.

The FSRAO licenses and regulates insurers in Ontario. Most insurers are also a member of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

You can choose from a series of coverage packages, limits, and you can customize your plan with add-ons and endorsements. This ensures you can personalize your policy to your liking and adjust prices to fit your budget.

Better yet, Ottawa residents have the option to review quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can compare your options using a private insurer or an Ottawa insurance broker. Shopping around allows you to find the best home insurance quotes possible.

What’s covered under Ottawa home insurance?

Home insurance protects much more than your physical home. It covers personal property, liability protection, and provides additional living expenses.

The main things that are covered under an Ottawa home insurance policy include the following:

Structures: This covers the amount needed to repair or rebuild your house and other structures, such as your deck, fence, or garage.
Contents: Compensation to replace lost or damaged belongings. This includes your personal effects, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and more. Learn more about contents insurance.
Liability: You receive legal protection in the event you are found liable for another person getting injured on your property. Get coverage for legal expenses and fees. Get more information about how personal liability insurance works.
Additional living expenses: This will cover the cost of staying in a hotel, food, transportation, and other expenses if you have to move out while the apartment is being repaired.

Types of home insurance in Ottawa

Even though home insurance is not mandatory in Ottawa, it is highly recommended. There are four basic home policies to choose from:

Comprehensive home insurance: Also known as all-perils insurance, this provides the most thorough protection. While it costs more, it protects against most perils.
Named perils home insurance: Protection against the perils that are named in your house insurance plan. This is the middle-of-the-road plan. You have coverage only for the things listed. If a peril is not listed, it's not covered.
Broad form home insurance: This is basic coverage. It covers your dwelling structure and some other named perils. It is the most basic and cost-effective option.
No frills: This is a basic plan for a location that is not usually issued a policy.

You can also customize your plan by including additional coverage for water damage, personal contents, lock replacement, frozen food, jewellery, claims forgiveness, and other coverages.

Keep in mind that adding to your plan will also increase your premium.

What additional Ottawa home insurance coverage can you get?

You can also add extra coverage to increase your level of protection. You can also add a special limit for certain types of content, such as jewellery or collectibles. These are called riders, floaters, or endorsements. The type of add-ons that are available will depend on your insurer. But most offer a selection.

Popular additional Ottawa home insurance coverage options include:

Sewer backup insurance: You never know when a sewer issue could damper your day.
Overland water damage: Protection from damage caused by flooding.
Water damage: Not all water damage is automatically covered. This gives you more protection.
Earthquake insurance: In the rare case of an earthquake or landslide, you’ll have coverage.
Service line insurance: This pays for damage and repairs of service lines on your property.
Identity theft insurance: Get more protection and support if you are a victim of identity theft or fraud.

Some of the above coverage might be offered as part of a comprehensive policy. Another option is to boost your existing plan limits. But, know that some types of threats will not be covered. They will be specifically excluded. So, ensure you know what is and is not included in your plan.

How much does home insurance cost in Ottawa?

The average cost of home insurance in Ottawa is $1,310 per year. This is $109 per month. This is lower than Toronto home insurance and the provincial average of $1,441.

The cost of home insurance can vary significantly in Ottawa. Premiums are assessed and set based on your unique situation. Many factors go into determining what you will pay. Location, dwelling type, local threats, land value, replacement cost, and coverage limits all affect the price. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $281 to $3,425 annually.

Latest Ottawa home insurance quotes

2024/09/18

Homeowner from OTTAWA, ON
Building Type: Detached
CAA	$790
Intact	$805
Wawanesa	$996
GORE	$2,042
Savings from top 4 lowest quotes	$1,252

2024/08/27

Homeowner from OTTAWA, ON
Building Type: Detached
Wawanesa	$1,259
CAA	$1,970
Unica	$2,093
GORE	$4,240
Savings from top 4 lowest quotes	$2,981

2024/08/04

Homeowner from OTTAWA, ON
Building Type: Duplex (side by side)
Wawanesa	$770
CAA	$895
Unica	$1,500
Intact	$1,829
Savings from top 4 lowest quotes	$1,059

2024/06/11

Homeowner from OTTAWA, ON
Building Type: Detached
Aviva	$958
Economical	$1,050
Wawanesa	$1,222
GORE	$1,249
Savings from top 4 lowest quotes	$291

Ottawa home insurance rates compared to other cities nearby

Your premiums can be higher or lower depending on where you live. Based on our customer data, here’s a comparison of the average annual home insurance rates in Ottawa and the surrounding region:

City	Avg annual premium (2024-25)	Monthly rate
Ottawa	$1,310	$109
Kingston	$1,165	$97
Cornwall	$713	$59
Bancroft	$1,228	$102
Hawkesbury	$1,070	$89
Pembroke	$1,297	$108

Ottawa home insurance premiums compared to cities across the province

Premiums in Ottawa are typically lower than the provincial average. Rates are about the same as other larger cities in Ontario.

Average Ottawa home insurance rate compared to other Toronto cities info graphic

Home insurance rates by postal code in Ottawa

Your neighbourhood and postal code will play a role in how much you’ll pay to insure your home in Ottawa. Here’s an overview of how rates compare by postal code:

Area in the City of Ottawa	Postal codes	Annual premium	Monthly payment
Gloucester	K1B, K1T, K1X	$1,323	$110
Ottawa	K1G, K1K, K1S, K2C, K1J, K1H, K1V, K1A, K1N, K1P, K1R, K1Y, K1Z, K2A, K2B, K2P	$1,399	$117
Manotick	K4M	$1,692	$141
Napean	K0A, K2G, K2H, K2J, K2R, K2E	$1,384	$115
Barrhaven	K2J	$1,117	$93
Kanata	K2K, K2L, K2M, K2T, K2V, K2W	$1,457	$121
Orleans	K4A, K1W, K1E, K1C	$977	$81
Stittsville	K2S	$1,269	$106
Rockcliffe	K1M	$770	$64
Greenly	K4P	$1,571	$131

Ottawa home insurance premiums by dwelling

Your dwelling type is a key factor insurers use to determine your annual premiums. We collected customer premium data** to give you a general overview of the cost difference between different dwelling types:

Dwelling type	Avg annual premium (2024-25)	Monthly payment
Detached	$1,531	$128
Semi	$1,673	$139
Duplex	$1,391	$116
Triplex	$1,079	$90

Factors that impact Ottawa home insurance quotes

How much you pay for home insurance in Ottawa can depend on many factors, including:

Type of home (materials, size, features)
Property value
Age of your roof, furnace, HVAC, and electrical system
If you have a security system, sump pump, and other loss prevention measures
Location to a fire station, fire hydrant, or body of water
Claims history
Personal contents - how much stuff you have
Policy options, limits, coverage selection, and endorsements
If you rent to tenants
Applicable discounts
The threat of severe weather events in your area
The crime rate in your neighbourhood

Comparing quotes is the best way to determine the cost of home insurance in Ottawa. Ready to shop around? ThinkInsure works with the leading home insurance companies, so we'll find you a great rate!

Tips to get cheap Ottawa home insurance

Want to save even more? Use these tips to get cheaper home insurance in Ottawa:

Compare annually: Rates fluctuate constantly. To maximize savings, capitalize on changes by comparing quotes each time your policy is renewed.
Ask about discounts: Are you taking advantage of all available discounts? If not, it's time to find out!
Have the right amount: Make sure you have the right level of coverage based on your home. Avoid adding a type of protection that does not apply to your situation. Don't over-insure.
Bundle: You can get additional discounts when you combine home and car insurance in Ottawa policies in Ottawa. Check out the insurance bundles that are available to you.
Increase security: Boost your home security to protect your property and reduce payments.
Stay claims-free: Avoid unnecessary claims to maintain your claims-free discount. If possible, avoid filing smaller claims. It's better to pay for smaller losses out of pocket.
Increase your deductible: Increasing your deductible will lower your premium.
Eliminate threats: Assess your property. Note potential perils and eliminate them. For example, remove dead trees, perform regular maintenance, and update your structure and systems.
Increase your credit score: A good credit score is used by some insurers to offer a reduced rate.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the threat of a fire. This will increase your premiums.
Upgrade and renovate: Upgrading things like your roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other parts of your home will help you reduce premiums.

What is the best home insurance company in Ottawa?

There isn't one single home insurance company that is the best in Ottawa. There are many good ones that have excellent coverage and great rates. At ThinkInsure, we have partnered with the top home insurance companies in Ottawa and Canada to bring you the most options and cheapest prices. Some of our top home insurance providers include:

Aviva Canada: 112 Kent St, Suite 2, Tower B, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P2
CAA Insurance: Napean - 1331 Clyde Ave. Unit 105, Ottawa, ON K2C 3G4
Intact Insurance: 1 St. Laurent Blvd. Unit4A, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8
Economical Insurance: 343 Preston St #, Ottawa, ON K1S 1N4
Travelers Insurance: 155 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 6L1
And many other top insurance companies

Ottawa home insurance FAQs

Why do you need home insurance in Ottawa??

Home insurance is not mandatory in Ottawa. But you do need it for a few good reasons:

It is a requirement to get a mortgage from a bank or lender.
Most people do not have enough money to rebuild their homes if it is destroyed.
The average cost of home insurance claims is thousands of dollars.
Catastrophic weather events are on the rise.
You will receive compensation for living expenses if you are displaced from your home because of an insured peril.
Have the security of knowing you are covered if something bad happens.

What protection does Ottawa home insurance include?

Your home insurance will provide you with coverage and protection against a variety of insured perils in Ottawa. Here is a list of commonly covered risks:

Fire and smoke damage
Theft and break-ins
Vandalism
Falling objects
Wind and hail damage
Lightning
Hail
Explosion
Electrical current
Civil unrest
Damage from vehicle impact
Riot and malicious acts
Some types of water damage

What is not covered under my Ottawa home insurance policy?

There is a misconception among homeowners in Ottawa that your home insurance is all-encompassing. However, certain personal belongings are not covered under a standard policy. Items such as jewelry, art, collectibles, and antiques require additional insurance.

For example, you can get jewellery insurance to protect items such as your watch, engagement ring, and other prized pieces.

Some perils are outside the scope of your policy. They include damage from pests, wear and tear, overland flooding, water damage, and sewer backup.

When should I get a home insurance quote in Ottawa?

There are many situations where getting a home insurance quote in Ottawa is helpful. Here are some of the most common times to shop and compare:

When you are renting for the first time (compare Ottawa tenant insurance quotes).
When you are moving.
When you are looking at homes.
When you complete a renovation project.
When you make the transition from renter to homeowner.
When you move from a condo to a home or vice versa (compare condo insurance quotes).
When you add new contents – especially high-ticket items.
When you want to adjust your coverage type or limits.

Why are Ottawa home insurance rates going up?

Home insurance rates in Ottawa can change for many reasons. Approved rate increases, the higher cost of claims, increasing your plan limits, or filing too many claims can all increase your payments.

Experts forecast home insurance rates will increase in Ottawa and across the province in the coming years. This is mainly due to an increase in severe weather and catastrophic loss events. Since 2011 alone, the province has had well over $2 billion in claims.

In general, insurance fees are on the rise. But these weather events are driving up costs as well. So, take extra steps to find savings opportunities. Speak with our experts today to find ways to lower your payments. Or you can compare home insurance quotes online right now.

What home insurance risks are specific to the Ottawa region?

As Ottawa is a more northern location, extreme cold weather is common in the region during the winter, creating additional home insurance risks. This weather can cause frozen pipes, ice damming, and cause severe damage. The Ottawa River also makes it prone to flooding during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

According to the 2023 Fact Book from IBC, Ottawa has experienced 8 catastrophic loss events since 1983. Most damage has been caused by flooding, windstorms, and winter storms. The most recent was a windstorm in May 2022.

Ensure you have coverage to protect your home from these specific perils.

How to manage home insurance claims in Ottawa

Any type of extensive damage to your home can be a very stressful experience. Knowing how home insurance claims work is important just in case you have to go through one. It can answer many of your unknown questions and help you work through the claims process quickly.

Remember that not all damage is worthy of opening a claim. Certain situations may not be covered, or you may not have the right coverage. The actual cost of the damage may not make sense financially for you when opening a claim. So, if you’re not sure, speak with our home insurance brokers. We’ll provide you with the assistance and advice you need.

Here’s an example of how filing a claim could affect your home insurance premiums in Ottawa:

Number of claims	Avg annual premium (2024-25)	Monthly payment
Clean record	$1,310	$109
1 claim	$2,804	$234

If you do plan to file a claim:

Call your insurance provider as soon as possible
If criminal activity is involved, call the police to report it.
Document everything - take photos and videos
Work with your insurance adjuster to arrange clean-up and repairs
Fill out all insurance loss forms as soon as possible
Be clear on your settlement options

What are my home insurance loss settlement options in Ottawa?

The loss settlement terms in your home insurance policy are extremely important for Ottawa homeowners to know. Your choice could make thousands of dollars of difference in your claims payouts. There are two main options you need to understand. They are actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost:

Actual cash value: Depreciation is deducted from the value of your home. You receive compensation based on current market value. This option can reduce your premium. It will also reduce your claims payout.
Replacement cost: You receive compensation without a depreciation deduction. This option will increase your premiums. However, you will have a better claims payout.

Saving on your Ottawa home insurance is easy!

Are you a first-time buyer or purchasing a place for your family? Ottawa residents can find affordable home insurance by getting a quote. Comparing quotes online only takes a couple of minutes.

The good news is that you do not have to do it alone – work with ThinkInsure to ensure you get the coverage you need. You can save even more by speaking with one of our advisors.

Get started

Sources

* Based on the difference between the average lowest home insurance premium and the overall average premium in Ottawa for quotes completed from January 1, 2024, to March 5, 2025.

** Home insurance property quotes collected from the City of Ottawa ThinkInsure customers from January 1, 2024, to March 5, 2025.

Nolan Wilson

Content Marketing Manager

Nolan is a content marketing manager and writer at ThinkInsure. He has 15+ years of experience in the insurance industry, working with brokerages and direct insurers to create compelling insurance content, specializing in auto, home, and commercial.

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