Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions about insurance and insurance coverage. Find out if you need insurance on your swimming pool or if there are other things you should consider for your home and auto insurance.
Click on a question to view its answer.
- Is my swimming pool covered by my home insurance policy?
- My insurance policy covers all of the goods contained in my house. Why should I take out additional insurance coverage for a specific item?
- Is a home-based business covered under my residential policy?
- Am I insured in the event of a power failure that lasts several days?
- Is my insurance coverage adequate?
- Is there other coverage I should consider on my auto policy?
- Is there other coverage I should consider on my home policy?
Can I be sued for more than the amount of liability insurance I purchase? - What happens to my auto insurance after an accident?
What options do I have for paying my home or auto policy? - What does "replacement value" mean?
Is my swimming pool covered by my home insurance policy?
Basic home insurance policies do not generally cover damage to above-ground swimming pools.
It is, however, possible to obtain additional coverage to protect yourself against anything that could damage your above-ground swimming pool, with the exception of normal wear.
Unlike most other insurance companies, the basic ING Insurance home insurance policy covers damage caused to in-ground swimming pools.
My Insurance policy covers all of the goods contained in my house. Why should I take out additional insurance coverage for a specific item?
Home insurance policies generally include limits with respect to valuable or unusual items. Such limits apply specifically to jewellery, furs, silverware, boats and certain collector's items.
It is possible to increase the coverage for such items, or to eliminate certain exclusions, by adding coverage specifically for a given item.
Is a home-based business covered under my residential policy?
No. Residential policies exclude business or commercial belongings, as well as professional liability.
ING Insurance offers additional protection that covers the business you run from your home by extending your homeowner's policy and adding professional liability insurance to the package.
For more information, contact one of our representatives.
Am I insured in the event of a power failure that lasts several days?
Insurance policies do not generally cover the additional expenses incurred as a result of an extended power failure, unless the authorities order your area evacuated.
ING Insurance offers additional coverage which enables you to pre-select an amount that you will be reimbursed per day, in the event of an extended power failure. This can be used to cover any of your incurred expenses, such as: lodging, heating wood, meals in restaurants, protection of your goods, etc.
Is my insurance coverage adequate?
Have your needs assessed by a professional to determine the coverage you should obtain for material loss, death, disability, illness, etc. In the event of death, a life insurance policy may be essential for giving your dependants a replacement income or paying off your debts, such as a mortgage, or inheritance tax. Take the time to consider disability insurance since an inability to work can have serious financial consequences. Make sure that you have a policy that provides adequate coverage in the event that damage may occur to your home, your automobile and your other belongings.
Is there other coverage I should consider on my auto policy?
Yes. There are a number of options for you to choose from that can enhance your auto coverage:
Options |
Description |
Increased liability limits |
Up to a maximum of $2,000,000. |
Collision coverage |
Covers damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident. |
Comprehensive coverage |
Provides coverage for theft, fire, vandalism, cracked windshield and other perils. |
Loss of use coverage |
Provides coverage for a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident. |
Rental vehicle coverage |
Extends physical damage coverage to rented vehicles in Canada and the United States. |
Optional Benefits: |
Can increase the maximum levels of accident benefits coverage on your policy. In addition, you can choose to index your accident benefits coverage to ensure it stays in line with the Consumer Price Index. If you have benefits available through your employer or elsewhere, you may not need to buy optional benefits. We can help you decide which optional benefits, if any, are appropriate for you. |
Is there other coverage I should consider on my home policy?
Yes. Home, condominium and tenant policies are generally issued with a standard set of limits and coverage. You may find that you need additional coverage to meet your specific circumstances. There are a number of options for you to choose from that can enhance your property coverage:
Options |
Description |
Increased personal liability limit |
Up to $2,000,000 may be available. |
Antiques & collectibles coverage |
Specifically insures these items so you can realize their true value in the event of a loss. Often an appraisal will be required. |
By-laws coverage (for homeowners) |
Provides coverage for additional costs to repair or rebuild your home to comply with local laws. This is particularly important for older homes. |
Earthquake coverage |
Can be added to your policy. |
Coverage for: |
Increases the limits on these items, beyond your standard coverage, to suit your requirements. Contact us for details on your policy |
Can I be sued for more than the amount of liability insurance I purchase?
Yes. Your amount of liability insurance is never disclosed to anyone during a lawsuit. If you are successfully sued for an amount greater than the limit of liability insurance you carry, you will have to make up the difference from your own personal assets. This could mean the loss of your home, investments, RRSPs and ultimately bankruptcy. That is why you should review your liability limits with an insurance professional to determine a limit that is appropriate for your circumstances.
What happens by my auto insurance after an accident?
Your insurance policy will be reviewed after every loss. If the loss is not your fault, your policy will most likely receive no rate increase. If you are deemed to be responsible, your policy may be re-rated with a higher rate charged at renewal or, at worst, the policy will not be renewed and you will have to look for coverage elsewhere.
What options do I have for paying my home or auto policy?
We have many different payment options available to you. They vary slightly based on which insurance company you choose. Most companies offer the following plans:
- One Pay: payment in full by the policy effective date.
- Instalment Plan: two, three or four equal instalments, with the first due on the policy effective date and the others due in set increments (usually 30, 60, or 90 day intervals). A small service charge usually applies to each payment. The number of instalments, payment interval and service charge vary slightly from company to company.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) program: payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account. A 3% charge is added to the full premium amount.
Some of the insurance companies we represent have programs available where no service charge applies to any of the payment plans offered.
What does "replacement value" mean?
For home insurance, the replacement value guarantee allows you to replace the insured item with a new item of the same kind and quality if that object is destroyed or rendered unusable. In this case, the insurer does not apply any depreciation.
For automobile insurance, the owner of a new vehicle can also take out a replacement value guarantee. Various options are available in the case of a total loss, ranging from the reimbursement of the initial purchase price to the replacement of the destroyed vehicle with a new vehicle that has the same features.
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