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Category: Home Insurance

heavy snowfall and moisture accumulation on roof with icicles and deep snow

Winter Roof Damage: What’s Covered?

January 15, 2026

It starts with a subtle dripping sound in the attic or, worse, the terrifying groan of timber under too much weight. For homeowners in Orillia, Muskoka, and the surrounding snowbelt regions, the accumulation of snow and ice on the roof is not just a chore to manage—it is a genuine threat to your property’s structure. When you look up at those heavy drifts hanging over your eaves, a pressing question likely crosses your mind: If my roof gives way or starts to leak, will my

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Portrait Of Senior Friends Standing On Rocks By Sea On Summer Group Vacation With Arms Outstretched

Snowbirds: Simple Home and Auto Insurance Tips Before You Travel.

January 9, 2026

Heading Somewhere Warm for the Winter? A Few Insurance Tips Before You If you’re one of the many Canadians who escape winter for a few months, good for you! Before you lock the door and take off, there are a few simple insurance-related things worth checking. They don’t take long, but they can make a big difference if something unexpected happens while you’re away. Make Sure Someone Is Checking on Your Home When a home is empty for an extended period—especially in winter—it’s more at

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Home in a knitted scarf on a blue background, Concept of the heating system in a winterized house. Keeping warm in the house

Oil Heating and Insurance: What Homeowners Should Know

January 9, 2026

Oil heating is a common and dependable way to heat many homes, especially in rural areas and older properties. From an insurance point of view, oil heating systems are not considered dangerous. However, they do require a bit more attention because of what can happen if something goes wrong. Why Insurance Companies Pay Closer Attention The main concern isn’t how the system works day to day. The issue is the risk of an oil leak. Even a small leak can cause serious damage to a

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Ice Dam On Roof. Elevated View of Icicles and Snow on Building Eaves

How to Prevent Snow Load and Ice Damage to Your Home This Winter

December 23, 2025

Winter is here and so is the snow. With heavy snowfall already piling up, it’s a good time to think ahead about protecting your home before small issues turn into expensive repairs. Last winter saw record levels of snow fall and many homeowners across our region dealt with unusually high snow buildup. That led to a surge in problems like roof damage and water leaks caused by snow weight and ice dams and record levels of snow damage and ice damming claims. While most home

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Plumber repairing a burst water pipe in a basement.

Winter Vacations and Home Insurance in Ontario: How to Avoid Water Damage Claims

December 16, 2025

When colder weather arrives, water damage from frozen and burst pipes becomes one of the biggest risks for homeowners. That’s why insurance policies include specific conditions that apply if you go away and your home sits empty for a few days during the heating season. If these conditions aren’t followed, you could run into problems with your insurance coverage if water damage occurs. You might even have your claim denied. Why Winter Absences Matter When temperatures drop, pipes can freeze and burst quickly. If no

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Woman adjusting airflow for wood burning stove

Wood-Burning Stoves and Home Insurance in Ontario: What Homeowners Need to Know

December 15, 2025

Wood-Burning stove? Make sure to inform your insurance company. There’s nothing like the warmth and comfort of a wood-burning fire during the winter. As temperatures drop and snow piles up, many homeowners rely on their stoves to stay cozy. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and for many, a cherished part of winter living in Ontario. But when it comes to home insurance, a wood-burning stove is something your insurance company must be told about. Why it’s important to inform your insurance company Wood-burning stoves increase the risk

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downed hydro pole after an ice storm on a rural road

Weather Risks in Ontario: How to Protect Your Home from the Next Storm

November 10, 2025

Ontario weather isn’t what it used to be. Storms are hitting harder, rain is falling faster, and ice events are lasting longer. For many homeowners, the question isn’t if the next storm will come — it’s when, and how prepared they’ll be when it does. Severe weather is now one of the biggest drivers of home-insurance claims across the province. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reported that in 2024 insured damage caused by severe weather events in Canada surpassed CAD $8 billion, and Ontario

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Close up of sandbags holding back flood waters with blurred houses in standing water in the background

Understanding Sewer Insurance Coverage – What to Know

July 23, 2025

Understanding Overland Water, Ground Water and Sewer Backup Coverage Advice You Can Trust | From Your Team at McLean & Dickey When it comes to protecting your home, not all water damage is covered the same way, and not all coverage is automatic. That’s why understanding the difference between overland water, ground water and sewer backup insurance is so important. If you live in Orillia, Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, or the surrounding regions, you’ve likely seen just how quickly a heavy rain, a spring thaw, or

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Closeup looking over woman's shoulder as she takes a photo of her living room with a tablet

How to be claims-ready for home insurance in Ontario

July 10, 2025

Home Insurance Is Not What It Used to Be – Why a Home Inventory Is the Key to Faster, Fairer Claims Advice You Can Trust | From Your Team at McLean & Dickey Home insurance has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. There was a time when filing a claim was fairly straightforward: you made a call, explained what happened, and your insurance provider worked with you to put things right. Today, things are different. The process is more complex, more time-consuming, and at

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Husband and wife planning interior design.

Planning a Home Renovation in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know About Insurance First.

May 7, 2025

Thinking about refreshing your kitchen, building an addition, or finally finishing that basement? You’re not alone—almost half of Canadians were planning or completing home renovations in 2024*. With rising material and labour costs, the average renovation now costs around $19,000—almost double what it was just five years ago. Renovating can absolutely improve your space and increase your home’s value—but it also comes with some serious insurance considerations many homeowners overlook. Before the first hammer swings, make sure you’re protected. Is Your Renovation Covered by Insurance?

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