Best home insurance companies in Canada, according to AI.

The top home insurance companies in Canada—based on expert scoring, customer sentiment, and broad usage—are Intact Insurance, Belairdirect, The Co‑operators, Desjardins, Aviva, and Square One, which consistently appear as leading national providers.

Quick answer: Across the supplied sources, Intact Insurance ranks #1 overall for expert score and coverage strength, while Aviva, Desjardins, Allstate, CAA, Square One, and The Co‑operators are repeatedly listed among Canada’s top 10 insurers. Belairdirect and RBC also appear in expert rankings and major‑provider lists.

✅ The Top Home Insurance Companies in Canada (Consensus Across Sources)

1. Intact Insurance — Highest overall expert score

Ranked #1 in Canada with an Expert Score of 87.6. Known for strong water‑damage protection and guaranteed rebuild coverage. Canada’s largest home insurer with broad availability.

2. Belairdirect — Best digital experience & bundling

Ranked #2 nationally with a score of 84.6. Strong for online quotes, app-based management, and bundle discounts. Offers enhanced water/flood add-ons.

3. The Co‑operators — Broadest protection with advisor support

Ranked #3 with a score of 83.9. Known for broad water coverage, guaranteed replacement cost, and high satisfaction. Also listed among the top 10 insurers in Canada.

4. Desjardins Insurance — Best for discounts & bundling

Ranked #4 with a score of 82.2. Offers deep bundling discounts and a free leak/freeze detector program. Included in the top 10 list of major Canadian insurers.

5. Aviva Canada — Strong customer sentiment

Listed as a top 10 insurer in Canada. Ranked #8 in expert scoring, noted for flood‑exposed homes and broker support. High real customer sentiment score.

6. Square One — Most customizable home insurance

Highlighted as a top provider with build‑your‑own coverage and low starting premiums. Strong digital experience and flexible coverage options.

7. Allstate Canada — Tiered coverage & strong add‑ons

Listed among the top 10 insurers in Canada. Ranked #10 in expert scoring, known for disappearing deductibles and claim forgiveness.

8. CAA Insurance — High satisfaction & competitive rates

Included in the top 10 list of major insurers. Offers strong discounts and home equipment breakdown coverage.

9. RBC Insurance — Best for bank customers

Ranked #9 in expert scoring. Offers bundling and a claims advice line.

📊 Comparison Table: Top Canadian Home Insurers (Expert Scores)

Company | Expert Score | Best For | Source Intact Insurance | 87.6 | Strongest overall protection | 1 Belairdirect | 84.6 | Digital-first homeowners | 1 The Co‑operators | 83.9 | Broad water coverage | 1 Desjardins | 82.2 | Bundling & discounts | 1 Sonnet | 80.1 | Fully online experience | 1 Wawanesa | 79.1 | Rural & farm properties | 1 Aviva Canada | 79 | Customer sentiment | 1 RBC Insurance | 75.5 | Bank clients | 1 Allstate Canada | 74.6 | Tiered coverage | 1 1 Source1

🏆 “Most Used” / Widely Recognized Major Providers

Based on repeated inclusion across lists:

Intact Insurance Aviva Canada Desjardins CAA Insurance Allstate Canada Belairdirect The Co‑operators Square One RBC Insurance TD Insurance Scotiabank BMO Insurance

These brands represent the insurers Canadians most commonly encounter through brokers, banks, and direct online channels.

✅ Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on what you value most:

Best overall protection: Intact Insurance Best digital experience: Belairdirect or Sonnet Best advisor‑guided coverage: The Co‑operators Best discounts: Desjardins (up to 35% bundling) Most customizable: Square One Best for bank customers: RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO

If you want, I can help you narrow this down based on your home type, province, and budget.

Best Home Insurance Companies in Canada

Based on market share, customer satisfaction, and real-world usage, here are the brands Canadians actually buy from most, plus standout options for specific needs.

The Big, Trusted Names (Brokers & Direct)

1. Intact Insurance — The one everyone recognizes Intact is Canada's leading provider of home, tenant, and condo insurance, and it's a solid option for many Canadian families, and based on recent revenue numbers, Intact is one of the top five providers of personal home insurance in Canada. It's the largest provider with over $20 billion in premiums and excels in custom packages for all provinces. It's sold mainly through independent brokers and known for strong water-damage coverage.

2. Aviva Canada — Great for bundling and online convenience Aviva is a London-based banking and insurance provider, and it is the second-largest insurer in Canada — one of the best-known insurance providers in Canada, employing 4,000 people and insuring 3 million clients. It covers 860,000+ homes and is especially strong in Ontario, with flexible add-ons like identity theft protection.

3. Desjardins Insurance — Dominant in Quebec, strong everywhere Desjardins is a large Canadian co-operative — Canada's #2 P&C insurer after acquiring State Farm Canada — sold through Desjardins Agents and direct online, with notable water-mitigation device discounts.

4. Wawanesa Mutual — The customer-service favourite Wawanesa is a policyholder-owned mutual insurer that has been operating in Canada for over 125 years. It's frequently praised for claims handling and offers some of the more budget-friendly rates.

5. The Co-operators — Best for broad coverage This member-based insurer consistently ranks for having some of the broadest, strongest policy protection on the market, including robust water-damage packages.

6. TD Insurance — Best if you already bank with TD Known for strong bundle discounts when you combine home and auto, and convenient if you want everything (banking + insurance) under one roof.

7. Economical (now Definity) — Solid value pick, strong in Ontario Economical offers flexible policies averaging $1,320 and tops Ontario user ratings.

The Modern "Digital-First" Players (Popular with Younger/Tech-Savvy Buyers)

8. Sonnet Insurance — Fully online, fast Sonnet is Canada's first fully online home and auto insurer — you can quote and buy instantly, no broker needed — offering all-risk homeowners coverage with optional sewer backup, overland water, and earthquake add-ons.

9. Square One — Build-your-own coverage, popular for customization Lets you customize exactly which perils you want covered rather than buying a one-size-fits-all bundle — a favorite for people who want control over pricing.

10. Belairdirect — Strong financial backing, digital-first Belairdirect scores very well for financial strength (94/100), reflecting a strong verified ability to pay claims, and it's a solid pick for people who want to bundle policies digitally.

Quick Picks by Situation

• Renting/condo in a city like Toronto: Intact is Canada's largest home insurer, carries an AM Best rating of A+ (Superior), and based on regional data is often the best-priced option for renters, with median tenant premiums well below the regional median.
• You want flood/sewer-backup coverage: CAA, The Co-operators, and belairdirect are frequently highlighted for strong water-damage packages.
• You're a CAA member: CAA Insurance offers solid member discounts and bundles water coverage well.
• You want the cheapest, fastest online quote: Sonnet or Square One.
• You live in Quebec: Desjardins is

In Canada, there’s no single “best” home insurer — rates and coverage depend on your province, postal code, rebuild cost, claims history, and whether you’re in a flood, earthquake, or hail zone. But if you want the brands most Canadians actually use, start with these:

Most-used / top home insurance brands in Canada

Best by situation

• Best overall/biggest: Intact, Aviva, Desjardins, TD, Co-operators.
• Best direct/online: Belairdirect, TD Insurance, Sonnet, Square One.
• Best for bundling: TD, Desjardins, CAA, The Co-operators, Allstate.
• Best for renters/condo: Square One, Duuo, Belairdirect, Sonnet, TD.
• Best in Quebec: Desjardins, Beneva, Promutuel, Intact, TD, Belairdirect.
• Best in BC: BCAA, Intact, Aviva, TD, Co-operators, Square One.
• Best in Alberta: TD, Intact, Aviva, Wawanesa, Allstate, Co-operators, CAA.
• Best in Prairies: Wawanesa, SGI Canada, Co-operators, TD, Intact.
• Best in Atlantic: TD, Intact, Aviva, Co-operators, belairdirect/Johnson, Allstate.
• Best for high-value homes: Chubb or a specialty high-net-worth policy through a broker.

Products people actually buy

• Homeowners: Comprehensive replacement-cost policy with $1M–$2M liability.
• Condo: Unit-owner policy covering improvements/betterments, contents, liability, and loss assessment.
• Tenant: Contents + liability. Often required by landlords.
• Landlord: Rental-property policy.
• Cottage/seasonal: Seasonal dwelling policy.
• Add-ons: Sewer backup, overland water, earthquake, service line, bylaw coverage, home equipment breakdown, identity theft.

How to get the best quote in Canada

1. Get 3–5 quotes: one broker (Intact, Aviva, Wawanesa, Economical, Pembridge), one direct writer (TD, Belairdirect, Sonnet, Square One), and one group/member insurer (CAA, The Co-operators, Desjardins, The Personal).
2. Compare coverage, not just price: replacement cost vs. actual cash value, deductible, sewer backup/overland water limits, earthquake deductible, liability limit, and claims service.
3. Ask about discounts: bundle auto + home, claims-free, alarm, new roof, age, employer/alumni/union/professional group, CAA membership.
4. Remember: home insurance isn’t legally mandatory in Canada, but your mortgage lender will require it. Tenant insurance is often required by landlords.

Bottom line: For most Canadians, a quote from Intact, Aviva/RBC, Desjardins, TD, The Co-operators, Allstate, Wawanesa, CAA, Belairdirect, or Sonnet will put you in the right ballpark. The “best” one is the policy with the right coverage for your province and postal code — at a price you’re comfortable with.

Finding the right home insurance in Canada isn’t just about looking for the cheapest premium; it’s about finding a company that won’t give you the runaround when a basement floods or a major winter storm hits.

Because our housing market and climate vary so much across the provinces, the "best" insurer depends heavily on what you own and how you prefer to buy your policy.

These are the top-rated and most widely used home insurance brands in Canada, categorized by what they do best.

---

1. The Industry Giant (Best for Broker-backed Reliability): Intact Insurance

Intact is Canada's largest home, auto, and business insurer. About one in four Canadians are insured through Intact, making them the default giant of the industry.

• How they operate: Intact primarily sells through an extensive network of independent insurance brokers across Canada, though they also own direct-to-consumer brands like Belairdirect.
• Why people use them: Because of their sheer size, Intact has an incredibly robust claims infrastructure. They are highly reliable if you need to make a major claim and are excellent for classic single-family detached homes, heritage properties, and tenant policies.
• Keep in mind: They aren't always the cheapest option out of the gate, but their broker network allows you to package coverages easily.

2. The Customer Service Leader: Co-operators

Co-operators is a highly respected Canadian cooperative insurer with a massive presence in Ontario, Alberta, and Atlantic Canada. They consistently rank at the top of client experience and satisfaction surveys in Canada.

• How they operate: Direct-to-consumer through their own dedicated financial advisors and agents.
• Why people use them: They have a reputation for empathy and smooth claims handling. Crucially, Co-operators was the first Canadian insurer to offer comprehensive water-damage insurance (including storm surge and overland flooding), which is a massive selling point given Canada's increasing severe weather events.
• Keep in mind: While they offer great coverage, their premiums can sometimes run slightly higher than discount online-only writers, but most policyholders agree the customer service is worth the extra few dollars a month.

3. The Modern Digital Disruptor: Square One Insurance

If you hate phone calls and want a modern, paperless experience, Square One is incredibly popular, especially among condo owners, renters, and younger homeowners in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

• How they operate: 100% online direct-to-consumer.
• Why people use them: Unlike traditional insurers who force you into rigid, pre-packaged policies, Square One lets you customize almost everything. If you don’t own fine jewellery or a bicycle, you can opt out of those coverages to lower your rate. Their online portal is incredibly intuitive, making it easy to buy or update a policy in under 10 minutes.
• Keep in mind: They require you to keep your home in good repair (for example, they might ask for your roof age or plumbing details upfront), and they don't operate in Quebec.

4. Best for Group Discounts: TD Insurance

TD Insurance is one of the largest direct writers in Canada. If you bank with TD, you've likely seen their promos, but the real value lies in their "affinity" partnerships.

• How they operate: Direct-to-consumer (online or over the phone).
• Why people use them: TD has massive discount agreements with hundreds of Canadian universities (alumni of schools like U of T, UBC, McGill, etc.), professional associations (like engineers or nurses), and employer groups. If you belong to one of these, TD’s rates are often almost impossible for other companies to beat.
• Keep in mind: Because they are a direct-writing behemoth, calling in during peak seasons can sometimes result in long hold times, though their online portal has improved significantly.

5. Best for Auto Bundling: CAA Insurance

Most Canadians think of CAA for roadside assistance, but their insurance arm has quietly become one of the most highly rated home and auto providers in the country.

• How they operate: Through brokers or directly (and they offer unique perks if you are a CAA member).
• Why people use them: They offer some of the best bundling discounts in the country. If you bundle your home and auto insurance with CAA, the savings can be massive. They also score remarkably well on Net Promoter Scores and customer sentiment on forums like Reddit.
• Keep in mind: To get the absolute best rates, you generally need to be a CAA member, though the membership usually pays for itself in insurance savings.

6. The Regional Powerhouse: Desjardins Insurance

For anyone living in Quebec, Desjardins is the undisputed heavyweight, but they are also highly active in Ontario and Alberta.

• How they operate: Direct-to-consumer.
• Why people use them: They are incredibly competitive for older homes and multi-product bundling (especially if you have a mortgage or bank accounts with them). They also offer great perks for younger homeowners under 25.
• Keep in mind: If you are outside of Ontario or Quebec, their presence and competitiveness are slightly more limited.

---

Pro-Tips for Shopping for Home Insurance in Canada:

1. Don’t skip the Water Coverage Endorsement: In Canada, standard home policies rarely cover overland flooding (rising rivers or heavy rain pooling) or sewer backup by default. You must add these as optional endorsements. Ask your provider specifically about "Overland Water" and "Sewer Backup" coverages.
2. Use a Digital Marketplace first: If you aren't sure where to start, platforms like YouSet or Rates.ca are highly popular in Canada. They act as online aggregators, comparing quotes from major providers (like Intact, Aviva, and Economical) to find you the best rate in your specific postal code.
3. Soft Credit Checks: Most Canadian insurers will ask to run a soft credit check. Say yes. In Canada, consenting to this check can slash your premium by up to 20% to 25% if you have a good credit score, and it does not impact your credit rating.

The best home insurance companies in Canada include established national giants, highly rated customer satisfaction leaders, and digital-first innovators. Because Canadians typically seek out providers that offer strong multi-policy bundling discounts or seamless digital quote processes, the top brands that people actually use vary depending on whether you prefer working through a broker, dealing directly with a bank, or managing everything online.

The most prominent and highly recommended home insurance options in Canada are organized by category below.

Intact InsuranceMarket Profile: As Canada’s largest property and casualty insurer, Intact Insurance provides massive financial stability and nationwide coverage.Best For: Homeowners looking for highly comprehensive, traditional coverage policies distributed through an extensive network of independent brokers.Key Perks: Offers robust 24/7 claims support and premium protection add-ons like their specialized "Prestige" tier for high-value properties. Aviva CanadaMarket Profile: Another major national giant insuring nearly a million Canadian properties through broker partnerships and white-label programs (such as powering RBC Insurance).Best For: Flexible policy structures and deep discounts.Key Perks: Known for disappearing deductibles, green home discounts, and competitive multi-policy bundling savings.

TD InsuranceMarket Profile: Operating as a direct-to-consumer model, TD Insurance leverages its massive bank-linked network to become one of Canada's most widely used direct insurers.Best For: Direct buyers looking for accessible online portals and massive group preferred rates.Key Perks: Highly popular for alumni, professional association, or employee group discounts, alongside automated online claims handling. Co-operatorsMarket Profile: A community-rooted cooperative widely praised by consumer analytics for ranking exceptionally high in claims handling and user satisfaction.Best For: Outstanding customer service and rapid claims processing.Key Perks: Provides personalized advice via dedicated local agents and highly praised property claims service.

Square One InsuranceMarket Profile: A highly rated, entirely modernized agency that completely moves away from traditional, rigid insurance packages.Best For: Complete policy customization and budget-conscious tenants or homeowners.Key Perks: Allows you to strictly choose the specific assets you want to insure (e.g., opting out of fur or jewelry coverage if you don't own them) to drive down monthly costs. BelairdirectMarket Profile: A direct digital subsidiary of Intact, Belairdirect is heavily used by younger or tech-oriented demographics across most provinces.Best For: Low base rates, digital ease of use, and quick signups.Key Perks: Feature-rich mobile app and excellent home/auto bundling structures that regularly rate among the cheapest direct quotes. Sonnet InsuranceMarket Profile: Canada's first fully digital, direct-to-consumer home insurance platform (a subsidiary of Definity Financial).Best For: Instant digital checkout without needing to speak to an agent.Key Perks: Fast 5-minute online quoting and straightforward, transparent policy language.

When choosing between these providers, everyday Canadian homeowners on personal finance forums frequently highlight a few practical realities:

“Every year I do the rounds of all the online calculators and quotes, and every year I end up confirming that Belairdirect has been the cheapest option for me. I've been with them for over 12 years by now;... they have consistently been the cheapest and...”Reddit · r/PersonalFinanceCanada

“If you don't want to shop, I found Bel-air was the best price with a great online portal.”Reddit · r/PersonalFinanceCanada

To help narrow down the best choice for your situation, could you tell me: What province do you live in? (Availability varies—e.g., some brands are exclusive to Quebec, while others lead in Ontario or BC). What type of property are you insuring? (House, condo, or tenant/rental?). Are you planning to bundle your auto insurance with it?.

The top-rated and most widely used home insurance brands in Canada combine strong financial stability, digital convenience, and reliable claims support:

Intact InsuranceWhat it is: Canada’s largest property and casualty (P&C) insurer, covering over 5 million people and businesses nationwide.Why people use it: It offers broad coverage, dependable claims support, and multi-policy bundling discounts when combined with auto or business insurance.

TD InsuranceWhat it is: A major bank-subsidiary insurer popular across multiple Canadian provinces.Why people use it: It features high customer satisfaction ratings, extensive personalizable coverage options, and steady alumni or professional group discounts.

Sonnet InsuranceWhat it is: Canada's first fully online home and auto insurance company (backed by Economical).Why people use it: It is built for digital-first shoppers who want to get a quote, adjust coverage limits, and buy policies entirely online without speaking to a broker.

Aviva CanadaWhat it is: A legacy insurer serving over 2.4 million Canadian customers.Why people use it: It is widely recommended for its customizable packages, competitive pricing, and broad selection of property protection add-ons.

Co-operatorsWhat it is: A prominent Canadian-owned cooperative insurer known for community roots and responsive customer care.Why people use it: Customers frequently praise its hassle-free claims processing—particularly for complex issues like water or sewer backups.

CAA InsuranceWhat it is: A well-known provider recognized repeatedly by Forbes as a top auto and home insurer in Canada.Why people use it: It delivers some of the lowest base rates in the market, especially for members who bundle home and auto policies together.

Square One InsuranceWhat it is: A Vancouver-based digital property insurance provider specializing in hyper-customizable policies.Why people use it: Homeowners, landlords, and tenants can build a custom policy by choosing exact items, limits, and deductibles they want to cover.

To help narrow down the best option for you, could you share: What province or city do you live in? Are you looking to bundle home and auto insurance? Do you own a detached house, condo, or are you renting?

There’s no single “best” home insurance company in Canada—it depends on your province, home type/value, risk factors (like flood or earthquake exposure), whether you prefer a broker or direct/online purchase, bundling with auto, and priorities like price, claims service, or digital tools.

The top brands that Canadians actually use are the large national or regional players with significant market share, high premiums written, and frequent mentions in consumer comparisons. These are led by Intact (by far the largest), followed by Aviva, TD Insurance, Desjardins, Wawanesa, Co-operators, and Definity/Economical (including its online brand Sonnet).

Top Recommended Providers

Here are the standout options based on size/market presence (a proxy for widespread use), customer feedback from recent surveys (e.g., Ipsos 2025), reviews, and expert roundups as of 2025–2026 data:

• Intact Insurance (and its direct brand belairdirect): Canada’s largest property and casualty insurer by a wide margin, with the highest direct premiums written (around $25 billion annually in recent figures) and presence in every province/territory. Strong claims reputation, broad coverage options (including enhanced water packages), and often ranked as a top overall choice for national homeowners. AM Best A+ rating. Good for most people seeking reliability and availability.

• Aviva Canada: One of the biggest national players (high revenue and millions of customers). Sold mainly through brokers; offers competitive home/auto bundles and flexible add-ons. Frequently appears in “largest” and “top provider” lists.

• TD Insurance: Major direct writer (bank-backed), popular for easy online quotes, bundling discounts with TD products, and digital tools. Strong national presence and often competitive on price for standard policies.

• Desjardins Insurance (including Certas): Excellent in Quebec and Ontario; co-operative model with strong multi-product discounts, good service for older homes, and positive customer feedback. Often praised for value and local feel.

• Wawanesa Mutual: Policyholder-owned mutual with a long history; frequently noted for competitive (sometimes lower) premiums and solid basic coverage. Available nationally and a budget-friendly favourite in many comparisons.

• Co-operators: Co-operative insurer with good customer satisfaction in various surveys (especially historically strong in Ontario/Atlantic). Local advisors and a focus on service; widely used.

• Sonnet (by Definity/Economical) or Square One: Strong digital/online options. Sonnet for fully online quoting/claims and modern policies; Square One often tops specific rankings (e.g., Ontario) for customizable coverage, user-friendly platforms, and positive reviews.

Other notables include CAA Insurance (good prices/claims experience and high advocacy scores in Ipsos data) and regional players like BCAA (BC), Promutuel/Beneva (Quebec), or AMA (Alberta).

Key Tips for Canadians

• Get multiple quotes — Rates vary widely by location, home details, credit/claims history, and coverage (standard policies often $1,200–$3,000+ annually; water/flood endorsements add cost but are crucial in many areas). Use sites like PolicyMe, YouSet, or a broker for comparisons.
• Prioritize coverage — Look at water damage (sewer backup, overland flood), replacement cost, and liability. Many big insurers offer add-ons.
• Claims and service matter — Check recent customer reviews for your province; Ipsos and other surveys highlight Intact and CAA positively in recent years.
• Bundling and discounts — Home + auto can save significantly with TD, Aviva, Intact, etc.
• Provincial differences — Desjardins shines in Quebec/Ontario; BCAA or Square One in BC; local co-ops or associations elsewhere.

Shop around every renewal, as the “best” for you could shift with your situation. A licensed broker can help navigate options tailored to your address and needs.

Best home insurance companies to quote in Canada

If I were shopping for home insurance in Canada, I’d start with these brands because they’re widely used, financially established, and commonly available through brokers, direct channels, or affinity programs:

For “people actually use,” the big-market evidence points to Intact, Desjardins, Aviva, TD, Co-operators, Definity/Economical, Wawanesa and Allstate as major Canadian P&C insurers; Insurance Journal’s 2024 market-share table put Intact at 14.9%, Desjardins 9.6%, Aviva 8.2%, TD 5.1%, Co-operators 5.0%, Definity 3.9%, and Wawanesa 3.4% of Canada’s P&C market. That includes more than home insurance, but it’s a good proxy for brands with real Canadian scale. (cdnc.heyzine.com)

My recommended shortlist by situation

Most homeowners: quote Intact, Co-operators, Aviva, Desjardins/The Personal, and TD. That gives you a mix of broker, advisor, direct, bank-affinity, and large national options.

If water/flood risk matters — basement, sump pump, older city infrastructure, heavy-rain area: prioritize Co-operators, Intact, Aviva, Wawanesa, CAA/BCAA, and compare the exact limits for sewer backup, overland water, groundwater, and service-line coverage. Intact’s enhanced water package can include sewer backup, water/sewer lines, overland water and groundwater depending on location; Co-operators markets Comprehensive Water coverage; Aviva offers basic water plus optional sewer backup and overland water; Wawanesa offers Water Defence for overland, sewer backup and groundwater. (intact.ca)

If you’re in Quebec: quote Desjardins, Beneva, Intact, La Personnelle/The Personal, TD, Co-operators, Aviva. Desjardins and Beneva are especially worth including in Quebec; CAA-Québec can also be worth checking.

If you’re in B.C.: quote BCAA, Wawanesa, Intact, Aviva, Co-operators, Square One. Pay close attention to earthquake, strata deductible assessment, and water damage limits if you own a condo.

If you rent or own a condo: quote Square One, Sonnet, TD, Desjardins/The Personal, belairdirect, CAA/BCAA, Intact. For condos, don’t just compare price—compare loss assessment, unit improvements/betterments, condo deductible assessment, and water coverage.

If you have a higher-value home: add Chubb, Intact Prestige, Aviva Ovation / higher-tier broker products, and possibly Northbridge through a broker. These are often better for custom rebuilding, collections, jewellery, wine, art, and higher liability limits.

Best “products” or coverage types to ask for

For a Canadian homeowner, the best policy is usually not just the cheapest “home insurance.” Ask for:

1. Comprehensive / all-risk home insurance rather than a narrow named-perils policy.
2. Guaranteed replacement cost or strong replacement-cost coverage, if eligible.
3. Sewer backup coverage.
4. Overland water / flood coverage, if available for your address.
5. Groundwater / seepage-related endorsement, where available.
6. Service-line coverage for underground water/sewer/electrical lines.
7. Additional living expenses high enough to actually rent elsewhere after a major loss.
8. Personal liability of at least $2 million; consider more if you have a pool, rental suite, high net worth, or lots of visitors.
9. Bylaw / ordinance coverage, especially for older homes.
10. Earthquake coverage in B.C. and parts of Quebec/Ottawa/Eastern Ontario.
11. Condo deductible assessment coverage if you own a condo.
12. Scheduled valuables for jewellery, bikes, instruments, cameras, collectibles, or high-end electronics.

Water coverage is the area I would scrutinize hardest. The Canadian market has been under pressure from severe weather and water claims; Rates.ca noted a 7.8% average Canadian home-insurance premium rate increase from Q4 2024 to Q4 2025, and it specifically ties rising premiums to severe weather and claims costs. (rates.ca)

Practical recommendation

Get at least 5 quotes:

• 1 direct/bank: TD or Desjardins
• 1 broker quote: ask for Intact, Aviva, Wawanesa, Definity/Economical, Gore/Beneva where available
• 1 advisor quote: Co-operators
• 1 membership quote: CAA/BCAA/AMA if applicable
• 1 digital quote: Sonnet, belairdirect, or Square One

Then compare coverage limits, not just the annual premium. Ipsos’ 2025 Canadian Satisfaction Index found CAA leading advocacy across measured insurance categories, with belairdirect, Sonnet and Intact also among top performers; it also found claims experience is a major weak spot in home/auto, so the cheapest quote is not automatically the best choice. (ipsos.com)

My “top 5” if you just want names

1. Intact Insurance
2. The Co-operators
3. Desjardins Insurance / The Personal
4. Aviva Canada
5. CAA / BCAA / regional CAA insurance

Then also quote TD, Wawanesa, belairdirect, Sonnet, and Square One depending on your province and whether you own a house, condo, rental property, or are buying tenant insurance.

The best widely used home-insurance brands in Canada are Intact, Aviva, Co-operators, Wawanesa, Economical/Definity, TD Insurance, Desjardins, CAA, and Square One. Intact, Co-operators, Aviva, Wawanesa, and Economical are among the largest personal-property insurers nationally.

Best Canadian options

Practical recommendations

• Best overall starting point: Get quotes from Intact, Aviva, Co-operators, and Wawanesa through an independent broker.
• Best online-first choices: Compare TD, Square One, Sonnet, and belairdirect.
• Best for condo owners or tenants: Start with Square One, TD, Sonnet, and Intact.
• Best for Quebec residents: Include Desjardins, plus at least one broker-distributed insurer such as Aviva or Intact.
• Best for rural, older, high-value, or unusual homes: Use a broker; eligibility and underwriting can vary substantially between insurers.

There is no single cheapest or best insurer across Canada: premiums depend heavily on province, postal code, rebuild cost, claims history, roof and plumbing age, deductible, heating system, and proximity to water or wildfire risk.

When comparing quotes, request identical limits for replacement-cost coverage, sewer backup, overland water, service-line coverage, earthquake, liability, additional living expenses, and the deductible. Do not compare premiums alone—water coverage exclusions and claim-service quality can make a cheaper policy much less useful.