Can You Get Home Insurance If You Have Space Heaters?

Space heaters, while a popular option for heating homes in the chilly Canadian wintertime, are responsible for starting a huge percentage of residential fires. Prior to the safety features that the Canadian Safety Association (CSA) placed on modern space heaters, more than 25,000 residential fires each year were associated with the use of space heaters because they are a large ignition source. There are a lot of pros and cons to portable space heater use, such as the convenience of being able to heat a single room in your home, but they pose a danger if not used correctly.

If a fire did start as a result of a space heater, would your home insurance company cover you for the damages? As a diligent homeowner, it’s imperative that you are mindful of what your home insurance policy does and does not cover, so that you can be better prepared in the face of a disaster. House fires are generally included in your dwelling and personal property coverage, but will any damages still be covered if you used space heaters in your home?

About space heaters:

Space heaters are viewed as an excellent way to heat a home, but they should never act as a home’s primary source of heating. Also, their portable variations pose a risk if they are older models or used improperly. Your space heater should always be tested in a recognized laboratory and be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Space heaters may only be used to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to cook food, dry clothing, or warm linens. They are not considered energy-efficient appliances. There are some more energy-efficient space heater variations, but even those won’t chalk up to your home’s natural heating system. If you must use space heaters, always ensure you have functioning smoke alarms, that the cords are double and triple-checked, and never leave your space heater unattended.

Despite all of this, and even with safety precautions, not every home insurance company in Canada will insure you if you use space heaters at home. This is because, despite CSA safety features, they pose the risk of electrical fire, which is one of the leading causes of residential fires in homes – especially in the winter. For many insurers, the risk is just too great.

About home insurance:

Unlike car insurance in Ontario, home insurance is not mandatory – meaning you do not have to purchase it. However, home insurance can protect your property against the cost of damages due to things like water damage, storms, natural disasters and, yes, residential fire.

However, per the language of insurance, any instance that an insurance policy may cover must be classed as unexpected and accidental. Furthermore, the instance must fall within the insurance company’s acceptable “risk level,” and for many insurers, a space heaters’ risk is just too great.

Expect a standard home insurance policy to include coverage for three aspects: the home’s dwelling, its contents, and your liability. Those aspects may be insured for anything your policy has listed or, for a more comprehensive policy, anything not specifically excluded. This generally will include smoke and fire, lightning, theft and vandalism, burst pipes, and more. Most policies will contain an excerpt which details specific exceptions, such as infestation, nuclear, and acts of war.

Even if your home insurance company does insure space heaters, you might expect your premiums to be a bit higher. This is because one of the factors your home’s insurance premiums are gauged off of is your heating system, its age, and how it operates. Utilizing space heaters puts you at a higher risk of residential fire, and so your costs will be higher than if you didn’t have them or relied on an alternative.

We get that home insurance and insurance terms can be confusing. With the help of a Defender, you can get to know your policy through-and-through, gaining a better understanding of what is covered, what is not, and what circumstances could even disqualify you for coverage. And, as we’ve learned, one of those “things” that can disqualify us might just be space heaters!

Key takeaways – space heater safety, alternatives, and your insurance.

During the cold Canadian winters, a lot can happen. Power outages due to cold snaps, cars breaking down, roofs caving in due to heavy snowfall, etc. Sometimes, the idea of a space heater can be enticing, especially since they can eliminate cool spots and can give us an extra bit of heat without needing to crank up our home’s heating systems.

Unfortunately, space heaters may not be insurable for certain insurance companies. If your heating system works fine but you want to add a few inexpensive and safe options to add heat or just prevent heat loss, consider reducing drafts by weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors. You can also try window insulation sheets, carpets, lined drapes, etc. You might even consider a duct booster fan which can be mounted inside a metal duct to turn on when the furnace runs and increase hot air flow through your home. You might also even consider replacing your A/C with a VRF system, which is quieter and more energy efficient (although it is more expensive). Additionally, it’s safer than a space heater and controls temperature a lot better.

Bottom line: some home insurance companies may not insure you if you make use of space heaters in your home. While their heat is similar to baseboard heating, the risk level is significantly greater.

Give Excalibur Insurance a call to discuss any further options we have for your home insurance in Ontario, and what to do if you must use space heaters at home.