Whether buying your very first home, moving into another home, or just renewing your home insurance policy, it helps to know the truth about the industry's top misconceptions about home insurance. By fully understanding home insurance policies before you start making quote comparisons, you'll be more comfortable choosing the right policy to protect your home and belongings.

A poll conducted by an insurance company in September 2010 showed that nearly one quarter of Canadians don't know what their insurance policy covers. According to the study, more than half (53%) said they had made a claim on their insurance policy, and of those, 42% said they were surprised by something contained in their policy.

If disaster were to strike and all of the valuables in your home were stolen, would you be able to report the details of all your belongings to your insurance company? You likely have some idea of all the valuables in your home and their appropriate costs, but do you have all of the necessary supporting documentation? Moreover, do you know which of your valuables are covered under your policy? To make sure you are prepared in the event of a loss follow these key steps.

In the unfortunate scenario where you had to make a home insurance claim, would you be confident that you had the right coverage? Given the wide variety of coverage options offered by insurance companies, it is perhaps not surprising that so many consumers remain confused about what their policy covers and whether it is sufficient for their situation. To help put your mind at ease, the following are some of the most important questions worth asking your insurance professional when shopping for home insurance.

Spring is just around the corner, and with spring comes rain and rapidly melting snow. These events can cause a back up of wastewater in the sewer system, which may find its way into your home, leaving your basement damaged and your possessions ruined.

The holiday season is a time for friends, family and good cheer — yet unfortunately it can also be a time of potential risk. Sadly, with increased rates of people drinking and driving, plus theft being more prevalent, you'll want to stay aware and cautious, ensuring you get through the season safely. We will share some tips to help keep you and your possessions safe during the holidays.

The main purpose of insurance is to protect you in the event of an accident — whether or not you are responsible — in exchange for a premium charged by the insurance company. Your insurance company determines how much you'll pay for insurance by assessing the answers you disclose on your auto or home application.

Perhaps you're thinking about buying a home in that older, more established neighbourhood you love. Know that if you're going to have a mortgage on your home, you are going to require home insurance. And also know that insurance companies require that certain upgrades be made on older homes before they will offer coverage.

Throughout this past summer, Southern Ontario endured a string of violent thunderstorms and tornadoes, leaving a path of widespread destruction that's ruined numerous buildings and homes. For many of the homeowners, insurance will cover most, but not all, of the repair costs as a result of the weather related damage.

It's a situation no one wants to live through: you come home from work and the front door is ajar. Inside, you discover your personal items missing, a big mess and it dawns on you — you've been robbed. This is exactly what InsuranceHotline.com account manager Samuel David experienced this past June. In this article, he'll answer the most common questions you'll face if you find yourself in this situation.