Home insurance · Primary-source audit

What the home insurance contracts actually say

We read the comprehensive homeowners policy wording of 6 Canadian insurers and asked each document the same 14 questions: what water damage is covered, what the sub-limits are, and which conditions quietly void a claim. Every answer is a quotation from the insurer's own contract, with the page number.

6policy wordings read

14questions per insurer

59verbatim quotes with page numbers

Product: standard comprehensive homeowners policy for an owner-occupied house (Ontario edition where editions differ by province). Audited September 16, 2026. Each carrier's document, version and fetch date are listed with its answers below. Not audited because the wording is not published without a policy: RBC Insurance, The Co-operators, The Personal, belairdirect.

The comparison

Short answers. Click any cell to read the clause it comes from. "Not stated" means the document does not address it.

What is covered, and how it is paid

Question	Wawanesa	Desjardins	Intact	Aviva Canada	Sonnet	Allstate Canada
Overland floodExcluded from every base policy; the endorsement wording decides whether a flooded basement is paid.	Excluded in the base form; optional Overland Water Coverage (Form 3115 or 3115L) is referenced by name but its text is not in the booklet “Regardless of exceptions a., b., c. and d. above, "we" do not insure any loss or damage caused by: (a) "surface waters"; (b) "ground water" or rising of the water table; (c) shoreline ice build-up or water borne ice or other waterborne objects, all whether driven by wind or not; (d) "flood".” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 10	Excluded in the base form; optional endorsement 16d, Flood Caused by the Overflow of a Body of Water, form 946 035 “We insure sudden and accidental loss or damage to insured property caused directly by water originating from the rising or overflow of any stream of water or body of water, whether natural or man-made, or from a dam break, provided this water reaches the surface of the ground on the premises.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 23	Not in this booklet; flood and surface water excluded, and excluded again under the optional water damage coverage “27. loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by any of the following perils, whether or not caused by or attributable to earthquake: flood of any nature, waves, tidal waves, tsunami, high water, waterborne objects or ice.” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 10	Excluded; no overland water endorsement in this document “35. caused directly or indirectly by flood, surface water, spray, storm surge, ice or waterborne objects, all whether driven by wind or not.” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 6	not stated in the guide	not stated in the guide
Sewer backupThe most common water claim, and the one with the most conditions (sump pumps, backwater valves).	Excluded in the base water-damage peril; optional Limited Sewer Backup Coverage (Form 3114 or 3114A) referenced, text not in the booklet; no limit or maintenance condition stated “(4) caused by the backing up or escape of water or sewage from any sewer, septic system or sump;” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 10	Optional endorsement 16c, Water Damage: Ground Water and Sewer Back-Up, form 945 997; limit on the coverage summary; no maintenance condition; pays up to $1,000 toward a backwater valve or sump pump with backup power installed after a claim “We insure sudden and accidental loss or damage to insured property caused directly by: - Water from escape, overflow or backing up of: • sewer connections; • sewers; • septic tanks, drain fields or other wastewater treatment systems; • sumps, retention tanks or holding ponds; • subsoil drainage pipes (French drains); • ditches.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 22	Not in this booklet; excluded under the optional water damage coverage; no limit or maintenance conditions stated “iii. caused by the backing up or escape of water from a sewer, storm drain, drain, sump or septic tank;” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 18	Excluded in the base wording; no endorsement, limit or conditions in this document “a. caused by the backing up or escape of water from a sewer, sump or septic tank, retention tank, French drain or water leader;” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 6	not stated in the guide	Optional coverage mentioned; no limit or conditions stated “For example, you may need extra coverage for certain water events like sewer back-up.” Allstate Homeowners Policy: introducing your policy and how it works, p. 3
EarthquakeOptional everywhere; deductibles are often a percentage of the dwelling limit, not a dollar figure.	Available as Earthquake Coverage, Form 991, with its own limit on the declarations; no separate deductible wording in the booklet “If the Declarations indicate that a location is insured for EARTHQUAKE COVERAGE – FORM 991, "you" are insured against direct physical loss or damage caused by Earthquake, to property insured under SECTION I – PROPERTY COVERAGE.” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 40	Excluded in the base form; optional endorsement 22a, form 945 583, with its own deductible on the coverage summary “The deductible applies at all times, including to the Extensions of Coverage insured under this endorsement, despite anything to the contrary in the insurance policy. In addition, it applies before any limit. However, the deductible does not apply to the Coverage D – Additional Living Expense and Fair Rental Value.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 32	Excluded; no earthquake endorsement in the booklet; fire following an earthquake is always subject to the deductible “Loss or damage occurring due to a fire resulting directly or indirectly from an earthquake is subject to the deductible, regardless of the amount of the loss.” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 10	Excluded; no endorsement or deductible wording in this document “28. caused directly or indirectly by snowslide, earthquake, landslide, mudflow or any other earth movement.” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 5	not stated; only fire following an earthquake is listed as covered “A fire causes damage to your property (including fire following an earthquake)” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 5	not stated in the guide
Replacement cost conditionsRebuild-on-site and time-limit conditions turn a full payout into a partial one.	Guaranteed replacement cost: insure to 100% of replacement value, rebuild on the same location at the same size and occupancy, notify within 90 days of $10,000+ improvements; capped at 125% where the overland water form is attached “(3) repair, rebuild or replace the "dwelling" on the same location, with a building of the same size and occupancy, constructed with material of similar quality; and (4) notify "us" within 90 days of the start of work” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 46	Base form: repair or replacement cost only if rebuilt on the same location within a reasonable time; otherwise actual cash value. Guaranteed replacement cost is endorsement 17, requiring 100% of a valuation-guide cost and notice within 30 days of $15,000+ improvements “(a) Repair or replacement must be made on the same location as the damaged building. (b) Materials used to repair or rebuild must be of similar quality as the materials in place prior to the loss or damage. (c) Repair or replacement must be done within a reasonable time after the loss or damage.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 11	Guaranteed replacement cost on the dwelling: same site, within a reasonable time, insured to 100% of the valuation guide; contents at replacement cost only if replaced within one year “we will pay the cost of repairs or replacement, on the same site, even if it is more than the principal dwelling replacement cost amount shown on the Coverage Summary page, provided:” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 10	Guaranteed replacement cost only if shown on the certificate: insured to 100% of the valuation guide, notice within 30 days of $10,000+ improvements, rebuild on the same location; contents claims within 180 days “If Guaranteed Replacement cost is indicated in the Certificate of Property Insurance, we will pay the cost of repairs or replacement even if it is more than the amount of insurance for Coverage A, provided:” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 6	not stated in the guide	Repair or replace basis; depreciated value if you do not replace; no guaranteed replacement cost or site conditions stated “If you opt out of repairing or replacing your damaged property, you will receive the property's value at the time of the loss minus any depreciation due to factors like age and condition” Allstate Homeowners Policy: introducing your policy and how it works, p. 4
Roof depreciationA growing exclusion: an older roof may be paid at a fraction of replacement.	not stated	Endorsement 53 (form 946 003): wind and hail roof settlement depreciated by age, 0% under 15 years, 45% at 15 years for asphalt shingles rising 3% a year to a 75% maximum; endorsement 49 excludes wind and hail roof damage entirely “The maximum depreciation applicable is 75%. We shall pay you any amount as determined by the terms of this endorsement, whether or not the damaged portion(s) of the roof are repaired or replaced. The terms of this endorsement shall apply and prevail, even if the insurance policy includes the Option – Guaranteed Repair or Replacement Cost.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 26	not stated	not stated	not stated in the guide	not stated in the guide

Special limits

Question	Wawanesa	Desjardins	Intact	Aviva Canada	Sonnet	Allstate Canada
Jewellery, watches, fursTypically a few thousand dollars in total, not per item.	$10,000 jewellery, watches and gems; $6,000 furs; for theft and mysterious disappearance “For theft and mysterious disappearance losses Limit Jewellery, watches, gems $10,000 Fur garments and garments trimmed with fur $6,000” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 13	not stated; special limits are printed on the coverage summary, not in the wording “Subject to the maximum amount payable for the property described in the Special Limits section of the Coverage Summary” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 5	$10,000 jewellery, watches, gems and furs, for theft or mysterious disappearance “For theft or mysterious disappearance losses Limit Jewellery, watches, gems and furs $10,000” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 6	$6,000 in total “11. Jewellery, watches, gems, fur garments and garments trimmed with fur up to $6,000 in total.” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 3	Listed as an item with a special limit; the amount is not stated in the guide “Items with specific dollar limits: • Bicycles • Golf carts • Watercraft • Jewellery, Watches & Furs” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 9	A special limit exists; amount not stated in the guide “It also outlines specific limits on select properties such as jewelry and other special items” Allstate Homeowners Policy: introducing your policy and how it works, p. 2
BicyclesE-bikes and road bikes routinely exceed it.	not stated	not stated; on the coverage summary	$3,000 each, for theft or mysterious disappearance “Each bicycle, its equipment and accessories $3,000” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 6	$1,000 each “14. Each bicycle, tricycle, unicycle or e-bike and its equipment and accessories up to $1,000 each.” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 3	Listed as a limited item; amount not stated in the guide “• Bicycles” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 9	not stated in the guide
Cash and securitiesUsually the lowest sub-limit in the policy.	$1,000 money, cash cards and bullion; $5,000 securities “Securities $5,000 Money, "cash cards", bullion $1,000” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 13	not stated; on the coverage summary	$1,000 money, cash cards and bullion; $7,500 securities “Money or cash cards*, bullion $1,000 Business property, but only while on your premises $5,000 Securities $7,500” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 6	$500 money; $5,000 securities “2. Securities up to $5,000 in total. 3. Money including cash cards or bullion, up to $500 in total.” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 3	Listed as a limited item; amount not stated in the guide “• Currency • Securities” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 9	not stated in the guide

Conditions that void a claim

Question	Wawanesa	Desjardins	Intact	Aviva Canada	Sonnet	Allstate Canada
Away from home in winterA burst pipe while you were away is the classic denied claim.	Away more than 4 consecutive days in the heating season: a competent person must enter every 3 days, or the water shut off and drained, or a monitored heating alarm in place “if "you" have been away from "your" "premises" for more than 4 consecutive days, but "you" will still be insured if "you" have taken any of the following precautions: a) arranged for a competent person to enter "your" "dwelling" and/or private structures once every 3 days” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 9	not stated; no away-days, shut-off or check-in rule, only an unheated-building freezing exclusion “Loss or damage caused by water from a rupture due to freezing of a plumbing system or of a domestic water container or appliance located inside an unheated building, during the regular heating season, or outside a building.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 10	No days-away rule; freezing excluded only where the heat was intentionally turned off or in normally unheated areas “i. caused by freezing during the usual heating season: 1. within a normally heated portion of your dwelling if the heat has been intentionally turned off by you or at your direction; or 2. within a normally unheated portion of your dwelling;” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 18	Away more than 4 consecutive days: a competent person must enter every day, or the water shut off and drained, or a monitored alarm in place “within a heated portion of your dwelling, if you have been away from your premises more than 4 consecutive days; but you will still be insured if any of the following precautions have been taken: arranged for a competent person to enter your dwelling each day you were away, to ensure that heating was being maintained; or shut off the water supply and had drained all the pipes” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 6	Away more than 14 consecutive days: someone must enter periodically, or the water shut off and drained, or a monitored heating alarm in place “If you are away from your house for more than 14 consecutive days, in order for coverage to apply due to freezing, you must: - Have a person to enter the dwelling periodically to ensure that heating is being maintained, or - Shut off the water supply and drain all pipes and appliances, or” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 10	not stated in the guide
VacancyCoverage changes automatically after the stated number of days.	No coverage after 30 consecutive days vacant to your knowledge; vandalism, glass and water damage excluded from the start of vacancy “(3) loss or damage occurring after "your" "dwelling" has, to "your" knowledge, been "vacant" for more than 30 consecutive days;” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 43	30 consecutive days, then all loss excluded unless the insurer was notified and agreed; vandalism, glass and water damage excluded from the day the dwelling becomes vacant regardless “We do not insure loss or damage that occurs after your dwelling has, with your knowledge, been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days: • unless you have notified us of the vacancy; and • we have agreed to maintain this insurance policy in force during the vacancy period” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 10	30 consecutive days; loss after that excluded, and vandalism, glass and water damage excluded while vacant “3. occurring after your dwelling has, to your knowledge, been vacant, for more than 30 consecutive days;” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 9	30 consecutive days; loss after that excluded, and vandalism, glass and water damage excluded while vacant “17. occurring after your dwelling has, to your knowledge, been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days;” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 5	No coverage after 30 consecutive days vacant; before that, vandalism, malicious acts, glass and water damage excluded “There is no coverage under this policy when your house has, to your knowledge, been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days.” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 10	not stated in the guide
Renting to othersAirbnb-style hosting without an endorsement can void the property claim.	Occasional rental of your residence and up to 2 roomers or boarders permitted under liability; no short-term-rental-specific clause “(2) the occasional rental to others of the portion of the "dwelling" usually occupied by "you" as a private residence; (3) the rental to others of portions of "your" two, three or four family "dwelling" ... provided no family unit includes more than 2 roomers or boarders;” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 55	Excluded unless the rental is shown on the coverage summary “We do not insure loss or damage resulting from rental of all or part of your dwelling to others (including the rental of rooms). However, this exclusion does not apply if the rental is mentioned on the Coverage Summary.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 10	Liability covers short-term rental up to 30 days a year; occasional and roomer rentals exclude short-term rentals “4. the short-term rental of your dwelling or a portion of your dwelling for a total maximum of 30 days per year;” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 16	Liability covers rental of the residence up to 30 days per policy term; otherwise business use excluded “3. the rental of your residence to others for no more than 30 days during a single policy term;” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 10	Rental of part of the house permitted with at most 2 roomers or boarders, or one additional unit to one household “Rental of part of your house provided there are no more than 2 roomers or boarders, or one additional unit within rented to not more than one household.” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 10	not stated in the guide
Business useHome-based work is common; the wording decides whether the equipment is covered.	Business property on the premises limited to $5,000; buildings used for business excluded unless shown on the declarations “(1) loss or damage to structures or buildings used in whole or in part for "business" or "farming" purposes, unless shown on the Declarations;” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 43	Business use other than telework excluded unless on the coverage summary; business property covered only under an extension with its own limit “We do not insure loss or damage that occurs while all or part of the premises, including your dwelling or detached private structures, is used, with your knowledge, for: (a) Business purposes, other than telework, not mentioned on the Coverage Summary.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 10	Business property limited to $5,000 and only on the premises; buildings used for business not insured unless declared “Business property, but only while on your premises $5,000” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 6	Business books, tools and instruments $2,500 on the premises; other business property not insured “1. Books, tools and instruments pertaining to a business, profession or occupation but only while on your premises for an amount up to $2,500 in total. Other property used for business is not insured, including samples and goods held for sale.” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 3	Only incidental business uses permitted, such as a personal office “Only the following incidental business uses of your house are permitted: - As a personal office; or” Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601), p. 10	not stated in the guide
Mould and fungiOften a blanket exclusion, sometimes a small limit.	Fungi excluded except where the policy provides otherwise; no dollar limit stated “(10) loss or damage caused by or resulting from rust or corrosion, extremes of temperature, condensation, dampness of atmosphere, wet or dry rot, contamination or "fungi" except where otherwise provided for in this policy;” Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form), p. 43	Excluded as gradual damage; no limit or buy-back stated “Loss or damage caused by rust, corrosion, dampness, condensation, extremes of temperature, wet or dry rot, fungi or spores.” Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements), p. 9	Excluded; no limit or buy-back stated “13. caused by rust, corrosion, wet or dry rot, fungi or spores, bacteria, condensation, acid rain or contamination;” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 10	Excluded; no limit “15. caused by rust or corrosion, wet or dry rot, or fungi or spores;” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 5	not stated in the guide	not stated in the guide

When you claim

Question	Wawanesa	Desjardins	Intact	Aviva Canada	Sonnet	Allstate Canada
Proof of loss deadlineSet by statutory conditions; missing it is a clean denial.	not stated; statutory conditions are referenced but not printed in the booklet	not stated; statutory conditions are referenced but not included in the specimen	Statutory condition: immediate written notice; proof of loss as soon as practicable “(a) immediately give notice in writing to the Insurer, (b) deliver as soon as practicable to the Insurer a proof of loss in respect of the loss or damage to the insured property verified by statutory declaration,” Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2, p. 20	Statutory conditions: notice forthwith in writing; proof of loss as soon as practicable; action within one year, two in Ontario and Manitoba “(a) forthwith give notice thereof in writing to the Insurer; (b) deliver as soon as practicable to the Insurer a proof of loss verified by a statutory declaration:” Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy, p. 11	not stated in the guide	not stated in the guide

Where the contracts diverge

Counted from the table above; rewritten on every rebuild.

Overland flood

4 of 6 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Sonnet, Allstate Canada. Whether water entering from outside (rivers, rain, snowmelt) can be covered, and under what endorsement.

Sewer backup

5 of 6 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Sonnet. Whether sewer and drain backup is covered, its limit, and any maintenance conditions attached.

Earthquake

4 of 6 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Sonnet, Allstate Canada. Whether earthquake coverage can be added, and how its deductible works.

Replacement cost conditions

5 of 6 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Sonnet. What you must do to be paid replacement cost rather than depreciated value.

Roof depreciation

1 of 6 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Wawanesa, Intact, Aviva Canada, Sonnet, Allstate Canada. Whether roofs are settled at depreciated value after a certain age or for wind and hail.

Jewellery, watches, furs

5 of 6 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Desjardins. The special limit for jewellery unless scheduled separately.

Insurer by insurer, with the clauses

Every answer with its quotation, page number and the document it came from.

Wawanesa Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form) · INV-WB YPI 05/17 (May 2017), national booklet; current provincial wordings are gated behind a policy-number form · 58 pp.

Document: Wawanesa Your Personal Insurance Policy booklet (Homeowners Special Form). Underwriter: The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Wawanesa.

Overland floodExcluded in the base form; optional Overland Water Coverage (Form 3115 or 3115L) is referenced by name but its text is not in the booklet: “Regardless of exceptions a., b., c. and d. above, "we" do not insure any loss or damage caused by: (a) "surface waters"; (b) "ground water" or rising of the water table; (c) shoreline ice build-up or water borne ice or other waterborne objects, all whether driven by wind or not; (d) "flood".”
p. 10
Sewer backupExcluded in the base water-damage peril; optional Limited Sewer Backup Coverage (Form 3114 or 3114A) referenced, text not in the booklet; no limit or maintenance condition stated: “(4) caused by the backing up or escape of water or sewage from any sewer, septic system or sump;”
p. 10
EarthquakeAvailable as Earthquake Coverage, Form 991, with its own limit on the declarations; no separate deductible wording in the booklet: “If the Declarations indicate that a location is insured for EARTHQUAKE COVERAGE – FORM 991, "you" are insured against direct physical loss or damage caused by Earthquake, to property insured under SECTION I – PROPERTY COVERAGE.”
p. 40
Replacement cost conditionsGuaranteed replacement cost: insure to 100% of replacement value, rebuild on the same location at the same size and occupancy, notify within 90 days of $10,000+ improvements; capped at 125% where the overland water form is attached: “(3) repair, rebuild or replace the "dwelling" on the same location, with a building of the same size and occupancy, constructed with material of similar quality; and (4) notify "us" within 90 days of the start of work”
p. 46
Roof depreciationnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Jewellery, watches, furs$10,000 jewellery, watches and gems; $6,000 furs; for theft and mysterious disappearance: “For theft and mysterious disappearance losses Limit Jewellery, watches, gems $10,000 Fur garments and garments trimmed with fur $6,000”
p. 13
Bicyclesnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Cash and securities$1,000 money, cash cards and bullion; $5,000 securities: “Securities $5,000 Money, "cash cards", bullion $1,000”
p. 13
Away from home in winterAway more than 4 consecutive days in the heating season: a competent person must enter every 3 days, or the water shut off and drained, or a monitored heating alarm in place: “if "you" have been away from "your" "premises" for more than 4 consecutive days, but "you" will still be insured if "you" have taken any of the following precautions: a) arranged for a competent person to enter "your" "dwelling" and/or private structures once every 3 days”
p. 9
VacancyNo coverage after 30 consecutive days vacant to your knowledge; vandalism, glass and water damage excluded from the start of vacancy: “(3) loss or damage occurring after "your" "dwelling" has, to "your" knowledge, been "vacant" for more than 30 consecutive days;”
p. 43
Renting to othersOccasional rental of your residence and up to 2 roomers or boarders permitted under liability; no short-term-rental-specific clause: “(2) the occasional rental to others of the portion of the "dwelling" usually occupied by "you" as a private residence; (3) the rental to others of portions of "your" two, three or four family "dwelling" ... provided no family unit includes more than 2 roomers or boarders;”
p. 55
Business useBusiness property on the premises limited to $5,000; buildings used for business excluded unless shown on the declarations: “(1) loss or damage to structures or buildings used in whole or in part for "business" or "farming" purposes, unless shown on the Declarations;”
p. 43
Mould and fungiFungi excluded except where the policy provides otherwise; no dollar limit stated: “(10) loss or damage caused by or resulting from rust or corrosion, extremes of temperature, condensation, dampness of atmosphere, wet or dry rot, contamination or "fungi" except where otherwise provided for in this policy;”
p. 43
Proof of loss deadlinenot stated; statutory conditions are referenced but not printed in the booklet: Not addressed in the document.

Notes. This is the only Wawanesa wording published without a policy number, and it is dated May 2017. The overland water and sewer backup endorsements it names are not reproduced in it.

Desjardins Insurance Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements) · 943 161 (2025-03), every page stamped SPECIMEN; non-Quebec forms cited · 44 pp.

Document: Desjardins Homeowner insurance specimen forms (Homeowners Blanket Amount form 943 161 and endorsements). Underwriter: Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Desjardins Insurance.

Overland floodExcluded in the base form; optional endorsement 16d, Flood Caused by the Overflow of a Body of Water, form 946 035: “We insure sudden and accidental loss or damage to insured property caused directly by water originating from the rising or overflow of any stream of water or body of water, whether natural or man-made, or from a dam break, provided this water reaches the surface of the ground on the premises.”
p. 23
Sewer backupOptional endorsement 16c, Water Damage: Ground Water and Sewer Back-Up, form 945 997; limit on the coverage summary; no maintenance condition; pays up to $1,000 toward a backwater valve or sump pump with backup power installed after a claim: “We insure sudden and accidental loss or damage to insured property caused directly by: - Water from escape, overflow or backing up of: • sewer connections; • sewers; • septic tanks, drain fields or other wastewater treatment systems; • sumps, retention tanks or holding ponds; • subsoil drainage pipes (French drains); • ditches.”
p. 22
The sewer endorsement excludes loss when a flood reaches the ground surface, so 16c and 16d are designed to be bought together.
EarthquakeExcluded in the base form; optional endorsement 22a, form 945 583, with its own deductible on the coverage summary: “The deductible applies at all times, including to the Extensions of Coverage insured under this endorsement, despite anything to the contrary in the insurance policy. In addition, it applies before any limit. However, the deductible does not apply to the Coverage D – Additional Living Expense and Fair Rental Value.”
p. 32
Replacement cost conditionsBase form: repair or replacement cost only if rebuilt on the same location within a reasonable time; otherwise actual cash value. Guaranteed replacement cost is endorsement 17, requiring 100% of a valuation-guide cost and notice within 30 days of $15,000+ improvements: “(a) Repair or replacement must be made on the same location as the damaged building. (b) Materials used to repair or rebuild must be of similar quality as the materials in place prior to the loss or damage. (c) Repair or replacement must be done within a reasonable time after the loss or damage.”
p. 11
Roof depreciationEndorsement 53 (form 946 003): wind and hail roof settlement depreciated by age, 0% under 15 years, 45% at 15 years for asphalt shingles rising 3% a year to a 75% maximum; endorsement 49 excludes wind and hail roof damage entirely: “The maximum depreciation applicable is 75%. We shall pay you any amount as determined by the terms of this endorsement, whether or not the damaged portion(s) of the roof are repaired or replaced. The terms of this endorsement shall apply and prevail, even if the insurance policy includes the Option – Guaranteed Repair or Replacement Cost.”
p. 26
The roof depreciation schedule overrides guaranteed replacement cost by its own terms.
Jewellery, watches, fursnot stated; special limits are printed on the coverage summary, not in the wording: “Subject to the maximum amount payable for the property described in the Special Limits section of the Coverage Summary”
p. 5
Bicyclesnot stated; on the coverage summary: Not addressed in the document.
Cash and securitiesnot stated; on the coverage summary: Not addressed in the document.
Away from home in winternot stated; no away-days, shut-off or check-in rule, only an unheated-building freezing exclusion: “Loss or damage caused by water from a rupture due to freezing of a plumbing system or of a domestic water container or appliance located inside an unheated building, during the regular heating season, or outside a building.”
p. 10
Unusual: most wordings impose a days-away rule; this one turns on whether the building was heated.
Vacancy30 consecutive days, then all loss excluded unless the insurer was notified and agreed; vandalism, glass and water damage excluded from the day the dwelling becomes vacant regardless: “We do not insure loss or damage that occurs after your dwelling has, with your knowledge, been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days: • unless you have notified us of the vacancy; and • we have agreed to maintain this insurance policy in force during the vacancy period”
p. 10
Renting to othersExcluded unless the rental is shown on the coverage summary: “We do not insure loss or damage resulting from rental of all or part of your dwelling to others (including the rental of rooms). However, this exclusion does not apply if the rental is mentioned on the Coverage Summary.”
p. 10
Business useBusiness use other than telework excluded unless on the coverage summary; business property covered only under an extension with its own limit: “We do not insure loss or damage that occurs while all or part of the premises, including your dwelling or detached private structures, is used, with your knowledge, for: (a) Business purposes, other than telework, not mentioned on the Coverage Summary.”
p. 10
Mould and fungiExcluded as gradual damage; no limit or buy-back stated: “Loss or damage caused by rust, corrosion, dampness, condensation, extremes of temperature, wet or dry rot, fungi or spores.”
p. 9
Proof of loss deadlinenot stated; statutory conditions are referenced but not included in the specimen: Not addressed in the document.

Notes. A specimen booklet: it says the forms 'do not constitute a contract of insurance' and the current version is issued at purchase. The Personal, a Desjardins group company, publishes no wording; its forms are likely siblings of these but we do not assume it.

Intact Insurance Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2 · (10-18) 80703 Version 2, multi-province booklet, broker-hosted; intact.ca publishes no wording · 22 pp.

Document: Intact Homeowners Comprehensive Form, 80703 Version 2. Underwriter: Intact Insurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Intact Insurance.

Overland floodNot in this booklet; flood and surface water excluded, and excluded again under the optional water damage coverage: “27. loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by any of the following perils, whether or not caused by or attributable to earthquake: flood of any nature, waves, tidal waves, tsunami, high water, waterborne objects or ice.”
p. 10
Sewer backupNot in this booklet; excluded under the optional water damage coverage; no limit or maintenance conditions stated: “iii. caused by the backing up or escape of water from a sewer, storm drain, drain, sump or septic tank;”
p. 18
EarthquakeExcluded; no earthquake endorsement in the booklet; fire following an earthquake is always subject to the deductible: “Loss or damage occurring due to a fire resulting directly or indirectly from an earthquake is subject to the deductible, regardless of the amount of the loss.”
p. 10
Replacement cost conditionsGuaranteed replacement cost on the dwelling: same site, within a reasonable time, insured to 100% of the valuation guide; contents at replacement cost only if replaced within one year: “we will pay the cost of repairs or replacement, on the same site, even if it is more than the principal dwelling replacement cost amount shown on the Coverage Summary page, provided:”
p. 10
Roof depreciationnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Jewellery, watches, furs$10,000 jewellery, watches, gems and furs, for theft or mysterious disappearance: “For theft or mysterious disappearance losses Limit Jewellery, watches, gems and furs $10,000”
p. 6
Bicycles$3,000 each, for theft or mysterious disappearance: “Each bicycle, its equipment and accessories $3,000”
p. 6
Cash and securities$1,000 money, cash cards and bullion; $7,500 securities: “Money or cash cards*, bullion $1,000 Business property, but only while on your premises $5,000 Securities $7,500”
p. 6
Away from home in winterNo days-away rule; freezing excluded only where the heat was intentionally turned off or in normally unheated areas: “i. caused by freezing during the usual heating season: 1. within a normally heated portion of your dwelling if the heat has been intentionally turned off by you or at your direction; or 2. within a normally unheated portion of your dwelling;”
p. 18
Vacancy30 consecutive days; loss after that excluded, and vandalism, glass and water damage excluded while vacant: “3. occurring after your dwelling has, to your knowledge, been vacant, for more than 30 consecutive days;”
p. 9
Renting to othersLiability covers short-term rental up to 30 days a year; occasional and roomer rentals exclude short-term rentals: “4. the short-term rental of your dwelling or a portion of your dwelling for a total maximum of 30 days per year;”
p. 16
Business useBusiness property limited to $5,000 and only on the premises; buildings used for business not insured unless declared: “Business property, but only while on your premises $5,000”
p. 6
Mould and fungiExcluded; no limit or buy-back stated: “13. caused by rust, corrosion, wet or dry rot, fungi or spores, bacteria, condensation, acid rain or contamination;”
p. 10
Proof of loss deadlineStatutory condition: immediate written notice; proof of loss as soon as practicable: “(a) immediately give notice in writing to the Insurer, (b) deliver as soon as practicable to the Insurer a proof of loss in respect of the loss or damage to the insured property verified by statutory declaration,”
p. 20

Notes. Intact's own site publishes no homeowners wording. This 2018 multi-province form is hosted by a broker and predates the 'my Home' branding; water damage is an optional section in it and the overland water endorsement is not reproduced.

Aviva Canada Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy · March 2015 form, multi-province, broker-hosted; aviva.ca publishes no wording · 13 pp.

Document: Aviva Comprehensive Homeowners Policy. Underwriter: Aviva Insurance Company of Canada. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Aviva Canada.

Overland floodExcluded; no overland water endorsement in this document: “35. caused directly or indirectly by flood, surface water, spray, storm surge, ice or waterborne objects, all whether driven by wind or not.”
p. 6
This 2015 form predates Aviva's overland water endorsement, so the flood answer reflects the base wording only.
Sewer backupExcluded in the base wording; no endorsement, limit or conditions in this document: “a. caused by the backing up or escape of water from a sewer, sump or septic tank, retention tank, French drain or water leader;”
p. 6
EarthquakeExcluded; no endorsement or deductible wording in this document: “28. caused directly or indirectly by snowslide, earthquake, landslide, mudflow or any other earth movement.”
p. 5
Replacement cost conditionsGuaranteed replacement cost only if shown on the certificate: insured to 100% of the valuation guide, notice within 30 days of $10,000+ improvements, rebuild on the same location; contents claims within 180 days: “If Guaranteed Replacement cost is indicated in the Certificate of Property Insurance, we will pay the cost of repairs or replacement even if it is more than the amount of insurance for Coverage A, provided:”
p. 6
Roof depreciationnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Jewellery, watches, furs$6,000 in total: “11. Jewellery, watches, gems, fur garments and garments trimmed with fur up to $6,000 in total.”
p. 3
Bicycles$1,000 each: “14. Each bicycle, tricycle, unicycle or e-bike and its equipment and accessories up to $1,000 each.”
p. 3
Cash and securities$500 money; $5,000 securities: “2. Securities up to $5,000 in total. 3. Money including cash cards or bullion, up to $500 in total.”
p. 3
Away from home in winterAway more than 4 consecutive days: a competent person must enter every day, or the water shut off and drained, or a monitored alarm in place: “within a heated portion of your dwelling, if you have been away from your premises more than 4 consecutive days; but you will still be insured if any of the following precautions have been taken: arranged for a competent person to enter your dwelling each day you were away, to ensure that heating was being maintained; or shut off the water supply and had drained all the pipes”
p. 6
Daily checks, where Wawanesa accepts every three days.
Vacancy30 consecutive days; loss after that excluded, and vandalism, glass and water damage excluded while vacant: “17. occurring after your dwelling has, to your knowledge, been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days;”
p. 5
Renting to othersLiability covers rental of the residence up to 30 days per policy term; otherwise business use excluded: “3. the rental of your residence to others for no more than 30 days during a single policy term;”
p. 10
Business useBusiness books, tools and instruments $2,500 on the premises; other business property not insured: “1. Books, tools and instruments pertaining to a business, profession or occupation but only while on your premises for an amount up to $2,500 in total. Other property used for business is not insured, including samples and goods held for sale.”
p. 3
Mould and fungiExcluded; no limit: “15. caused by rust or corrosion, wet or dry rot, or fungi or spores;”
p. 5
Proof of loss deadlineStatutory conditions: notice forthwith in writing; proof of loss as soon as practicable; action within one year, two in Ontario and Manitoba: “(a) forthwith give notice thereof in writing to the Insurer; (b) deliver as soon as practicable to the Insurer a proof of loss verified by a statutory declaration:”
p. 11

Notes. Aviva's own site publishes no wording. The 2015 form is hosted by a brokerage and does not name Aviva in its text; the attribution rests on the host's filename.

Sonnet Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601) · DW 20160601 (2016); a 10-page guide, not the full wording, which is issued through the customer portal · 10 pp.

Document: Sonnet Homeowners Insurance Policy brief guide (Homeowner's Policy DW 20160601). Underwriter: Sonnet Insurance Company (Definity). Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Sonnet.

Overland floodnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Sewer backupnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Earthquakenot stated; only fire following an earthquake is listed as covered: “A fire causes damage to your property (including fire following an earthquake)”
p. 5
Replacement cost conditionsnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Roof depreciationnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Jewellery, watches, fursListed as an item with a special limit; the amount is not stated in the guide: “Items with specific dollar limits: • Bicycles • Golf carts • Watercraft • Jewellery, Watches & Furs”
p. 9
BicyclesListed as a limited item; amount not stated in the guide: “• Bicycles”
p. 9
Cash and securitiesListed as a limited item; amount not stated in the guide: “• Currency • Securities”
p. 9
Away from home in winterAway more than 14 consecutive days: someone must enter periodically, or the water shut off and drained, or a monitored heating alarm in place: “If you are away from your house for more than 14 consecutive days, in order for coverage to apply due to freezing, you must: - Have a person to enter the dwelling periodically to ensure that heating is being maintained, or - Shut off the water supply and drain all pipes and appliances, or”
p. 10
The longest away-from-home allowance in the audit, from a summary document rather than the contract.
VacancyNo coverage after 30 consecutive days vacant; before that, vandalism, malicious acts, glass and water damage excluded: “There is no coverage under this policy when your house has, to your knowledge, been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days.”
p. 10
Renting to othersRental of part of the house permitted with at most 2 roomers or boarders, or one additional unit to one household: “Rental of part of your house provided there are no more than 2 roomers or boarders, or one additional unit within rented to not more than one household.”
p. 10
Business useOnly incidental business uses permitted, such as a personal office: “Only the following incidental business uses of your house are permitted: - As a personal office; or”
p. 10
Mould and funginot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Proof of loss deadlinenot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.

Notes. Sonnet's public document is a brief guide that repeatedly defers to 'the detailed limitations, exclusions, and conditions of your policy'. Its answers are summary-grade; the full wording is only issued after purchase.

Allstate Canada Allstate Homeowners Policy: introducing your policy and how it works · File 243042 v2-2 (2024); a 4-page guide that says it 'doesn't change your policy wording' · 4 pp.

Document: Allstate Homeowners Policy: introducing your policy and how it works. Underwriter: Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Allstate Canada.

Overland floodnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Sewer backupOptional coverage mentioned; no limit or conditions stated: “For example, you may need extra coverage for certain water events like sewer back-up.”
p. 3
Earthquakenot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Replacement cost conditionsRepair or replace basis; depreciated value if you do not replace; no guaranteed replacement cost or site conditions stated: “If you opt out of repairing or replacing your damaged property, you will receive the property's value at the time of the loss minus any depreciation due to factors like age and condition”
p. 4
Roof depreciationnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Jewellery, watches, fursA special limit exists; amount not stated in the guide: “It also outlines specific limits on select properties such as jewelry and other special items”
p. 2
Bicyclesnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Cash and securitiesnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Away from home in winternot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Vacancynot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Renting to othersnot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Business usenot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Mould and funginot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.
Proof of loss deadlinenot stated in the guide: Not addressed in the document.

Notes. Allstate publishes only a four-page explainer that states it does not change the policy wording. Its answers are summary-grade.

How this audit was done

For each insurer we located the current public policy wording for its standard comprehensive homeowners policy, downloaded the PDF, and answered the same fixed list of questions from the text alone. Each answer records the operative sentence verbatim and the page it appears on. Where an insurer publishes editions by province we read the Ontario edition and say so. Documents were read in September 2026; the version or edition printed on each is recorded with the insurer.

What counts as an answer

Only text in the policy wording itself. Where a document gives a range by age, we quote the range. Where an optional rider changes the rule, we quote the base rule and note the rider. Where the document is silent, the cell says so; we do not fill the gap from a brochure or a website FAQ, because the wording is what the claims examiner reads.

Limits

A wording changes when an insurer reissues it, usually once a year, and some carriers issue different wordings by province or distribution channel. Each row names the version we read. This audit covers the standard single-trip emergency medical plan for Canadian residents; annual multi-trip, visitors-to-Canada and credit card coverage have their own documents. Quotations are shortened to the operative sentence; read the full clause in the linked document before relying on it.

Questions

Why is flood not in my home policy?

No Canadian base homeowners policy covers water entering from outside. Since 2015 most insurers sell an optional overland water endorsement, but its wording varies: some exclude water entering through ground-level openings, some cap the amount, and none cover a home the insurer rates as high flood risk. The endorsement clause, not the marketing name, decides whether a flooded basement is paid.

What is the "away from home" rule?

Every wording has a condition for the heating season: if you leave the house for more than a set number of consecutive days, you must shut off the water supply and drain the pipes, or arrange for someone to check the house regularly. Miss it and a burst-pipe claim is excluded. The number of days and what counts as checking differ by insurer.

Why do some cells say "not stated"?

Because the document does not address it, or addresses it in a place we could not find. We do not fill gaps from brochures, broker sites or memory. Some insurers publish only a specimen wording and issue the full policy with the contract; we say which.

How current are the documents?

Each insurer row names the document version or edition we read and the date we fetched it. Insurers reissue wordings, usually annually, so treat this as a snapshot as of September 16, 2026 and confirm against the wording you are actually issued.