Wildfire smoke has been blanketing southern Ontario, raising concerns about its impact on health and home. If you’re wondering whether smoke damage is covered by your home insurance policy, you’re not alone.

Does Home Insurance Cover Wildfire Smoke Damage?

In most cases, yes, smoke damage from wildfires is covered under standard home insurance policies in Ontario. Smoke damage is typically considered a type of peril (a specific risk or cause of damage) under the “fire” or “smoke” category in your policy.

This means that if wildfire smoke infiltrates your home and causes damage, such as staining walls or ruining property, your insurance may cover the costs of repairs or replacements, subject to your policy’s terms and limits.

What’s Generally Covered?

• Structural Damage: Smoke can stain walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Cleaning or repainting costs are often covered.
• Personal Belongings: Furniture, clothing, or electronics damaged by smoke may be covered for repair or replacement.
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable due to severe smoke damage, your policy may cover temporary accommodation and living costs while repairs are made.
• Professional Cleaning: Costs for specialized smoke remediation and deodorization services are usually included.

What Might Not Be Covered?

• Gradual Damage: If smoke damage occurs over time and you fail to address it promptly, insurers may deny claims, arguing it’s a maintenance issue.
• Uninsured Perils: If your policy excludes certain wildfire-related damages, you may face limitations.
• Deductibles: You’ll need to pay your deductible before coverage kicks in. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and the damage costs $5,000, you’d pay $1,000, and insurance would cover the remaining $4,000.
• Policy Limits: Some items, like high-value electronics or collectibles, may have coverage limits unless you’ve purchased additional endorsements.

Potential Exclusions and Special Cases

• Vacant Homes: If your home is vacant (e.g., a cottage not occupied for over 30 days), coverage may be limited or excluded unless you’ve notified your insurer.
• Intentional Neglect: If you don’t take reasonable steps to mitigate damage (like closing windows during heavy smoke), your claim could be denied.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Smoke Damage

• Mitigate Further Damage: Immediately close windows, use air purifiers, or cover furniture to prevent worsening damage. Insurance companies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your property
• Review Your Policy: Check your home insurance policy or discuss with your insurance broker to confirm coverage for smoke damage. Look for terms like “fire,” “smoke,” or “wildfire.”
• Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of affected areas and items. Keep receipts for any cleaning or temporary repairs.
• File a Claim Promptly: Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide detailed documentation and follow their claims process.
• Work with Professionals: Hire remediation experts. Your insurance company may recommend or have preferred contractors. (Staebler Suggests Puroclean for property damage restoration and emergency response.)

Tips for Ontario Homeowners

• Air Quality Precautions: With wildfire smoke affecting air quality, consider investing in HEPA air purifiers or sealing windows and doors to reduce indoor exposure.
• Check for Wildfire Endorsements: Some insurers offer extended coverage for wildfire-related perils. Ask your insurance broker if this applies to your policy.
• Stay Informed: It’s still early days in Ontario’s wildfire season, it’s important to monitor Environment Canada and local news for wildfire alerts or air quality updates.

Special thanks to Canadian Underwriter for the article idea.

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business insurance, and commercial insurance. Staebler Insurance Brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Region, and all over beautiful Ontario, Canada. Get a Quote to get started today.