What Information Do I Need to Get Home Insurance?
Getting home insurance can seem like it requires a lot of information, especially if you're arranging coverage for the first time or reviewing your insurance with a new broker.
The good news is that you don't need to know everything about your property before you contact an insurance broker.
Your broker and the insurance company will need enough information to understand the property, how it is being used, and the type of coverage you need. Some information can be confirmed through property records or other sources, while other details are best provided by you.
The information you'll need can also vary depending on what you're insuring. A detached home, condo, townhouse, duplex, or rental property can all have different insurance considerations.
Here's what you should have available when getting a home insurance quote or reviewing your existing coverage.
What Type of Property Are You Insuring?
The first question is fairly simple: What are you actually trying to insure?
For a typical homeowner, this might be:
A detached home
A semi-detached home
A townhouse
A duplex
A condo
You may also be insuring a property that you don't live in, such as a rental property or secondary home.
If you're a tenant, you're generally looking for Tenants Insurance rather than insurance on the building itself.
The type of property you're insuring will determine many of the questions you'll be asked and what information your broker needs.
Information You'll Generally Need for Any Home Insurance Quote
Regardless of the type of property, there is some basic information you'll generally need to provide.
This can include:
The property address
The date you need coverage to begin
Who owns the property
Who will be living there
Whether the property will be owner-occupied or rented
Your current or previous insurer, if applicable
Your insurance claims history
Mortgage information, if applicable
Whether there are any businesses operated from or registered to the home
Your broker will also want to know about anything else that could affect how the property is used or insured.
For example, if you rent out part of your home, operate a business from the property, or use the property differently than a typical primary residence, that's information your broker should know.
These questions aren't meant to make getting insurance difficult. They're used to help the insurer understand the risk and determine what coverage is appropriate.
Information About the Home
For a typical homeowner, you'll be asked for information about the physical characteristics of the property.
Some of this may include:
Year the home was built
Approximate square footage
Number of storeys
Whether there is a basement
Whether the basement is finished
Type of construction
Exterior finish
Age and type of roof
Plumbing
Electrical system
Heating system
Age of the hot water tank
Garage or carport
Detached structures
Pool or hot tub
Wood-burning stove or fireplace
Security system
Sump pump
Don't worry if you don't know the answer to every question.
If you're unsure about the age of the roof, hot water tank, or another component of the home, tell your broker rather than guessing. There may be ways to verify the information, or the insurer may be able to determine what additional information is required.
Providing accurate information is important because these details can affect how the property is assessed and insured.
What Renovations or Upgrades Have Been Done?
Renovations can be important when arranging or reviewing insurance, particularly if they involve major components of the home.
Your broker may ask about updates to things such as:
Roofing
Plumbing
Electrical
Heating
Windows
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Basement finishing
Additions or other structural changes
For example, knowing that a home was built in 1975 doesn't tell the whole story if the plumbing, electrical, roof, and heating systems have all been substantially updated.
It's also important to let your insurer know about significant renovations before they're started. Changes to the property can affect its replacement cost and the way it needs to be insured.
James' Insurance Tip
Whether you're getting insurance for the first time, switching insurers, or reviewing your existing coverage, don't wait until the last minute. Having the information about your property ready gives your broker more time to find appropriate coverage and address any questions that may come up.
What About Your Belongings?
Home insurance isn't just about the building. Your policy can also provide coverage for your personal belongings.
When getting a quote, you'll generally want to have an idea of what it would cost to replace the contents of your home.
This can include:
Furniture
Clothing
Electronics
Appliances
Sporting equipment
Tools
Bicycles
Collectibles
Jewellery
Musical instruments
You don't necessarily need to create a detailed inventory of everything you own just to get a quote.
However, it's important to consider whether you have particularly valuable items. Some types of property can have specific limits under a standard home insurance policy, and additional coverage may be available.
If you're unsure whether something you own requires special consideration, mention it to your broker.
You can also read more about this in Does My Home Insurance Fully Cover My Valuables?
What Information Do I Need for a Condo or Townhouse?
If you're insuring a condo or townhouse, the information you'll need can be a little different from a detached home.
Your broker may need information such as:
Property address and unit number
Year the building was constructed
Approximate size of the unit
Floor or location within the building
Interior upgrades and improvements
Approximate replacement value of your belongings
The strata corporation's insurance information
Your strata entitlement
Your strata corporation has its own insurance, but that doesn't replace the need for your own condo or townhouse insurance policy.
Your individual policy can cover your personal belongings, improvements to your unit, liability, and other coverage that applies to you as an owner.
The strata's insurance information and your strata entitlement can also help your broker determine how your individual policy should be structured.
This information is often available in your AGM package. You can also ask your realtor or strata management company for it.
James' Insurance Tip
If your current broker hasn't asked you for your strata insurance information or your strata entitlement, it's worth asking why. Without this information, you could potentially be underinsured or paying for coverage you don't actually need. Your individual policy should complement the strata corporation's insurance rather than simply duplicate it.
You can learn more about the distinction between strata and individual condo insurance in Do I Need Condo Insurance?
What Information Does a Tenant Need?
Tenants generally have a simpler insurance process because they aren't insuring the building itself. However, your broker will still need some information about the building to properly assess the risk.
Your broker will typically need information such as:
Rental address
Type of rental property
Apartment, condo, townhouse, or house
Who will be living there
Approximate value of your belongings
Previous insurance claims
Any liability requirements from your landlord
Age and type of roof, where available
Plumbing
Electrical system
Heating system
Age of the hot water tank
You may not know all of the building details, especially if you're renting an apartment or house. If you're unsure, ask your landlord or property manager. They should be able to provide information about the building that you wouldn't reasonably be expected to know.
You'll also want to mention anything that could affect the policy, such as operating a business from the home or having a different occupancy arrangement.
Tenants Insurance can provide coverage for your belongings and personal liability, as well as other coverages depending on the policy.
What About a Duplex?
Duplexes can be insured differently depending on how the property is legally structured.
If the duplex is non-stratified, it is generally insured more like a single-family home. Some non-stratified duplexes have a party-wall agreement between the owners, although not all do.
A party-wall agreement is a legal agreement between the owners of adjoining units that sets out responsibilities for the shared wall and other aspects of the property. Depending on the property and insurer, your broker may need a copy of this agreement, and some insurers require one before they will provide coverage.
If the duplex is stratified, it is generally insured more like a condo or townhouse, with the individual unit and the strata corporation having separate insurance considerations.
If you're not sure whether a duplex is stratified or whether there is a party-wall agreement, your realtor, property documents, or the other party involved in the ownership can help confirm the details. Your broker can also let you know what information the insurer requires.
What If I Have a Rental Suite?
If you have a rental suite in your home, make sure your broker knows about it.
You may be asked about:
Whether the suite is occupied
Whether it's a long-term rental
Whether it has a separate entrance
Whether it has a separate kitchen
Whether the suite is permitted
How much rental income you receive or expect to receive
Having someone rent part of your home can affect the way the property is insured, so it's important not to assume that a rental suite is automatically treated the same as an entirely owner-occupied home.
The same principle applies if you're operating a business from your home. You can learn more about this in Is My Home Business Covered by Home Insurance?
Helpful Documents to Have Available
You don't necessarily need to have a stack of documents ready before contacting a broker, but some information can make the process easier.
Helpful documents can include:
Your current or previous insurance policy
The property (MLS) listing
Home inspection report, if available
Information about major renovations
Information about the roof, plumbing, electrical, or heating systems
Strata insurance information, if applicable
Mortgage information
Photos or an inventory of particularly valuable belongings
If you're missing some of this information, don't let that stop you from contacting a broker. They can tell you what is important and help determine what still needs to be confirmed.
What If I Don't Know All the Answers?
This is one of the most common concerns people have when getting home insurance.
You don't need to know everything.
If you don't know when the roof was replaced, what type of plumbing is installed, or exactly how old the hot water tank is, tell your broker that you're unsure rather than guessing.
There may be ways to verify the information, or the insurer may be able to proceed with what is known and identify anything that needs further clarification.
The important thing is to provide accurate information to the best of your knowledge and let your broker know about anything that could affect the risk.
The Bottom Line
Getting home insurance doesn't have to mean having every detail about your property figured out ahead of time. The most important thing is to provide your broker with accurate information about the property, how it is used, who lives there, and any changes or features that could affect the insurance.
The information needed can vary depending on whether you're insuring a home, condo, townhouse, duplex, or rental property. If you're not sure about something, don't guess. Your broker can help determine what information is needed and how it may affect your coverage.
Taking a little time to gather the information before requesting a quote or reviewing your policy can make the process easier and help ensure your coverage is properly matched to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You'll generally need the property address, information about the home, who owns and occupies the property, your insurance history, claims history, and details about any businesses or rental arrangements. Your broker may also need information about the home's construction, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating, and other features.
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Most Likely. If you don't know, let your broker know rather than guessing. There may be ways to verify the information, or the insurer can advise what is required.
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It isn't always required, but having your current or previous policy available can be helpful. It can provide information about your existing coverage, limits, deductibles, and other details that may help your broker understand your current insurance.
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A condo or townhouse owner may need to provide information about the unit, including its size, location, upgrades, belongings, as well as the strata corporation's insurance information and the owner's strata entitlement. This information is often available in an AGM package or can be obtained from a realtor or strata management company.
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A tenant will generally need to provide the rental address, type of property, who lives there, an estimate of the value of their belongings, and their claims history. Your broker may also need information about the building, such as its age, plumbing, electrical, heating, roof, and hot water tank. If you don't know these details, you can ask your landlord or property manager.
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Yes. You should tell your broker if a business is operated from or registered to your home. Even a small home-based business can have insurance considerations that should be reviewed separately from your personal home insurance.
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It can. Your broker will generally need information about the suite, including how it is occupied and whether it is a long-term rental. A rental suite can affect how the property is assessed and insured.
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A non-stratified duplex is generally insured more like a home and may have a party-wall agreement, which some insurers require. A stratified duplex is generally insured more like a condo or townhouse.
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That's okay. Tell your broker what you know and let them know what you're unsure about. Don't guess at information that could be important to the insurance company. Your broker can help determine what needs to be confirmed.
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In many cases, yes. The exact information required will depend on the property and the insurance company. You can start the conversation with your broker even if you don't have every answer.
Need Insurance Advice?
Insurance information is a great starting point, but every person, family, home, and business has unique insurance needs.
If you have questions about your current coverage, are approaching your renewal, or simply want a second opinion, I'd be happy to help you understand your options and determine whether your coverage still meets your needs.
I work with multiple insurance companies to help clients find coverage that fits their situation, not just the lowest price.
📍 Proudly serving Langley, the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, and clients throughout British Columbia and Alberta.
About the Author
James Kramer is an independent insurance advisor with more than a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect what matters most.
He provides general insurance, including Home, Auto, ICBC Autoplan, Business, Travel, and Specialty Insurance, throughout British Columbia and Alberta, as well as independent life insurance solutions across British Columbia.
Through the Insurance Learning Centre, James shares practical insurance advice, explains common coverage questions, and helps Canadians better understand their insurance so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance, legal, or financial advice.
Insurance products, policy wordings, coverage options, eligibility, and availability vary by insurer and province. Always review your own policy and consult a licensed insurance advisor regarding your specific circumstances before making insurance decisions.