The Personal Insurance Company provides the members of the Association of Canadian Financial Officers with preferred rates on home and auto insurance. They also offer options and discounts that go beyond basic insurance, including:

• Exclusive pricing not available to the general public
• Customized coverage that offers choice, simplicity and savings
• Dedicated teams to support your needs

Don’t just renew your home or auto insurance, get a quote with The Personal.

Insurance premiums vary from one insurer to the next and may change from year to year, so shopping around to compare is the best way to know you’re still getting a good rate. With The Personal, you get exclusive group rates on top of various discounts to help you save even more, including:

• Up to 15% Multi-Vehicle Discount

Insure more than one vehicle and save up to 15% on each vehicle’s premium.

• Up to 15% Loyalty Savings

Switch your auto insurance to The Personal and save up to 15% in Loyalty Savings.

• Up to 15% Security Systems Savings

You could save up to 15% if your home is monitored by a central alarm system.

Shop around for better coverage, service and rates. Start with The Personal, your group insurer.

Get your exclusive group rates!
1-888-476-8737
thepersonal.com/acfo

Top tips for buying home insurance

Spring is peak home buying season, and for many people, buying a home is the biggest financial investment they’ll ever make. Most homeowners simply can’t afford to replace or repair damage caused by unforeseen circumstances such as fire, storm damage or theft of their belongings. Home insurance protects you by covering the cost of repairing or replacing what is lost or destroyed.

The following tips will help you understand what is (and isn’t) covered by home insurance, and give you some ideas for making your home insurance more affordable.

Why do you need it?

Although home insurance is not required by law in Canada, most banks require it before they’ll give you a mortgage. Home insurance also provides peace of mind when you’re most emotionally vulnerable- when your home is damaged by a severe storm or a thief steals your jewelry. It’s recommended that you buy enough insurance to cover 100% the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing your belongings, plus liability coverage for situations where you might be held financially responsible.

What does it cover?

Here are the four key areas most comprehensive home insurance policies cover:

1. Replacement protection covers repair or replacement for the main house, garage as well as other structure on the property. This pays for damage caused by most types of natural or man-made disasters (with exceptions).
2. Contents and personal belongings, no matter where they are in the world. It’s a good idea to review and update the list each year to make sure your inventory is up to date.
3. Personal liability in case someone is injured on your property or in your home, or if you damage someone else’s property or accidentally injure them.
4. Additional living expenses and medical bills are typically covered (up to a time limit) if you need to leave your home because of an insured disaster.

What is not covered? 

Make sure you understand the scope and limitations of your policy, especially if you choose a non-comprehensive policy. Most home insurance covers the dwelling itself, the contents of the home, and personal liability for you, your spouse/partner and dependents under the age of 18 (or over 18 and attending school).

Damage to dwellings caused by modern perils including flood or earthquakes is typically not covered. High value items such as jewelry or artwork are only covered to a certain dollar limit. Here is a list of things your homeowner’s policy does not cover. Consider a separate endorsement for these items if you want full replacement value for these items, as well as coverage for your home-based business.

How can you save on home insurance?

Although the cost of home insurance is rising, you can protest your home and family without breaking the bank. Often, saving money can be as simple as increasing your deductible. Here are a few other ways to save on your premium:

• Get an alarm system
• Insure both home and car(s) with the same insurer
• Pay your premium annually instead of monthly
• Get insurance though an employer or association
• Think twice before submitting a claim

More on this topic

• Home insurance do’s and don’ts from the Insurance Bureau of Canada
• The basics of home insurance
• Easy ways to save on your premiums 

The Association of Canadian Financial Officers has a group sponsorship agreement with The Personal Insurance Company with regards to home and auto insurance for our members

To find out more, call 1-888-476-8737.

The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada.

The information provided is meant to be illustrative only and does not constitute or replace the advice of experts. The Personal assumes no liability with regards to how such information is used.

Not up for renewal yet?

Even if your current policy just renewed, you can lock in your group rates for up to 364 days†.

Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. Savings and discounts are subject to eligibility conditions, may vary by province and may not apply to all optional coverages. Auto Insurance is not available in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia due to government-run plans.

The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories.

Loyalty Savings only available in ON, AB, NS, NL, NB and PE. Must be insured for a minimum of 3 years to be eligible for Loyalty Savings and 5 or more years to be eligible for the maximum discount: Up to 15% available in ON and NL; Up to 10% available in AB; Up to 7% available in NS, NB and PE.

† Rates are guaranteed for up to 364 days and are provided only where there are no changes to your underwriting information from the time of the quote to the effective date of the policy.