Now that our roofs are no longer covered with that snow and ice, you can see those in your neighborhood that have taken advantage of the power of solar. You might even be one of them. If you’re planning to install solar panels in the near future, consider these things first and the impact they could have on your home insurance policy.
Which type of solar panel are you installing?
The good news about rooftop solar panels is that they are typically covered under your standard home insurance policy, as these panels essentially form a part of your roof.
However, it is still recommended to share the details with your insurance company prior to having the solar system installed to be advised whether you’ll have sufficient coverage or if you’ll be required to make some changes. Be prepared to provide your company with the value of the installation to ensure you have adequate coverage should this increase the total cost to rebuild your home.
You want to be sure that you don’t need an entirely separate solar panel insurance plan.
Ground-mounted solar panel insurance in Ontario
If you’re deciding to have a ground-mounted solar system installed on your property, then it might be handled different from a rooftop installation. This type of installation may be included in the section of your home insurance policy that covers other buildings and structures on your property such as detached garages, sheds, etc.
You should speak with your insurance company prior to having it installed to ensure it will be covered, and that the values have been documented appropriately. In some cases, depending on the size of your ground mounted system it may call for its own policy.
Don’t confuse warranties with insurance
It’s important to keep in mind that any guarantees and warranties provided by the supplier or manufacturer of your solar panels is different from insurance.
Warranties come from manufacturers or retailers, and they usually promise to replace any malfunctioning or prematurely worn down products. Insurance restores your home and/or property to a previous state before some kind of adverse event occurs.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), recommends advising your insurance company of any solar installation in order to ensure your investment is protected in the event of loss or damage from:
- Theft
- Fire
- Severe weather
- Flooding
Certain policies could even cover loss of income if power generation is stopped, as well as liability for any damage or loss to a third party. Be sure to contact your insurance broker to discuss your options, because it will depend on specific providers.
Not sure how your solar panels factor into your home insurance policy? Get an accurate quote in just 3 minutes right here.
