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Home Insurance Renewal Checklist (Manitoba): 10 Things to Review Before You Renew

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Renewal season can sneak up fast—especially in spring and summer when life is already busy. The good news: a quick review now can help you avoid coverage gaps later.

At Fast Insurance, we like to say life is a rollercoaster—and insurance is the safety bar. Here’s a simple, jargon-free checklist to make sure your home policy still fits.

1) Confirm your rebuild cost (not just your market value)

Home prices and construction costs don’t always move together. Your policy is meant to cover the cost to rebuild your home after a major loss.

• Have you renovated (kitchen, basement, roof, windows)?

• Have building costs increased in your area?

2) Review your deductible

A higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also means more out-of-pocket cost if you have a claim.

• Would you be comfortable paying your deductible tomorrow?

• Does it still match your emergency fund?

3) Check Sewer Back Up coverage

This is one of the most common gaps we see—especially when people switch brokers or haven’t reviewed their policy in a while.

• Do you have Sewer Back Up coverage?

• Is the limit high enough for your basement and contents?

4) Check Overland Water coverage

Overland water (water entering at ground level) is different from sewer back up. Many homeowners assume they have it—until they don’t.

• Do you have Overland Water coverage?

• Do you know what’s excluded?

5) Ask about Service Line coverage

Service lines are the underground pipes and wires that connect your home to municipal services. Repairs can be surprisingly expensive.

• Would you want coverage if the line to your home fails?

6) Update your contents value

Your “stuff” adds up fast.

• New furniture, electronics, appliances, or tools?

• Any high-value items (jewelry, bikes, collectibles) that need special coverage?

7) Review liability coverage

Liability is the part of your policy that protects you if someone is injured on your property or you’re found responsible for damage.

• Do you host often?

• Do you have a trampoline, hot tub, or pool?

• Do you want higher limits for peace of mind?

8) Confirm your home’s usage

Insurers care how the home is used.

• Is it owner-occupied, rented, or a mix?

• Any short-term rental activity?

• Any major changes in who lives there?

9) Make sure your discounts still apply

Discounts can change when circumstances change.

• Have you added a monitored alarm?

• Any updates to plumbing, electrical, or roof?

• Are you eligible for a loyalty or claims-free discount?

10) Do a quick “coverage gap” scan

This is the part we’re most passionate about. The goal isn’t to buy “more insurance.” It’s to avoid the invisible gaps that turn into expensive surprises.

Common misses we see:

• Underinsured homes (especially after renovations)

• Missing water coverages

• Unlisted high-value items

• Second properties not properly insured

• Toys and extras (boats, ATVs, off-road vehicles) not covered the way people assume

A simple way to think about it

Your home insurance should be like an invisible moat: you don’t think about it every day, but you’re glad it’s there when something unexpected happens.

Want us to review your policy?

If you’re in Winnipeg, Steinbach, or anywhere in Manitoba, we can do a quick renewal review and explain your options in plain language.

• Winnipeg: 204-256-4051

• Steinbach: 204-326-2511

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and doesn’t change your policy wording. Coverage varies by insurer and situation.