Running a business from home? Check what your home policy really covers.
A home insurance policy usually gives only limited coverage for business equipment, and typically doesn’t cover business liability, such as a client who’s hurt during a visit. Frank checks your policy and compares simple ways to fill the gap.
No obligation. Nothing changes without your approval.
- Licensed broker (RIBO)
- English or French
- Weekends available
- A real person, by phone
Where home policies fall short
Limited equipment coverage
Most home policies include only a small limit for business equipment, often only while it’s in your home.
Business liability usually isn’t covered
If a client is hurt at your home or your work causes a loss, your home policy’s personal liability typically won’t respond.
Your insurer needs to know
Running a business from home without telling your insurer can put your coverage at risk.
Ways to fill the gap
- A home-based business endorsement added to your home policy
- A separate home-based business policy
- Professional liability (errors and omissions) if you give advice or professional services
- Coverage for stock or equipment you take with you
- Commercial auto if you use your car for the business
How it works
- Send a short requestPick a time for a call and add documents if you have them. It takes a few minutes.
- Frank reviews and comparesA licensed broker looks at your situation and compares options.
- You decideTalk it through by phone. Nothing changes without your approval.
More for business owners
See the Business insurance in Ottawa guide series for liability, property and commercial auto.
What to have ready
- Your current home, condo or tenant policy
- What your business does and an estimate of yearly revenue
- The value of your equipment and any stock
- Whether clients or customers visit your home
Don’t have everything? Send what you have and Frank will ask for the rest.
Common questions
I only work from home for my employer. Do I need anything?
Often not much, but it’s worth checking whose policy covers the equipment you use and telling your insurer if anything has changed.
Is an endorsement enough?
For many small, low-risk businesses, yes. Larger businesses or those with clients visiting may need a separate policy. Frank compares both.
What if I sell online?
Stock stored at home and the products you sell may need coverage your home policy doesn’t include. Tell Frank what you sell and where it’s stored.
Will this change my home insurance?
Only if you approve a change. A review doesn’t change anything by itself.
Protect your home and your business
Tell Frank what your business does. No obligation, and nothing changes without your approval.
Prefer email? Write to Frank.tereraho@insureu.ca.
More reasons to review your insurance
Sources: Insurance Bureau of Canada: types of business insurance · Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: home insurance
Frank Tereraho is a licensed insurance broker (RIBO) affiliated with InsureU Brokers Inc., 135 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON. This page is general information, not advice. Savings are not guaranteed. Quotes and coverage depend on each insurer’s underwriting and policy wording.