Compare Square One insurance in Ontario

Square One in Ontario: an honest overview

Square One Insurance sells home, condo and tenant insurance online with customizable coverage.

Square One mainly sells its policies directly — online, by phone or through its own advisors or agents. Independent brokers generally cannot place a Square One policy. What a broker can do is show you prices from other insurers, so you have something fair to compare against the quote Square One gives you.

Every insurer prices risk differently. Two neighbours with similar cars can receive very different prices from the same company, because insurers weigh driving history, claims, location, vehicle and coverage choices in their own way. That is why comparing more than one option is usually worth the few minutes it takes.

Home, condo and tenant insurance with Square One

Property policies are less standardized than auto, so reading the wording matters. A homeowner's policy normally covers the building, your belongings, additional living expenses if you must move out during repairs, and personal liability. Condo policies focus on your unit improvements and contents, and tenant policies cover belongings and liability.

In Ontario, water damage is one of the most common claim types. Sewer backup and overland water are often optional add-ons, so ask whether they are included and what limits apply. Older roofs, knob-and-tube wiring, oil tanks and wood stoves can also affect eligibility and price with any insurer.

Discounts worth asking about

Discount names and amounts differ by insurer and change over time, so treat this as a checklist rather than a promise. Ask Square One which of these apply to you:

• Monitored alarm, water-leak sensors or sump pump with backup
• Updated roof, plumbing and electrical
• Higher deductible
• Bundling more than one policy with the same insurer
• Paying annually instead of monthly

Buying from Square One directly vs. using a broker

Buying directly from Square One can be convenient if you already know you want that company. The trade-off is that you only see one company's price. A broker works the other way: they can't sell Square One, but they can show you several other insurers in one conversation.

A simple approach many people use: get your Square One quote, then compare it with what a licensed broker finds. Choose the coverage that fits you best — not just the lowest number.

How to switch insurers without a gap

Switching is usually simple if you plan a little ahead:

• Start comparing 30–45 days before your renewal date
• Have your licence, vehicle details (or home details) and current policy ready
• Ask your current insurer for your claims history (a 'letter of experience')
• Set the new policy to start before you cancel the old one, so you're never uninsured
• Mid-term cancellations may involve a short-rate fee — ask before you cancel