During southern Ontario winters, space heaters can become our best friends, but they can also become our worst enemy as a potentially fatal and destructive winter hazard.
We may not think much of using space heaters to stay warm, but depending on how and where they’re used, space heaters could potentially have an impact on your home insurance.
SPACE HEATERS AS A RISK
Do not underestimate the dangers of space heaters if not used properly.
According to Health Canada, between June 2011 and September 2023, there were 252 reported incidents involving portable electric heaters, which involved 5 deaths and 10 injuries. (1)
In Ontario between 2017 to 2021, we saw an average of 510 structural fires each year that were caused by heating equipment like space heaters. (2)
HOW USING SPACE HEATERS CAN AFFECT YOUR HOME INSURANCE
For some home insurance companies, the use of space heaters can impact your home insurance costs because they increase the risk of fire, which could also lead to a claim being denied if not used safely or if they are the primary source of heat.
NOTE: We at Erie Mutual Insurance apply NO surcharge for space heaters. The only heating source we surcharge for is woodstoves.
Some insurers may deny coverage or increase your premiums if you rely on space heaters as a main heating source. It’s crucial to inform your insurance company about your heating situation to ensure you have proper coverage.
Primary vs. supplemental heat: Some insurers will not provide coverage if a home’s primary source of heat is a space heater. They are generally considered to be a greater fire risk compared to a standard furnace.
NOTE: For us here at Erie Mutual Insurance, the use of space heaters as a heating source is not an issue as long as they’re thermostat-controlled.
Policy exclusions: Even if you have a standard policy, coverage for a fire caused by a space heater may be denied if you were using it negligently, like leaving it on unattended.
NOTE: We always recommend making sure to turn off the space heater when sleeping or if you leave the room/house.
Risk assessment: Using portable heaters can be a “red flag” for some insurers, and may lead to higher insurance premiums or policy cancellation, especially if they are used with extension cords or are the primary heat source.
Type of heater: Some models are safer than others. For example, an oil-filled radiator is considered safer because it doesn’t have moving parts, but other units can pose a higher risk.
NOTE: We recommend purchasing a portable space heater with an automatic shut-off if it tips over or overheats.
Shop space heaters at Home Hardware.
Safety certifications: Ensure your heater is a safety-approved model (e.g. it has a recognized approval mark) to reduce risk.
Liability: Be aware that a fire caused by a space heater could lead to a denial of your claim, depending on your insurance company’s underwriting guidelines pertaining to heating sources.
Informing your insurance provider about changes in your heating system, like the use of space heaters, is an important step in ensuring your policy remains valid.
HOW TO SAFELY USE SPACE HEATERS
Contact your insurer: Always inform your insurance broker about your heating system, especially if you are relying on or adding any auxiliary heating sources like space heaters.
Follow safety guidelines: Use space heaters according to the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize risk.
Maintain a 3-foot clearance: Keep at least three feet of space around the heater to prevent it from coming into contact with flammable materials like curtains or blankets.
Use newer models: Opt for models that have modern safety features like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.
Avoid extension cords: Do not use extension cords with space heaters, as they can overheat.
So, the bottom line, at least for us at Erie Mutual, using thermostat-controlled space heaters has no negative impact on your home insurance policy but we strongly advise using them safely because they can be a threat.
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
SOURCES:
1. canada.ca
2. esasafe.com
