Protect Your Oakridge Home With the Right Insurance
Located in western Vancouver, the Oakridge neighbourhood is a relatively new community of nearly 15,000 people. Oakridge has a rich and diverse heritage, with almost 60% of residents identifying as Chinese and immigrants from the Philipines, India and Hong Kong. The neighbourhood is incredibly family-friendly, and 47% of local families have children. The median home is quite expensive at over $2.2 million, making it vital to maintain home insurance in Oakridge.
The crime rate is 14% lower than the national average, making Oakridge a relatively safe area. Property crime is only 7% lower than the national average, but violent crime is a whopping 36% lower.
Oakridge rarely sees temperatures below 1 C. The heaviest snows fall in December, reaching nearly 7 centimetres in a month. Summers are more comfortable with highs of 23 C and few surprise showers. Rain is most common during November, though the wet season lasts from October to May.
Considerations for Home Insurance in Oakridge
While property crime is low compared to other parts of Canada, residents should still be proactive about protecting their belongings. Home insurance in Oakridge can help homeowners recover after a break-in by paying for the replacement of stolen items. Depending on the policy, the insurer may cover belongings stored away from home or in a detached structure such as a shed or garage.
Homeowners' policies also pay for repairs incurred during theft. Thieves may break windows or doors to access the home and damage desks, chests of drawers and other furniture during their search for valuables. Insurers should provide funds to put these violations to right.
Weather is also a concern in Oakridge, especially during the rainy season. Wind storms can cause water damage, broken windows and missing shingles.
Cold weather also threatens water damage, as uninsulated pipes may freeze and burst. Snow and ice have their own dangers, especially if they melt and refreeze. When this happens on rooftops, the moisture undermines the roof's strength, creating leaks and, in the worst-case scenario, a full collapse.
Finally, comprehensive homeowners insurance should help residents recover from fire damage. While today's building codes make houses safer than they've ever been, there are still many potential fire hazards:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Unattended candles and heated hair styling tools
- Gas leaks
- Faulty holiday lights
In addition to burn damage, smoke can ruin furniture, clothing and carpets, resulting in extensive repairs.
Benefits of Oakridge Homeowners Insurance
Home insurance lifts the financial burden of recovery from homeowners' shoulders. In areas such as Oakridge, where the cost of living is high, renovation costs can be astronomical, potentially putting owners in debt or eating up savings. Fortunately, the right policies can cover all the expenses.
Having a backup plan can also provide homeowners with peace of mind. Even the most responsible individuals can't account for every issue; insurance acts as a safety net when the unforeseeable becomes reality. Homeowners can set aside anxiety and focus on the present when they have an efficient and reliable insurance company in their corner.
Finally, home insurance protects property owners from civil action by injured parties. For instance, if a guest falls off a porch and breaks a leg, the individual may sue for damages. The liability aspect of homeowners insurance can cover medical bills and legal fees. The insurance companies even handle the legal defence, as most have their own lawyers specializing in these cases.