Insurance And Wood Heat
A wood stove changes an Ontario insurance application, and the paperwork is easier to produce before you need it than during a renewal.
Short answer
Most Ontario insurers ask whether there is a solid-fuel appliance and will frequently require a WETT inspection report, a professional installation, and sometimes an annual sweep record. Failing to disclose a wood appliance is a material non-disclosure, which is a far worse position than paying a slightly higher premium.
What insurers typically want
Disclosure of any solid-fuel-burning appliance — a wood stove, an insert, a fireplace used for wood, a wood furnace or boiler, and sometimes a pellet appliance.
A WETT inspection report, frequently at the visual level, from a certified inspector.
Evidence of a professional installation, and permits where the installation required them.
Sometimes an annual sweeping and inspection record, which is a reasonable thing to keep anyway.
Confirmation that the appliance is certified to a recognized standard rather than site-built or uncertified.
And smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which in Ontario are required regardless.
Do not leave it off the application
An undisclosed wood appliance is a material non-disclosure, and the moment it matters is after a fire. Declare it, produce the report, pay the premium difference if there is one, and keep the sweep records. The alternative is a claim argument at the worst possible time.
The common failure points
Clearances to combustibles, which is the most frequent finding — a stove too close to a wall, or venting too close to framing.
A hearth pad that is too small or made of the wrong material.
An uncertified or site-built appliance, which many insurers will simply not cover.
Venting that is the wrong type for the appliance, or single-wall where double or insulated is required.
An unlined or deteriorated masonry chimney serving a wood appliance.
And a termination height that does not clear the roof by the required amount, which is both a draft and a compliance problem.
Keeping it straightforward
Get the WETT report before you need it, rather than during an underwriting deadline.
Fix what the report identifies, and get it re-inspected so you have a clean report rather than a report with findings.
Keep the sweep and inspection records annually, dated, with what was done.
Keep the appliance manual, the certification label details and the installation permit together with those records.
Tell the insurer when anything changes — a new appliance, a new liner, a change of use.
And if you are buying a house with a wood appliance, get the report during the conditional period rather than after closing, because the findings can be substantial.
Common questions
Do I have to tell my insurer about a wood stove?
Yes. An undisclosed solid-fuel appliance is a material non-disclosure.
What is the most common WETT failure?
Clearances to combustibles, then the hearth pad size or material.
When should I get the report?
Before you need it — and during the conditional period if you are buying.