Wawanesa Home Insurance Reviews

Wawanesa just cancelled my home insurance policy and gave me 1 week's notice because I advised them well in advance (as I wanted to be honest) of a short term rental in my home (it was within the limits of what they allow for short term rentals). I have used this company for decades and paid handsomely (they are at least 30% higher than most insurance companies). They held up the process for approval leaving me in an awkward situation and then pulled the plug. I have NEVER had one claim with them. They gave this excuse: your tenants never care about your home the way you do and we don't want the responsibility. THANKS, WAWANESA, I'm glad I helped you get rich while homeowners pay through the roof (literally and for what?) for years and no flexibility in your coverage. My home is rented through an international rental agency which also insists that the tenant has their own insurance. So even with that... BIG NO, can't help you, your policy is terminated in one week. Horrible company. Bad customer service on top of it. They promote short term rentals on their website. Isn't this false advertising?

I have had Wawanesa Insurance for over 12 years plus with one claim. I have four different policies: two homes and two auto insurance. In 2019 one of my homes was smoke damaged and I am still waiting to settle my case. An adjuster was unprofessional, horrible customer service. It was in the middle of winter in northern Alberta with three young children and no help from Wawanesa. I had to do what I had to do, anyway, there's a lot more to this story, but I wouldn't recommend to my worse enemy to Wawanesa. And I am actually going public to CBC GO PUBLIC! So they don't do anyone to what they did to me...

What a surprise... After being a customer for nearly 20 years, claims-free, never late with payments, I received my house insurance renewal policy that went up by 128.45% year over year. I contacted my broker to see if there was a mistake and the answer I received was "this is the new amount". No reason or rationale provided. I filed a complaint with the Wawanesa ombudsman but to no avail. I was told that an increase in rates does not constitute a complaint. I was informed that my concern will be forwarded to a supervisor. I called my broker again this week for an update (Wawanesa does not deal/talk to their customers one has to go through the broker) but they had the same answer for me. Now, this is no longer about the $ - it is about the principle. I will switch the insurance provider and will warn customers not to deal with this company. I will see if a media outlet will take this on as well. Poor, poor customer service. I regret that I paid in all of those years!

For such a well-known company I would have expected more! No empathy, terrible customer service, don’t return phone calls, have no value for other's time, feelings and belongings. So far from their mission statement, it’s laughable...if it weren’t so pathetic. Disappointing and disgusting.

We have been insured with Wawanesa for 15 years and currently 2 houses, never a claim never bounced a payment. A few weeks ago they decided one of our homes should be inspected. Today we were told we have 3 weeks to put eavestroughs on the place. We have never seen eavestroughs on that house. Not sure where this insurance company is located but it's winter and we live in a booming area (shortage of workers). We don't like the threatening attitude throughout this entire situation. It's uncalled for. From the way, the inspector made the appointment, until now. It's not even about the eavestrough, it's about the way they interacted with us and the unrealistic time table to have them on. They want us to go, I guess in their statistics after 15 years it's better for customers to leave. It seems unethical and all-around wrong. We will be looking into another insurance company.

Unfortunately, Wawanesa doesn’t value customers. They have taken bad business in the past without spreading risk, therefore, they cannot afford reasonable rates. 18 years claims free and three times the price of competitors:(

My small home Wawanesa home insurance was $890 which was paid upfront for the whole year. The agreement made 1 year ago. From December to December period. Their broker sent me a reminder indicating the due date to pay January 6. I realized on January 7 when got home from work and I shot Email to the broker asking if I can pay the next day at lunchtime. The reply was: my insurance expired! Now I have to work out new agreements and pay higher fees. So higher fees are $1300 a year. I find this a big jump in price. So I will go back on market to find another broker. However, regardless of what I choose now, I will be on the hook to pay Wawanessa the time house, not on any insurance estimated about $75-$100. In my opinion, if a house cannot be without insurance then one should be on a bill payment when late a 30 days normal service provision then interest. Something internet providers would do. Instead, Wawanesa chooses to not accept bill payments and cancel the insurance and then rack up fees. Bad business. These underwater stones should have been discussed by the broker because I gave a call to another broker today and he said usually they give 30 days. I emailed Wawanessa directly describing the situation they chose not to reply.

Wawanesa sure has no problem taking your money. Then they screwed me on my claim, then screwed again when they doubled my rates. Another unhappy customer who just cancelled there policy.

Have been with Wawanesa for many years—vehicle & home insurance—and their service is deteriorating. I have had minimal claims (deer incident, hail damage) but their documentation is excessive/misleading & their assessors confrontational. Will pursue another service provider when the next policy comes due.