Portage Mutual Insurance Home Insurance Reviews

I was told that I would qualify for a discount if I agree to a credit check… After running my credit check and not finding what they were hoping for I guess… I was told that I didn't meet the criteria. What? I have immaculate credit, I don't carry any debt, and I own 80% of my home? So what is it that they are looking for and why would they offer a discount and then take it away With no explanation. Feel like this is a marketing scam. I can see why many provinces have outlawed this tactic. Will not renew with current moans next year. Don't feel they are trustworthy

1) Policy almost doubled in price in two years. (indoor oil tank, Outdoor wood Boiler)
2) Charged $500+ for OUTDOOR Wood Boiler which was over 80ft from home and only brought HOT water to the house for heating. Clause states that if a solid fuel furnace is used to provide heat source then you get a surcharge. They are narrow minded on this when a system a great distance away from the house cannot start a fire using hot water, as far as I'm aware.
3) Had home inspection and when the inspector realized that the Outdoor Boiler was not in Operation for 13 Mos did not refund or remove Solid fuel surcharge. When I contacted their office directly in St Catharines, the person on the other end said He could not talk directly with the clients. I had to use my broker. They are very quick to add surcharges based on your verbal confirmation but will not remove them based on verbal confirmation.
4) House - 1000 sq per floor Cape Cod with attached DBl car garage was assessed at $675K+ replacement. I think that is high off the charts.
5)Policy has been cancelled for over 4 weeks and still no refund. Surcharges appear to have been removed at Cancellation. Will let you know.
Better insurance providers out there so shop around. I will say the Personal was not much better on a quote, find a provider which understands the equipment in your house and your property and you'll be happier with them.

We don't believe credit score is anyone's business, unless you're applying for credit. Period. Nonetheless, Portage now wants your credit score to calculate its pricing, which means we would get a small discount, while someone else would have to pay more to subsidize it. It's morally reprehensible, and based on crappy "science". Insurance regulatory bodies agree, and are increasingly suspicious of this practice. It is even outlawed in several Canadian provinces, so far.

Anyway, we fired them, as we all should when companies seek to breach our privacy. Remember, just because someone asks for information, does not mean you should provide it. It's your information, and we all need to start drawing a line.