Portage Mutual Insurance Home Insurance Reviews

After being claims-free for over 10 years, we had roof damage due to a wind storm that affected 100's of homes around ours. The first call for some roof repair work was completed in a timely fashion but no further response to my inquiries on what they would cover on the damage for over 2 months. The lack of response also caused a further delay on having the roof work completed. It ended up with the neighbours around me receiving prompt full coverage replacement on their roofs. As for Portage, we only paid for the patchwork even though the patches were all over the roof and as the workman would walk to do the repair, other shingles were being damaged. We decided the 20 patches all over the roof would decrease the home's value and paid ourselves for a complete new roof. Portage then decided to increase our payments by another $100 per month, even though the home now should have been decreased with the structure being more solid. As this was a first-time claim and we had a shrinking deductible, the large monthly increase was a surprise.

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.

After the recent storms and winds in Winnipeg we had shingles come off the roof on two sides, the shingles were 15 years old, we called PM who we pay $4k plus a year to insure our home and was told we are not covered fully and they would only pay to get it patched. The shingles do not exist anymore and cannot be matched. When the roofing company, our Broker also told them it cannot be done all PM said was not our problem and only obliged to patch according to some sub rule, we was then told that if rain got in and did any damage we were not covered.
This is typical of insurance companies when it comes to having to fix or pay out, then we are told that their investments are down so are clamping down on claims, is that our fault? What do we pay insurance for if not covered for these accidents?
We are at present taking this further with the ombudsman to make Portage Mutual liable for the repair, that’s what we pay the cover for.
The inspector who came to check the damage will not answer calls, emails from us or our brokers. Scam comes to mind, BUYERS BEWARE, these are not very professional and I would not recommend.