Definition : Insurance - Loss ratio

Almost every insurance policy includes deductibles, the amounts of which vary depending on the risk insured. For example, the deductible for water damage is usually higher than that for fire. The amount of the deductible will be deducted from any compensation paid. Its purpose is to make the insured responsible, by making him take charge of part of the repairs of the damage caused by the disaster.  The advantage for the syndicate is to see its premium reduced. In co-ownerships, deductibles are a factor in the Building insurance, and in the third party liability insurance of the syndicate, directors, meeting officers, co-ownership manager and of the condo manager. Regarding co-owner’s insurance, generally each home insurance policy contains one or more deductibles for various amounts according with the nature of the loss.

The insurance premiums are the amount paid by the insured monthly or annually to benefit in the event of a claim from the guarantees in the insurance policy. It is an expense towards the preservation, maintenance and administration of the immovable. Although the syndicate assumes this cost, it is charged back to the co-owners as a portion of their common expenses (condo fees). However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the amount of insurance premiums for most syndicates of co-owners. Two main factors are at issue: the general ageing of this stock of collective dwellings and the increase in claims caused by the failure to carry out maintenancework  on the building.  But the complexity of the insurance system also has its share of responsibility.

The additional premium is a premium that is added to the existing premium. It results from a worsening of the risk or from the assumption of a new risk. This additional premium may be imposed during the course of a contract or upon its renewal. Risks are analyzed according to scales that are specific to each insurer. Ultimately, the syndicate will pay this additional premium, which will be charged to all of the co-owners through the common expenses (condo fees) or, at times, some of them.

The concept of water damage refers to the damage caused to property by the action of water: it can be a pipe that bursts because of the frost, the drain pipe of the washing machine that breaks or the bathtub that overflows. Often impressive, water damage is probably the most recurrent problem in co-ownership. As proof, over the past ten years, the proportion of this type of loss has more than doubled. They thus represent the first cause of loss. They are also becoming more and more expensive, whether for syndicates or their insurers. In order to manage the consequences of water damage upstream, you will find below sub-sheets dealing with this issue.    

Water damage is the leading cause of loss in co-ownership. They are also becoming more and more expensive, whether for syndicates or their insurers. And this is not surprising since the potential causes of loss are numerous. Over the past decade, the proportion of water damage has more than doubled in co-ownership.  In order to limit the extent of damage caused by water leaks, water leak detection systems have been created to detect any abnormal amount of water on the floor. This type of system also ensures the automatic closing of the main water inlet of the apartment. The objective is to be able to stop the source of water supply as soon as a leak is found.

Seeking the services of a real-estate broker, who was formerly referred to as a real estate agent, is not mandatory. However, unless you are able to assume the purchase and / or sale of a fraction of a building held in divided co-ownership by yourself, which will require ample time as well as in-depth knowledge in various fields, you would benefit from being accompanied by a competent real estate broker during your procedures. When you use the services of a real estate broker to buy, sell or lease a property, you are protected by the Real-Estate Brokerage Act.