Solid Fuel Burning Appliances

Why do insurance companies surcharge for the use of a solid fuel burning appliances? Why is the surcharge 25% in Saskatchewan and only 10% in Alberta?
Is this just an excuse to charge more?
It is important that your insurer approves any solid fuel burning appliance in your home.   If it is not approved your policy could be null and void.

Fireplace - a recreational heating appliance that is not designed to be used as a primary heating source.   Many times it is not required to get approval for such a device since it is recreational but it must be reported on the application.

Central Furnace - is usually centrally located where hot air is circulated by the means of a fan.  Most of the time this will be gas or propane.   If it is a combination furnace where wood or coal is used it must be approved by the insurance company.

Auxiliary Heating Unit - any device used to heat your home that is not centrally located and/or ducted.
These may include propane or gas space heaters.   They must be disclosed on the application but are generally acceptable.    Solid fuel (coal, wood, pellet) stoves must be inspected and approved.

Electric Baseboard heaters are generally safe and do not have to be inspected.

A solid fuel burning appliance that is approved in Alberta would be approved in Saskatchewan. The rules are the same regardless of where the home is located. No, it does not make sense that the surcharge would be higher in Saskatchewan.

It would appear that it may be an excuse to charge more. I have not been able to get an insurance company to show me that an additional premium is even justified, let alone a surcharge of 10% or 25%. It was certainly justified many years ago when there were few standards that required people to use approved stoves, an approved chimney, and meet rigorous installation requirements. Today you would be hard pressed to find an installation that did not meet code. My theory is, the surcharge remains becasue that's "just the way it has always been done". This would explain why Saskatchewan surcharges are 25% while Alberta is 10%. "It is just the way it has always been done."

Very recently, we have had one insurance company eliminate the surcharge in both Saskatchewan and Alberta on all homes located within 6 miles of a fire hall. I hope this forces the others to follow their lead. Don't hold your breath though. It may take years.

In the mean time, I encourage you to support the company forging new ground. I know I was pretty surprised when I got my first quote for some clients with a wood stove. It represented a significant premium savings. Since then I have discovered they provide the lowest price of all companies in the City of Lloydmisnter and surrounding towns even when a solid fuel burning appliance is not present. Call if you want a quote 306-821-1620

For additional information on Wood Heat and the requirements in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Solid Fuel Handbook

Wood Heat Org - Web Site devoted to Wood Heat Users etc.