Protecting Your Piece of History: Old Home Electrical Safety and Your Insurance

There is something undeniably charming about older homes. Whether it’s a beautifully preserved Edwardian in Burnaby Heights, a colorful craftsman, or a character-filled heritage house in Greater Vancouver, these properties tell a story. They feature architectural details, mature trees, and a sense of history that modern builds simply cannot replicate.

But loving an older home also means taking on the unique responsibilities that come with it. As a homeowner, one of the most critical, yet frequently hidden areas requiring your attention is behind your walls: the electrical system.

At Reliance Insurance, our mission is Protection Beyond Insurance®. We don’t just want to help you find a policy; we want to help you actively reduce your risk, keep your family safe, and protect your most valuable assets.

The Hidden Risks of Older Electrical Systems

Outdated electrical systems such as knob-and-tube wiring, 60-amp electrical services, and older fuse boxes, are frequently flagged by insurance companies. Over time, these systems can become overloaded by modern appliances, leading to degraded insulation and localized overheating.

Did you know? In most older houses, hidden electrical fire hazards are actively present. Because these systems are tucked away out of sight, many homeowners have no idea they are sitting on a safety risk until a breaker constantly trips, or worse, a fire occurs.

Did you know? the vast majority of older homes, electrical hazards can be corrected and repaired within a single day.

When an insurance broker assesses a character home, an unverified or outdated electrical system can cause complications, sometimes leading to higher premiums or restrictions on coverage.

Reliance Insurance

The Solution: An Unbiased, Third-Party PowerCheck Assessment

Fortunately, ensuring your vintage home is safe doesn’t have to mean gutting your walls or spending a fortune.

We highly recommend homeowners look into PowerCheck, the leading experts in old home electrical safety. PowerCheck provides a third-party, completely unbiased assessment of your house’s electrical system.

Here is why the PowerCheck approach aligns perfectly with our philosophy of risk management:

• No Conflict of Interest: PowerCheck does not perform repair work. Because they are an independent examination service, they have no financial incentive to find problems that aren’t there. You get an honest, objective safety grade.
• Master Electrician Expertise: All examinations are conducted by certified Master Electricians who specialize specifically in the nuances of aging electrical systems.
• Honoured by Insurers: The resulting PowerCheck Report uses a simple, standardized risk rating. Because it is thorough and independent, this report is widely honoured and respected by insurance providers across Canada, making your home insurance process much smoother.

Getting Safe is Easier Than You Think

Many homeowners avoid electrical inspections because they dread a massive, expensive re-wiring bill. But PowerCheck’s historical data shows that complete re-wiring is usually not required.

In fact, in the vast majority of older homes, electrical hazards can be corrected and repaired within a single day. PowerCheck clearly presents all necessary corrective actions in their report, making it easy and inexpensive to hand to a contractor and get your home up to standard.

Take Control of Your Home’s Safety Today

At Reliance Insurance, we want to ensure that your claim is something you never have to make, but if you do, your home is fully protected. Taking preventative steps like booking an electrical check-up is the absolute best way to protect your livelihood, preserve your property value, and enjoy your beautiful home with total peace of mind.

If you own an older home in British Columbia or across Canada, consider booking an electrical safety check-up today:

Greater Vancouver: 604-684-3630
Across Canada: 1-800-517-3630
Online: Visit www.powercheck.ca or email info@powercheck.ca

Have questions about how your home’s electrical system, age, or updates impact your current property policy? Our friendly, knowledgeable team at Reliance is always here to chat. Give us a call at 604.255.4616, email us at auto@reliance.ca (or contact our property team directly), or drop by our Burnaby Heights office at 4853 Hastings St.

Let’s work together to protect what matters most!