Why did I receive a new policy?

During an internal audit, we found that some NHWICC policyholders had received an incorrect printed policy version in the mail. We have identified all those policyholders who were effected, and reissued the correct policy version that coincides with the homes’ possession date. The digital version of the policy, available on the homeowner portal, has always been correct.

The differences between the Policy versions as at September 18, 2018 are as follows:

1. Heading A – Definitions

• • Added defined terms under
    • “Accredited Representative” means a person or entity with designated authority to act for matters specified by the Warranty Provider on behalf of the Warranty Provider, and may include the Residential Builder;
    • “Act” means the New Home Buyer Protection Act;

2. Heading D – Coverage Exclusions and Exemptions

• • Added exempted buildings under (j) “detached parking garages, detached amenity buildings, detached recreation facilities and detached swimming pools are exempt from the definition of a New Home and warranty insurance coverage.”

3. Heading E. – Loss or Damage Exclusions

• • Added exclusion under (a) “contractual related issues between the Insured and Residential Builder”.

4. Heading I – Claim Assessment and Disputes

• • Added “The Warranty Provider will make all reasonable efforts to avoid delays in responding to a Claim, inspection of the Defects identified in the Claim, and scheduling any required repairs.”
  • Replaced “Upon receipt of the Claim and the deductible fee, the Warranty Provider shall arrange within 60 days to have an inspection completed by the Warranty Provider or its accredited representatives.”
    with
    “Upon receipt of the notice of Claim, the Warranty Provider shall promptly make reasonable attempts to contact the Insured and arrange an inspection, to be completed by the Warranty Provider or its Accredited Representatives.”
    and
    “After completion of the inspection, but prior to the release of the Claims Assessment Report, a deductible fee will be requested and payable by the Insured.”
  • Replaced “The Warranty Provider will issue a Claims Assessment Report within 60 days of the inspection setting out its assessment decision in respect of the Defects identified in the Claim.”
    with
    “The Warranty Provider will issue a Claims Assessment Report in a reasonable time after the inspection setting out its assessment decision in respect of the Defects identified in the Claim. The Claims Assessment Report will also set out the dispute resolution process available to the Insured.”

• • Expanded “If it is determined that repairs of the Defects are to be completed, the repairs will be completed by the Warranty Provider or its accredited representatives.”
    to
    “If it is determined that repairs of the Defects are to be completed, the repairs will be completed by the Warranty Provider or its Accredited Representatives in a timely manner, with reasonable consideration given to weather conditions and the availability of materials and labour.”

The difference between the Policy versions as at December 21, 2018 is as follows:

5. Heading I – Claim Assessment and Disputes

• • Removal of “The Claim must be received by the Warranty Provider no later than the expiry of the relevant warranty insurance coverage.”

Protecting you from day 1

Alberta’s New Home Buyer Protection Act, which took effect in February 2014, requires that all new homes have home warranty insurance coverage to ensure that homebuyers receive mandated protections. An ownership experience protected from unpleasant surprises.

1 year: materials & labour

Coverage for defects in materials and labour (baseboards, flooring, trim)

2 years: delivery & distribution systems

Coverage for defects in materials and labour related to delivery and distribution systems (heating, electrical, plumbing)

5 years: building envelope

Coverage for defects in the system of components that separate the conditioned space from unconditioned space (roof, exterior walls).

10 years: structural

Coverage for the load-bearing parts of the home (frame, foundation).

How can I protect my home?

Discover our homeowner tools and resources available to help you maintain your home and understand your warranty coverage:

• New Home Care & Maintenance Guide

• Surface Water Management Tips

• Construction Performance Guide

• Structural Warranty Guide

How to file a claim

Step 1.  A claim is filed through the Homeowner Portal
Step 2.  We’ll review the claim and issues to determine if they’re warrantable under Alberta’s New Home Buyer Protection Act.
Step 3.  We’ll schedule a claims assessment or inspection with the homeowner; the builder may also be in attendance.
Step 4.  We’ll assess the issues and will provide the homeowner a report outlining our decision.
Step 5.  If the report finds warrantable defects, we’ll work with the homeowner and an accredited representative to fix and resolve the issues.
Step 6.  If the homeowner disagrees with a decision and wishes to contest it, there are other claims resolution options available, including section 519 of the Insurance Act.

Learn more about alternative resolution options.