A deeper look at our segments: Realty

September 18, 2025
Commercial Lines

Take a closer look at one of our Commercial Lines segments this month. This quick-reference guide outlines the types of businesses we’re looking for, key underwriting considerations, and a real-world example of a successful account we wrote.

We’re looking to insure property owners who take pride in smart, proactive management. Well-kept residential and commercial buildings that have consistent occupancy, and solid maintenance routines. Bonus points for modern infrastructure and a clear plan to keep operations running smoothly.

Appetite at a glance:

Preferred occupancies
  • Office buildings
  • Retail or mercantile occupancy
  • Low hazard industrial occupancy
Favourable attributes
  • Low rise (under 10 storeys)
  • Long term leases requiring tenants to carry insurance
  • Newer construction or fully updated properties
  • Snow removal contract with a third-party contractor
  • Documented maintenance program
  • Contractors provide Certificates of Insurance (COI) for all completed work

 

General underwriting considerations

Gore’s Extended Bundles offer added peace of mind with key coverages tailored for realty businesses:

  • Master key coverage – Covers the cost to replace or reprogram locks if a master key (controlling all doors at listed locations) is lost or damaged due to an insured event.
  • Functional pro-environment upgrade – Allows replacement of damaged property with a more energy-efficient or environmentally friendly version, up to the policy limit.
  • Roadways, walkways & parking lots – Extends protection to exterior paved surfaces, retaining walls, and permanent landscaping structures.

Subject to terms and conditions of the policy.

Client-specific exposures:

Additional considerations for accurate building valuation:

  • Parking features: Underground garages or heated driveways can significantly impact rebuild costs.
  • By-law upgrades: Post-loss updates may be required to meet current city codes, affecting rebuild costs.
  • Debris removal: Clearing fallen trees, rubble, or hazardous materials can be expensive and should be factored in.

These exposures are key in ensuring your client is properly covered.

Business interruption – Gross rentals

A valuable coverage that continues until the building is re-tenanted, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

Submission quality – Help us, help you!

To support accurate underwriting and tailored coverage, please include the following when submitting a risk:

  • Years of building ownership 
  • Year built, construction details (including roof structure and covering), occupancy, mechanical updates etc.
  • Maintenance plan including snow removal protocols

These details help us deliver faster, more accurate quotes and better protection for your clients!

Real-world example: why we wrote this account

  • Client profile: Building Owner – Single Occupancy – Mercantile – Repair Garage
  • Established: 2020
  • Gross rentals: $200,000 
  • Location Insured Value: $7.2M
  • Risk highlights:
    • Claims-free history
    • Continuous coverage
    • Lease agreement in place with no short-term rentals
    • Building details:
      • Newer construction building, built in 2010
      • Masonry non-combustible
      • Protected
    • Snow removal contract in place
    • Management plan monitored by a property manager

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Winter brings unique risks—snow, ice, high winds, and freezing rain. Help clients stay ahead with practical tips: inspect signage, keep entrances clear, protect windows, prepare for outages, and review coverage. Proactive planning means safer, more resilient businesses.