Ontario, Canada - insurance for older house more than 3 renters?

[Kate H.]

Anyone have recommendations on insurance companies in Ontario, Canada who would provide broad or basic insurance for a property that is about 100 years old and being rented to more than 3 unrelated parties?

I'm unexpectedly having a very hard time finding insurance for a duplex in Ottawa  that I am in the process of buying. After spending countless hours answering numerous questions and being on hold with numerous insurance companies and brokers, I have had two refuse me at the last minute just as I was about to sign up. The most common complaints have been that one of the units is being rented out to a group of 5 students on one lease, or that the building is 100+ years old, or random things like there have been claims from other homeowners in the area. Closing is coming up next week, so I rather urgently need to find something!

Also, I'm looking for a broad or basic coverage and can have a high deductible to save on premiums. I don't need the comprehensive policies that I have found most companies and brokers seem to default to if not push really hard. Anyone have recommendations?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/ten-ways-to-cut-the-cost-of-home-insurance/article11483375/

Move down from comprehensive to broad or basic coverage …

There are three levels of home insurance coverage: basic, also sometimes called a fire policy, the mid-range broad policy and the top-of-the-line comprehensive policy. Most people go with comprehensive coverage, and you'll find that online quote providers typically default to this type of policy. But Mr. Browne said fire is your main risk. "You can live through a sewer backup, you can live through a theft, you can live through a leaky roof," he said. "But it's hard to recover from a fire."