What should I ask my insurer before booking?

Ask which appliance must be inspected, which inspection level is required, whether the inspector needs a particular WETT designation, how recent the report must be, what form or photos are required, and the submission deadline.

Is a WETT report the same as a certificate?

WETT trains and certifies people; it does not certify appliances or issue a universal appliance certificate. Homeowners typically need an inspection report completed by a qualified individual, but the requesting insurer decides what it will accept.

WETT Inspection for Insurance in Ontario: What to Expect

Q: Is a WETT inspection legally required in Ontario?

A WETT inspection is not a universal provincial licensing requirement for every wood-burning system. Insurers, lenders, buyers, authorities, or other parties may require a report as a condition of coverage or a transaction. Ask the requesting party exactly what report and inspection level it will accept.

Fastest path to fewer delays

1. Get the requirement in writing.
Ask the insurer what it needs and by when.
2. Gather appliance details.
Find labels, manuals, prior reports, permits, and sweep records.
3. Book the matching scope.
Confirm level, inclusions, access, report delivery, and cost.

What to ask your insurer before booking

Which system?

Confirm whether the request covers a wood stove, insert, open fireplace, factory-built fireplace, pellet appliance, or every solid-fuel system at the property.

Which inspection level?

Ask whether it needs a Level 1 visual, Level 2 technical, or another specifically described scope. Do not assume.

Which professional designation?

Ask what current WETT designation the report author must hold and whether the insurer has its own form.

How recent and by when?

Confirm the acceptable report date, submission deadline, required photos, and where the completed report must be sent.

What an inspection report may document

The content depends on the inspection level and what is accessible. A report may record the appliance identification, installation details, clearances, venting and chimney components, visible condition, photographs, measurements, and observed concerns. It is not a guarantee that concealed areas are safe.

WETT's public material explains that different inspection levels provide different depths of investigation. Review the current WETT inspection-level definitions and the WETT insurance-interest guidance.

Older system or unknown history?

Situation	Useful preparation	Possible next question
No appliance label or manual	Photograph all markings and measure accessible installation details	Can the system be assessed at the requested level without manufacturer information?
More than three years since sweeping	Discuss whether deposits could obstruct the inspection view	Should sweeping occur before the inspection appointment?
Recent chimney fire, smoke, or odour	Stop using the system and describe the incident accurately	Is a technical inspection or other specialist assessment required?
Recent modification or replacement	Gather receipts, permits, manuals, and installer details	Does the insurer require a new report after the change?

Organize your insurance request

Use the free triage tool to record the insurance intent, appliance type, history, and postal code. The result is shown before contact details, and requesting contact from providers is optional.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a WETT inspection legally required in Ontario?

There is no single universal rule requiring every Ontario home to obtain the same WETT report on the same schedule. Insurers and other parties may make a report a condition of coverage or a transaction. Ask the requesting party for its exact requirement.

Is a WETT report a certificate?

WETT certifies people, not appliances. The usual deliverable is an inspection report completed by a qualified individual. Your insurer decides which report it will accept.

What if the report identifies concerns?

Ask the inspector to explain the observation and documentation. Discuss required corrections and deadlines with the insurer. Repairs or installation changes should be handled by appropriately qualified providers.