The Complete Guide to Insurance Documents (With Picture Examples)

Dec 3, 2025
4 min read

A clear, friendly guide to help you gather the right information for a 705 Insurance policy.

When you’re preparing a new insurance policy, the right documents make everything smoother. This guide walks you through what common insurance documents look like, what information they contain, and what details you may be asked to gather when completing a policy through 705 Insurance.

Whether you’re insuring a vehicle, motorcycle, ATV, home, or rental property or watercraft, this page breaks everything down with simple explanations and examples.

Section 1: Automobiles

Section 2: Homes

Section 3: Watercraft

AUTO, MOTORCYCLE & ATV DOCUMENTS

1. Driver's Licence (Front Only)

Your official photo ID issued by the province.

What it shows:

Licence class (G, M, etc.)
Name and address
Endorsements or restrictions
Expiry date

If you have not received your permanent card with the correct information on it, or are a new driver, you will need to submit a copy of your temporary licence.

Please remember we will need a copy of your new licence once you receive it.

2. Vehicle Ownership (Front, Unfolded)

The registration document that lists the vehicle owner and VIN. In Ontario, the document is green for standard automobiles, but may be pink for ATVs / snowmachines

What it shows:

VIN
Year, make, model
Registered owner
A photo/scan of the full document, unfolded for every vehicle, is required

3. Bill of Sale or Lease Agreement

A document showing that you purchased or leased the vehicle. A Bill of sale is only required when purchasing the vehicle from a dealership. It is not needed when purchasing it in a private sale.

What it shows:

Buyer and seller
Purchase price
VIN
Date of purchase

4. Driver Training Certificate (If Applicable)

Proof that a new or young driver has completed the recognized training.

What it shows:

Driver name
Course provider
Completion date

5. Telematics App Registration

Some policies offer usage-based discounts through a phone app. If you agreed to participate in the telematics program, we will require:

All drivers (participating) email addresses
All drivers’ cell phone numbers (must have a data plan)
Ability to download and activate the app within 15 days

6. Vehicle Photos (If Requested)

Sometimes, photos help verify the condition or build of your vehicle.

You may need:

Clear photos of all four exterior sides

HOME & PROPERTY DOCUMENTS

1. Exterior Photos of the Home

If mapping tools, such as Google Maps, can’t locate the property or confirm details.

You may need:

Front view
Rear or side views (if requested)
Photo of roof (from the ground)

2. Previous Insurance Declaration Page

A summary of your current home insurance policy.

What it shows:

Liability & Coverage limits
Named Insureds
Prior policy number (most important)
Dates of coverage

3. Mortgage / Financing Information

Lender name
Lender mailing address

These details help ensure the mortgagee is properly listed on your policy. Documents are then sent to the lender as proof of insurance.

4. Wood-Burning Appliances (WETT & Required Photos)

If your home has a wood stove or solid-fuel appliance, insurers require clear details.

You will require all of the following:

Photos of all plaques (model, certification, year)
Floor-to-ceiling photo of the appliance
Exterior photo of the chimney
WETT certificate (valid for 5 years)(if you already have one)

Your broker will most likely need to fill out a wood stove questionnaire form. You may need to provide measurements from the floor, ceiling, walls, furniture, to the wood stove and chimney.

5. Oil Tank Documentation

For oil-heated homes, insurers often require clarity on the condition and age of the tank.

You will need:

Full photos of the tank (all sides)
All sides and visible plaques
Most recent inspection

6. Alarm Certificate (If Applicable)

Most carriers offer discounts on your home insurance if you have a security alarm installed. Local alarms are ones you monitor yourself, either sirens or using an app.

Monitored alarms are monitored by a central station and usually provide a higher discount. Documents are required to receive this discount.

What it shows: (1 or more required)

Monitoring company
Account or certificate number
Confirmation of active monitoring
Monthly statement

7. High-Value Item Proof

For items like jewelry, art, or collectibles.

You will need all the following:

Photos
Appraisals
Certificates of authenticity

8. Water Test (If Requested)

If your property uses well water, sometimes a lead test may be requested.

You may need:

Lead test results from an approved lab

Tests can be purchased online or at many local hardware stores

BOATS & WATERCRAFT DOCUMENTS

Whether you’re insuring a fishing boat, pontoon, jet ski, or personal watercraft, the documents are straightforward. Below is what these items typically look like and the information you may need to gather for a 705 Insurance policy.

1. Proof of Ownership (Boat Registration, Licence or Bill of Sale)

Your official document showing you are the registered owner of the vessel. (new Purchase) If you purchased the Vessel second-hand, this will not be required.

What it shows:

Vessel licence or registration number
Owner name
Make, model, and year
Hull Identification Number (HIN)

2. Hull Identification Number & D.O.T

The serial number plate attached to the hull, similar to a vehicle VIN.

What it shows:

12-digit HIN
Manufacturer information
Build month and year

3. Motor Information

Details on your outboard or inboard motor(s).

Information to gather:

Engine make and model
Horsepower
Serial number (if available)

4. Photos of the Vessel (If Requested)

Photos can help confirm the vessel’s condition and setup.

You may need:

Full exterior photo (all sides if possible)
Deck layout photo
Trailer photo (if applicable)

5. Previous Insurance Information (If Applicable)

What it shows:

Prior insurer
Policy limits
Deductibles
Loss history

6. Storage or Mooring Details

Where you keep your watercraft matters.

Information to gather:

Marina name (if docked)
Trailer storage location
Home address (if stored on property)
Seasonal vs. year-round use

7. Safety Equipment Confirmation (If Requested)

In some cases, you may be asked to confirm the minimum required safety gear.

Information may include:

PFDs/life jackets
Fire extinguisher
Sound signalling device
Bailers or manual pumps (for smaller vessels)

These examples should help you understand what each document looks like and what information is most important when gathering paperwork for your 705 Insurance policy.

If you ever feel unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck — reach out. We’re friendly, fast, and always here to help.

705 Insurance

Insuring the North