Homeowners insurance
Choose the coverage that suits you and insure your home against the most common types of losses such as those involving fire, theft and water damage.
How to choose home insurance coverage
First things first! You need to know the value of the property you want to insure and determine your insurance needs.
Determine the value of your house and belongings
This ensures that your house and its contents are adequately insured in the event of loss or damage. It's easy to underestimate the value of everything you own, so don't skip this step!
Make a list of your belongings
Keep the receipts of your high-value belongings and take pictures of them. Update your list regularly and keep it somewhere safe from any potential damage or loss.
To get started, use the Insurance Bureau of Canada's Personal Property Inventory External link. Opens in a new tab. form.
Assess your home's value
This isn't the price you paid for your house or the municipal evaluation. It's how much it would cost to rebuild your house today if it was destroyed. Don't hesitate to ask a real estate appraiser for help.
Determine what coverage you need
We're here to walk you through the process, from start to finish. You can start by answering the following questions. They can help you identify your coverage needs.
Questions you should answer before choosing your coverage
- How much could you pay out of pocket in the event of a claim? This will help you determine if you should opt for a higher deductible.
- Do you have jewellery or works of art whose value exceeds the maximum amount covered in the event of loss? If so, you might want additional coverage.
- Are you renting out your house? Do you work from home? Do you have a pool or hot tub? Do you have an oil-based heating system? All of these things affect the type of coverage you need.
- Should you get additional water damage coverage? Water damage is the most common cause of home insurance claim.
What's covered by our all-risk home insurance
Our homeowners insurance covers the most common types of losses (for example, claims involving fire, theft, vandalism, accidental water leak and damage to your belongings). It also provides liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage you may unintentionally cause to another person.
With our optional coverages, you can supplement your home insurance to meet your specific needs.
Select the type of coverage you want or scroll down to find out more.
Included coverages
Liability
This insurance covers you for unintentional bodily injury or property damage that you cause to a person who doesn't live with you, anywhere in the world.
It also covers family members who live with you.
Examples
Liability insurance covers claims against you for incidents like these.
- A fire breaks out in your home and spreads to your neighbours’ homes
- A visitor slips on icy stairs going into your home and breaks their leg
- Your dog bites a passerby and injures them
What coverage amount to get?
- Minimum we offer: $1 million
- For added peace of mind: $2 million
- Maximum we offer: $5 million
Contact us to to find out what amount is best for you.
Fire, theft and vandalism
Your house and belongings are covered in case of damage caused by fire, smoke and forest fires, as well as theft and vandalism.
Examples
- If your house is burglarized or vandalized while you’re on vacation, we cover the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings
- If a chimney fire causes your house to go up in flames, we pay to repair or replace your damaged property
If you have to temporarily relocate during repairs
If you have to make alternative living arrangements during repairs, your additional living expenses, like hotel costs, are also covered.
Help prevent house fires with these safety devices
More than half of residential fires are caused by human error. More than a quarter start in the kitchen
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install them on every floor in your home. Check the batteries regularly. A good way to remember is to do it when we move the clocks, in March and November.
- A fire extinguisher. Keep one in the kitchen where anyone can reach it.
Dwelling
This insurance covers:
- Your house and its temporary or permanent structures, like fences and carports
- Building materials and supplies used for renovations and repairs on your premises
Example
A heavy wooden shelf poorly secured to the wall falls and damages your living room wall. We cover the repair or replacement cost of your living room wall.
Accidental water damage
Your basic policy can cover some accidental events, as long as they're sudden and don't happen repeatedly, such as:
- Damage caused by the breakage of your washing machine hose
- Damage caused by a leak from your water heater, as long as it wasn't excluded from your insurance policy because it was too old
Tornadoes, lightning, freezing rain, hail and wind
Your home is protected from damage caused by tornadoes, lightning, freezing rain, hail and wind.
Example
During a windstorm, a branch smashes through one of your windows. We cover its replacement cost.
Important
Damage to your trees, plants or lawn isn't covered if caused by a windstorm or hailstorm.
Fire, smoke or explosion after an earthquake
Endorsement 22b
This coverage protects against damage caused by fires, smoke or explosions caused by an earthquake or other ground movements that may occur after, such as avalanches, landslides or subsidence.
Example
If an earthquake damages your house's electrical system and causes a fire, damaging your house and belongings, we cover the cost of repairing or replacing them.
Furniture and belongings
This insurance covers your belongings and furniture up to the amount specified in your policy.
Example
Your bookcase wasn't installed correctly, and it comes crashing down onto your TV and speakers. Your insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing these items.
If you have valuable items
There may be limits on the amounts you can claim for certain items, such as jewellery, bikes and works of art. Ask about the limits specific to your policy and, if need be, get additional coverage for the full value of these items.
Detached private structures (garages, sheds, etc.)
This coverage insures structures that are located on the premises but not attached to your home.
Example
If damage is caused to your garage or shed, and it's separate from your home, we cover it.
Students away from premises
If your child is a full-time student and your dependent, their belongings are covered by your home insurance.
Example
Your child is moving to a student residence. Your child's belongings, such as their computer, clothes and furniture, are covered by your policy during their studies.
Optional coverages
Ground water and sewer backup
Endorsement 16c
This coverage offers protection against sudden and accidental damage caused by:
- Water leaks, overflows or backups from places like sewers and septic tanks
- Water coming from, for example, the subsoil drainage pipe and seeping through basement windows, doors or floors
Flood
Endorsement 16d
This insurance covers sudden and accidental damage caused by flooding, meaning the rising or overflow of a body or stream of water, if the water reaches the surface of the ground of the insured premises.
Example
Your belongings in the basement are damaged by flood water. We cover the cost of repairing or replacing them, up to the amount indicated in your policy.
If you have to temporarily relocate during repairs
If you have to make alternative living arrangements during repairs, your additional living expenses, like hotel costs, are also covered.
Rain, snow or sleet
Endorsement 42
This insurance covers sudden and accidental damage caused by above ground water.
These events occur when:
- Rain or snow seeps through walls, roofs, doors or windows
- Water leaks, backs up or overflows from gutters or downspouts
- The weight of ice, snow or wet snow is too heavy for your house, causing cracks in the roof
Example
Ice has built up on the edge of your roof. Water has accumulated behind these buildups and seeped in through the ceiling. We cover the damage, up to the amount specified in your policy.
Water service pipe breakage
Endorsement 51
This covers the cost of tearing out and restoring the insured premises to allow repairs to the water service pipe.
Earthquake
Endorsement 22a
This insurance covers damage caused by:
- Earthquakes
- Other ground movement that might be caused by an earthquake, like avalanches, landslides or subsidence
Example
If an earthquake causes damage to your home's foundation, we cover the cost of repairs.
Tips to prevent earthquake damage
- Attach the water tank with adjustable ratchet straps held to the wall with screw eyes
- Install safety films on your windows to prevent them from shattering
- Install clasps on cabinet doors to ensure they remain closed
Theft or vandalism during construction
Endorsement 10
This coverage protects your home against theft and vandalism while it's under construction.
Example
If your house is under construction and building materials are stolen from the premises overnight, we cover their replacement.
Pool and hot tub
Endorsements 33a and 33b
These coverages insure your inground, semi-inground or above-ground swimming pool or hot tub in case of damage caused by, for example, freezing temperatures, heavy ice or the weight of snow.
Equipment, accessories and patios or decks that lead directly to your pool or hot tub are also insured, as long as they're not attached to your home.
Example
Snow and ice damaged your above-ground pool's structure and liner. We cover the cost of repairs within the terms of your policy.
Home-based businesses and short-term rentals
This insurance covers certain commercial or professional activities taking place on your property, such as those of a small home-based business, a self-employed worker, or the short-term rental of your house, as long as they're mentioned on your policy's Coverage Summary.
Example
If you rent out your house on a short-term rental platform, we cover damage within the terms of your policy.
Escape of fuel oil (heating oil)
Endorsements 46b and 46c
There are 2 separate coverages that cover sudden and accidental fuel oil leaks or spills:
- One covers your belongings and soil decontamination
- The other covers your liability for unintentional damage caused to a third party
Are you eligible for these coverages?
Before you call us to add these coverages to your policy, you should answer the following questions.
- What is your tank's manufacturing date?
- What is it made of?
- Is the supply line buried under a concrete floor?
- Is your tank outside? If so, what kind of base is it sitting on (for example, concrete, asphalt or wood)?
Prevent fuel oil leaks
Fuel oil is a major fire risk and can cause serious environmental damage. That's why you should have your heating oil tank inspected every year.
Here are the warning signs of a fuel oil leak:
- Dents on your tank
- Pinched lines
- Connectors in poor condition
- Damaged oil-level indicator
- Cracked welds
- Damaged support base
- Rust, seepage, damp areas or odours
Good to know
To accelerate greenhouse gas reductions, changes are being made to Quebec’s regulatory measures with respect to installing or replacing oil-fired heating appliances. Learn more about the regulatory measures External link (in French only).
Exclusions
Did you know?
Generally speaking, insurance companies don't cover any of the following situations.
Repeated water seepage or leaks
Damage caused by repeated or continuous water seepage or leaks isn't covered.
Example
Your upstairs toilet has been leaking for several months, so now you have to replace the living room ceiling just below it. These repairs aren't covered because the damage occurred gradually due to a repeated, continuous water leak.
Landslides, subsidence and other events
Damage caused by avalanches, landslides, subsidence or soil erosion isn't covered unless those events were caused by an earthquake and you have Earthquake coverage (Endorsement 22a).
Damage caused by tidal waves or tsunamis is never covered.
Defects, deterioration, and wear and tear
Defects, wear and tear, and gradual deterioration aren't covered by your insurance policy.
Example
Your 10-year-old refrigerator stops working. The cost of repair or replacement isn't covered.
Damage caused by certain insects and animals
Damage caused by vermin, insects, birds, rodents, raccoons or bats isn't covered by your home insurance.
Example
Mice get into your house and damage your furniture. We don't cover its repair or replacement.
Do you live in a mobile home?
Protect your mobile home and belongings with home insurance designed for your specific needs. Call us to find out which coverage best meets your needs.
FAQ
Do I have to get home insurance if I'm a homeowner?
If you have a mortgage, the financial institution you're dealing with will probably require you to take out adequate home insurance.
However, unlike auto insurance, you aren't required by law to get home insurance. Keep in mind, though, that without home insurance, you might have to pay thousands of dollars following damage or loss, such as a fire, flood or theft. Don't run the risk of losing everything you've acquired over the years.
How is my home insurance premium calculated?
Several factors affect the cost of your home insurance. Here are some examples:
- Building characteristics (for example, materials, location, heating system)
- The deductible, meaning the amount you have to pay in the event of a claim
- Proximity to a fire hydrant and fire station
- The coverage you chose
- The value of the items insured
- The number and type of your previous claims
How often should I review my home insurance coverage?
You should review your home insurance every year to make sure it still meets your needs. Renovations and upgrades could affect how much insurance you need. Other changes to your situation could also impact your home insurance premium.
Who's covered by my home insurance?
Home insurance covers the belongings and liability (even abroad) for you, your spouse and relatives living on the insured property. It also covers the belongings of your dependent child if they're a full-time student, regardless of where they live.
When should I contact my insurer if I'm renovating my house?
Before you get started, contact your insurer. By asking you a few key questions, they'll be able to determine whether your current policy provides the right amount of coverage. For example, will your house be unoccupied during the work? Will these renovations significantly increase the value of your home?
Does my home insurance cover damage caused by water leaking in my ceiling, walls or basement?
It depends on which coverages you add to your insurance policy.
All-risk insurance can cover some accidental events, as long as they're sudden and don't happen repeatedly, such as if the hose of your washing machine suddenly breaks. However, you need to add optional coverage if you want to be covered for other types of water damage, like sewer backups or floods.
We offer 4 optional coverages:
- Ground water and sewer backup
- Flood
- Rain, snow or sleet
- Water service pipe breakage
To learn more about these coverage options and choose the ones you need, see Water damage insurance.
Contact us
Client Relations Centre
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM
1-888-277-8726 This link will launch your default phone software.