Homeowners: what your policy covers
You insure everything: the house, the other buildings on the lot, your belongings, and damage you might cause to others.
What your policy pays for
1
The dwelling
The house, insured for what it would cost to rebuildExampleA fire destroys the house. Insurance pays to rebuild up to the stated amount. If that amount is too low, the difference is on you.
2
Outbuildings
Detached garage, shed, fence, often a percentage of the dwelling amountExampleA tree falls on the shed during a storm. This coverage pays to rebuild it.
3
Your belongings
Everything you’d take if you movedExampleA pipe bursts and floods the finished basement. Furniture, electronics and clothes are replaced, minus the deductible.
4
Damage you cause to others
Civil liability · damage and injuriesExampleThe mail carrier slips on your icy steps and gets hurt. If they sue you, your liability coverage pays.
5
A place to stay during repairs
Additional living expensesExampleAfter a fire, the family lives in temporary housing for four months. The policy pays the temporary rent and the other costs beyond usual.
What often surprises people
Water often needs add-ons. Sewer backup and flooding (a river or lake overflowing) are two separate coverages. The second isn’t always offered in flood zones.
Maintenance isn’t insured. A worn-out roof, a clogged weeping tile or slow seepage aren’t covered.
An empty house is riskier. Empty more than 30 days in a row, it may no longer be covered without the insurer’s agreement. And if you’re away more than 4 days, frozen pipes are often excluded. Unless someone checks the heat every day, or the water is shut off and the pipes drained.
Some changes must be declared. A wood stove, major renovations, a pool, a basement apartment or working from home.
Who pays in these situations?
| What happens | Who pays |
|---|---|
| The neighbour’s tree falls on your roof in a storm | Your policy (dwelling), minus the deductible. |
| A pipe bursts in January and floods the basement | Your policy, minus the deductible: it’s sudden, accidental water damage. |
| The roof has been leaking for months | Generally not covered: it’s a maintenance issue. |
| The sewer backs up after a storm | Covered only if you have the sewer backup endorsement. |
Before you renew, check
- Is the dwelling insured for its rebuilding cost, not its market value?
- Do you have sewer backup and flood coverage?
- Have you declared your renovations and wood stove?
- Is your deductible an amount you could pay tomorrow?
Other profiles: Tenant · Condo owner · Plex owner
A question about your own policy?
This site explains the general rules. Only your insurer can say what your policy covers: ask your agent or broker. This site doesn’t make recommendations. To choose coverage, also talk to a certified professional.
- Check an agent or broker: AMF register, at lautorite.qc.ca
- Insurance information: Autorité des marchés financiers
- General insurance questions: Centre d’information sur les assurances, 514-288-4321 or 1-877-288-4321
- Injuries in a car accident: SAAQ
- Professional conduct: Chambre de l’assurance de dommages