Tenants: what your policy covers
Your landlord’s insurance covers the building. Everything else is yours to insure: your belongings, the damage you cause, and your costs if you have to leave.
What your policy pays for
1
Your belongings
Furniture, clothes, electronics, bike. Also away from home, often with a limit.ExampleYour apartment is broken into: laptop, TV and winter coat. Your policy replaces them, minus the deductible.
2
Damage you cause to others
Civil liability · to the building or neighboursExampleYou leave a burner on and the fire damages the kitchen and the unit next door. The landlord’s insurer pays for the building, then it can send you the bill. Your liability coverage pays it.
3
Tenant’s improvements
What you added to the unit at your own costExampleYou paid for a floating floor and a new counter. After a fire, your policy pays for them, since the landlord only insures the original unit.
4
A place to stay during repairs
Additional living expensesExampleAfter water damage, the unit is unlivable for six weeks. Your policy pays what it costs you beyond your normal spending: temporary housing, restaurant meals.
What often surprises people
Your roommate isn’t covered. Their belongings aren’t insured by your policy unless they’re named on it. Simplest: one policy each.
Sewer backup needs an add-on. It’s only covered with an endorsement. The risk is higher if you live in a basement or semi-basement unit.
Valuables have limits. Jewellery, instruments or expensive bikes may be limited to a few thousand dollars for theft.
Renting on Airbnb? Say so first. Even for a few nights. Otherwise, damage linked to the rental may not be covered.
Who pays in these situations?
| What happens | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Water from the unit above damages your furniture | Your policy (belongings), minus the deductible. Your insurer can then recover from whoever caused it. |
| Your washer floods the unit below | Your liability coverage pays for their damage. |
| Smoke from a fire next door damages your furniture | Your policy (your belongings), minus the deductible. |
| Your roommate’s bike is stolen | Their own policy, not yours. |
Before you renew, check
- Does your contents amount really cover everything you own?
- Are your belongings insured at replacement cost?
- Do you have the sewer backup endorsement if you live in a basement?
- Does your lease require a specific liability amount?
Other profiles: Condo owner · Homeowner · 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