What do coverages for Voluntary Medical and Property Damage include?
Voluntary Medical Payments coverage pays reasonable medical expenses in the year after an accident when you unintentionally injure another person or if they are accidentally injured on your property - even though you are not legally liable.
Voluntary Property Damage Payments coverage covers unintentional direct loss or damage you cause to somebody's property - even though you are not legally liable. It can also cover loss or damage to someone else's property caused intentionally by a minor child (12 years of age or under) in your care.
You don't have to be legally liable to use either of these coverage options, and there is no deductible.
What is a by-law coverage?
Building code and zoning law changes don't usually apply to existing buildings. However, if you suffer loss or damage to your dwelling, you may have to rebuild to current standards.
This coverage provides protection for new by-laws that would increase the cost of rebuilding or repairing your dwelling following an insured loss.
Although this coverage comes standard with some property policies, increased limits are available (in some provinces). Please connect with us to ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect you and your family.
Who and what is covered under my home insurance policy?
A home insurance policy usually includes your property (building, outbuildings and contents) and liability covers for the insured, including:
You and your spouse*
Any person under 21 in your care**
Dependents living away from home temporarily to attend school, college or university
*Spouse must live in the same household as you to be covered
**In Quebec, any person under 18 in your care.
Do I need insurance if I am a tenant?
Tenants need insurance. Even if you don't own the home you live in, there are several important reasons to have insurance:
Coverage for the loss or damage of your contents and personal property
Coverage for additional living expenses if you have to move out of your rental because of an insured loss
Personal liability coverage
Coverage for dwelling improvements and betterments made by you or acquired at your expense
Tenant insurance is relatively inexpensive. It protects your contents and your legal obligations to visitors and the owner of the home.
Please connect with us to ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect you and your family.
Do I need insurance if I live in a condominium?
Condominium owners need insurance. Condo insurance is recommended to provide protection for both personal property and liability.
The Condominium Corporation has its own insurance that covers incidents outside of your personal unit that typically covers the building and common areas. Only you can insure your unit improvements, personal property and liability.
Condo insurance includes:
Loss or damage of your contents and personal property
Additional living expenses if you have to move out of your unit because of an insured loss
Personal liability coverage
Unit Improvements and Betterments
Loss Assessment (covers your share of any assessment by the condo corporation because of an insured loss or damage to the common areas of the condo building, e.g. the lobby, elevator)
Unit Additional Protection* (covers your unit itself in case the condo corporation does not have adequate insurance that will fully cover a loss to your unit)
Please connect with us to ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect you and your family.
*Not available in Quebec.
What is vacancy and how does it affect my policy?
Vacant dwellings face increased risk for loss or damage.
Vacancy means all occupants have moved out (and are not returning) or occupants have not yet moved in. A home could still have furnishings, and be considered vacant.
Most insurers will only insure a vacant property for a certain number days. The first 30 days of vacancy has limited coverage. In order to arrange coverage after 30 days, you must connect with us, otherwise, coverage may cease.
Unoccupied has a different meaning; your home is unoccupied with the intent to return, such as while you are on vacation.
Please connect with us to ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect you and your family.
What is personal liability insurance?
Personal liability insurance is usually the portion of your home insurance policy that protects you should you be found legally responsible for unintentionally causing injury to another person or loss or damage to their property - anywhere in the world.
Does home insurance cover my liability in terms of boats, golf carts, or other similar recreational equipment?
It covers losses arising from ownership or non-business use of:
Trailer or its equipment provided that such trailer is not attached to, carried on or being towed by a motorized vehicle
Quebec only: Trailer or its equipment provided that such trailer is not attached to or carried on a motorized vehicle.
Small boats (25 hp outboard, 50hp)
Sailboats up to 26'
Golf carts on a golf course
Self-propelled lawnmowers, snowblowers, garden-type tractors (25hp max) used mainly on your own property
Quebec only: Self-propelled lawnmowers, snowblowers, garden-type tractors (30hp max) used or operated on the premises and, provided they are not used for compensation or hire, occasionally off the premises.
Motorized wheelchairs, including motorized scooters having more than two wheels and specifically designed for disabled persons
How much home insurance coverage do I need?
Your insurance should at least cover:
The cost to rebuild your home (often different from its market value - Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage is available to protect you if the cost to rebuild is underestimated)
The cost to replace your personal property
Protection against liability claims
Need help?
Your Specialist can help you estimate how much coverage you need. They will also help you decide on the type of coverage you need and the deductible (your portion of an insured loss).
How do I find out if my insurance policy is valid?