Quebec home insurance risk coverage, what is covered?
- coraliefortin076
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
At Plan Maison Québec, we work every day with clients undertaking major projects such as building a new home, completely renovating a cottage, or adding a garage. These projects often represent the fruit of a lifetime of work, a major investment, both emotional and financial. But once the plans are drawn up, the foundations poured, and the work completed, a crucial question sometimes remains: how do you protect this new living space?
This is where home insurance comes in. Too often relegated to the background, it is essential to ensure the longevity of your investment. In this comprehensive article, we explain what home insurance covers, the various types of protection available, the exclusions to look out for, and why it is imperative to adjust your policy after a construction or renovation with Plan Maison Québec.
What is home insurance?
Home insurance is a contract that protects you financially in the event of a loss affecting your home, its contents, or even the people who live or stay there. It is a property and liability insurance product, generally offered by private insurance companies in Quebec. Unlike car insurance, it is not legally mandatory, but it is required in almost all cases by lending institutions, especially if your home is financed with a mortgage.
That said, even without a legal obligation, living without home insurance is a huge risk. Whether it's a winter storm, a cooking fire, theft, or water infiltration, the costs associated with a loss can quickly amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Basic protections: what your insurance generally covers
Basic protections cover a range of common risks. These coverages may vary slightly from one insurer to another, but several elements are common to most standard contracts in Quebec.
1. Damage to the structure of your residence
If you're a homeowner, your policy generally covers damage to the structure of your building: walls, floors, roof, foundation, deck, attached garage, etc. Covered causes generally include:
Fire or explosion: Even a small fire can render your home uninhabitable. Insurance covers rebuilding costs.
Lightning and power surge: Damage to electrical installations or appliances.
Vandalism and theft: For permanently occupied properties.
Water damage: Certain types of damage, such as those caused by a sudden burst indoor pipe or an overflowing bathtub.
At Plan Maison Québec, we systematically advise our clients to review their coverage after construction or renovation, because the value of the house increases, which also changes the amount required for reconstruction in the event of a disaster.
2. Personal property
In addition to the building, your home insurance also covers your personal property: furniture, clothing, appliances, electronics, tools, etc. The coverage amount varies depending on the estimated value of your contents. It is strongly recommended to keep a detailed inventory of your belongings, accompanied by photos or invoices, in case of a claim.
However, certain valuables are subject to specific limits: jewelry, works of art, musical instruments, bicycles, etc. If you own such items, you may need to apply for additional insurance (endorsement).
3. Civil liability
The liability portion of your policy protects you if you unintentionally cause harm to another person in your personal life. For example:
Your child breaks a neighbor's window with a ball.
Your dog bites a passerby.
A water leak in your home damages the apartment below.
This protection is crucial, especially for families or owners of multi-family residences. It is generally at least $1 million to $2 million.
What is not automatically covered
Home insurance has limitations. It's important to understand them to avoid unpleasant surprises.
1. Flooding and sewer backups
Damage caused by river flooding or sewer backup is generally not covered by the basic policy. Yet, these events are common in Quebec, especially in rural areas or areas near a body of water—as is often the case for cottages built with Plan Maison Québec.
The solution? Add specific protection called a water damage or flooding endorsement. This option is sometimes expensive, but it can save you from an astronomical bill.
2. Earthquake
Uncommon but not impossible, an earthquake can damage the foundations of your property. This risk is generally not included outright, but can be covered as an additional option.
3. Fuel oil leak
Oil-heated homes, which are still present in some regions of Quebec, must ensure that their insurance covers leaks and spills. Damage can be both costly and polluting, making it particularly complex to resolve.
Insurance and renovation: a critical point often overlooked
When you undertake a major renovation—such as an extension, a basement conversion, or an additional floor—your insurance policy must be updated. Too many homeowners overlook this crucial detail, which can lead to underinsurance and therefore incomplete reimbursement in the event of a claim.
At Plan Maison Québec, we not only assist you in designing your plans, but we also remind you of the importance of contacting your insurer before, during, and after the work. Here are some typical cases:
Are you adding a garage? This increases the value of your property, and therefore the amount to be insured.
Are you redoing the roof or insulating it? This improves the building's strength and can reduce your premium.
Are you finishing the basement? This new living space must be covered.
Please note that if you carry out the work yourself (self-build), some insurers may refuse to cover damage during the work, or impose specific conditions.
Insurance for a chalet or second home
Many Plan Maison Québec clients own or want to build a cottage in the region. It's important to know that insurance for a second home differs from that for a primary residence:
The risk of theft or vandalism is higher if the building is unoccupied for several months.
Wood heating or off-grid systems (wells, septic tanks) may require specific assessments.
Insurers often require increased security measures: smoke detection, alarm systems, and regular inspections.
Be sure to tell your insurer the intended use of your cottage: year-round, seasonal, short-term rental, etc. This will directly influence the premium and coverage.
How to choose the right Quebec home insurance risk coverage?
Here are some tips for choosing the right coverage:
Conduct a complete assessment of your property's reconstruction cost. This should include materials, labor, and finishes—which Plan Maison Québec can help you estimate with its detailed plans.
Shop around: Premiums can vary greatly between insurers for similar coverage.
Read the exclusions and limitations: Some policies offer less coverage than others, especially for water damage or theft.
Update your policy with every change: renovation, adding a pool, building a garage, or purchasing valuables.
Conclusion: Protect your investment with Plan Maison Québec
In short, Quebec home insurance risk coverage is much more than just a form to fill out to finalize a mortgage. It's an essential pillar in protecting your assets. Whether you've just built your home, are undertaking major renovations, or are adding a garage or cottage to your property, your insurance coverage must be reviewed and adapted to the reality of your situation.
At Plan Maison Québec, we do more than draw up plans: we support our clients every step of the way, helping them ask the right questions and make the right choices to protect their investment.
Do you have a construction or renovation project in mind?
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