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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Looking for answers to your questions about home, car, recreational vehicle, business, or farm insurance? Look no further!

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Cottages/Second Homes

Will the cost of my cottage insurance change depending on how I use it?

Yes, your coverage and premium amount will be influenced by usage frequency, whether it’s year-round or seasonal.

Do I need to insure my cottage or second home?

No, unlike car insurance, which is mandatory, you are not legally required to insure your home, regardless of the type. However, not having insurance in the event of a disaster can lead to significant financial losses. Obtaining home insurance protects you against such situations. Additionally, most financial institutions require home insurance if you have a mortgage.

A tree fell on my building. What should I do?

First, contact your insurance broker, who can guide you through the process. A claims professional will assess the situation and the extent of the damage. There are two main reasons a tree might fall: extreme weather conditions or a health issue with the tree itself. Once the cause has been identified, it will be possible to determine who is responsible and what compensation may be awarded.

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Condominiums (condos)

I’m renting a condo: what kind of insurance do I need?

It’s important to note that a condo owner’s insurance policy does not cover your personal belongings in the event of a loss. Protecting your possessions is your responsibility. While tenant insurance is not legally required, it is highly recommended to protect yourself against unexpected events.

What is Bil 141?

Bill 141 took effect on June 13, 2018, and it amends the Civil Code of Québec regarding insurance for divided co-ownerships. The key changes include the requirement for each co-owner to obtain civil liability insurance and the establishment of a self-insurance fund to collect money for financing repairs or maintenance work.

To learn more about Bill 141, you can read our blog post on the topic.

What is Bill 16?

Bill 16 was passed by the National Assembly on December 5, 2019. Similar to Bill 141, it amends the law regarding divided co-ownership in Quebec. The bill introduces new provisions concerning building maintenance, the responsibilities of the board of directors, and the co-ownership register.

For more details about Bill 16, you can read our blog post on the topic.

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Tenants

I am a tenant. Am I required to have insurance?

While it’s not legally mandatory, it is highly recommended that you obtain rental insurance. In the event of a claim, the expenses for replacing furniture and personal belongings can add up quickly. For instance, if a fire caused by your negligence damages the building you live in, you could be held responsible for substantial repair costs. Take the time to compare different insurance policies; for a small monthly fee, you can avoid a lot of potential issues.

What is the difference between tenant insurance and home insurance?

While tenant insurance and home insurance share some similarities, there are differences. Tenant insurance does not cover the building or any outbuildings, as these are not the tenant’s responsibility. Instead, tenant insurance focuses on protecting the tenant’s personal belongings, furniture, and ideally, it also includes civil liability coverage.

Does my insurance cover damage caused by my pet?

Typically, tenant insurance includes coverage for damage caused by your pet, such as damage to your landlord’s property or injuries to others. However, it’s essential to review your policy, as some may exclude coverage for specific animals or have certain conditions.

Are there any discounts for students on tenant insurance?

If you are a student, check with your university to see if you qualify for any discounts. It’s definitely worth looking into!

What factors influence the rates of tenant insurance?

When calculating your insurance premium, several factors are considered. These include the value of the insured property, your claims history, your location, the deductible you choose (generally, the higher the deductible, the lower your premiums will be), etc.

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Homeowners

Is homeowners insurance different from home insurance?

Home insurance varies based on whether you are a renter or a homeowner. Homeowners can be classified as owner-occupiers, who live in the property, or non-occupiers, who typically rent out the property, such as in the case of income properties, duplexes, or triplexes. It’s important to clearly define your situation to ensure you receive the most comprehensive coverage possible.

Is landlord insurance mandatory?

You might be surprised to learn that landlord insurance is not mandatory in Quebec, unlike auto insurance. However, it’s important to remember that in the event of a claim, the costs can be very high. By clearly identifying your needs, you can find a policy that offers protection without being overly expensive.

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Legal

Why purchase legal insurance?

In Quebec, the average hourly rate for lawyers ranges from $210 to $450. It’s easy to understand how legal fees can accumulate quickly. Since anyone can encounter unexpected situations that may require the assistance of a legal professional, having legal insurance can be a valuable asset.

How much does legal insurance cost in Canada?

On average, personal or family legal insurance costs between $60 and $100 per year.

How can I ensure that my legal fees will be covered by legal insurance?

Ask your lawyer if they accept flat fees. Set the flat fee to match the maximum amount covered by your legal insurance. Alternatively, consider hiring a lawyer who charges a percentage of the winnings as their fee if they win your case.

What is the difference between “legal insurance” and “legal assistance”?

Legal assistance is not the same as insurance. It is a service that allows you to consult with a lawyer or notary over the phone to obtain legal information. This type of service is often included at no extra cost when you purchase home insurance, although it may sometimes require a small annual premium.

What does legal insurance cover?

The following disputes are generally not covered by legal insurance: any dispute that was ongoing at the time the insurance was acquired; disputes related to divorce, alimony, or child custody; and disputes concerning criminal matters.

While we are on the subject of legal insurance details, there are a few important points to keep in mind: you might need to pay a deductible; the insurance may only cover part of the costs; and some policies may have a maximum hourly rate that they will reimburse.

Car

Vehicle

If I travel outside of Quebec and have an incident with my vehicle, am I covered?

Yes, you are covered. However, if your trip lasts more than 14 days, you must notify your insurer, as the rules vary outside the province.

If I use a rental vehicle while traveling, do I need to take out additional insurance?

In Canada and the United States, you may not need additional coverage if you already have adequate insurance for a vehicle similar to yours. However, in other countries, you will likely need to use the rental company’s insurance. Plus, civil liability and vehicle damage are handled differently. It is always best to discuss your specific situation with your insurance broker.

Is my vehicle insured if I lend it to a friend and they have an accident?

Any driver with a valid driver’s license is allowed to drive your vehicle. In the event of an accident, your coverage will apply based on the insurance you have. However, you must declare any driver residing in your household who holds a valid driver’s license, especially if that person regularly drives your car.

If I am not at fault for the accident, will the other party's insurer cover the damage to my car?

The insurer of the vehicle at fault will generally pay for repairs, depending on your coverage.

I was involved in an accident; another vehicle hit my parked car. Will I have to pay a deductible?

No deductible applies in the case of a non-fault collision.

Do you offer discounts for seniors?

Yes, we can offer you a discount based on your insurance needs. To qualify, you will need a FADOQ membership card. For more information, please contact our brokers!

Recreational vehicles

Boat and personal watercraft

What types of boats are covered by our insurance?

Our coverage includes a wide range of boats and personal watercraft. Whether you sail on a cruiser, fishing boat, sailboat, pontoon, motorboat, personal watercraft, or even a simple rowboat, we ensure your enjoyment on the water is protected.

Is my personal watercraft equipment covered?

Your personal watercraft insurance may provide coverage for your sports equipment. It can be insured for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

What does civil liability cover?

It protects you against bodily injury or property damage that may occur to others while you are using your boat or personal watercraft. It may also cover certain expenses related to a pollution incident, provided that it results from a risk included in your policy.

Is damage caused by rodents covered?

Damage caused by rodents can be covered, as can damage caused by zebra mussel infestation.

Is boat insurance mandatory?

In theory, boat insurance isn’t mandatory. However, it’s smart to at least get liability insurance. In addition, lenders often require it when financing a boat.

Is it better to take out boat insurance rather than adding my boat to my home insurance?

You can include coverage for your boat under your home insurance policy, even though it is considered a vehicle. However, it’s important to understand what this coverage entails. Primarily, it will cover civil liability, and in some cases, protections against fire, collision, or theft may also be included. However, any maritime assistance or towing services at sea will not be covered. Depending on your needs, you might want to consider purchasing separate boat insurance.

If your boat’s engine exceeds a certain horsepower or if the boat is particularly lengthy, separate insurance coverage will be mandatory.

I plan to make some modifications to my boat. What should I do?

First and foremost, it is important to inform your insurance broker about your plans. This will ensure that you have the appropriate coverage for your boat. Additionally, your policy may already cover the modifications you want to make!

Am I covered if I sail outside Canada?

Sailing is typically covered for inland and coastal waters within Canada and the United States, specifically up to 100 nautical miles from the coast and between 52° and 40° north latitude. This includes:

  • The Ottawa River
  • Lakes and rivers connecting Quebec and Ontario
  • The St. Lawrence River
  • Inland waters of New Brunswick
  • Inland waters of Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, excluding the Hudson River and ports in New York

The west coast of Canada and the United States, west of the 120th degree of west longitude, is also covered. If you plan to sail to other destinations, you will likely need to request an extension of your insurance coverage’s territorial limits.

Am I covered if I sail in Florida?

If you plan to sail in Florida, you must purchase adequate insurance, as “Canadian” insurance typically only covers certain areas of Canada and the United States (see above). For Florida, it is necessary to request an extension of coverage.

Recreational vehicles

Motorcycle

Am I covered if I travel to other parts of Canada?

Yes, you are covered. However, outside of Quebec, the SAAQ does not provide coverage for property damage or bodily injury caused to others. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have additional civil liability coverage.

What types of motorcycles are covered by your insurance?

Our coverage includes most types of motorcycles, such as sport bikes, roadsters, naked bikes, off-road, trail, adventure bikes, custom motorcycles, Harley-Davidsons, motocross, off-road bikes, and even Spyders and three-wheelers.

How is the price of my motorcycle insurance calculated?

The cost of your motorcycle insurance premiums is influenced by several factors, including: the model of your motorcycle (power, engine size, rarity), the distance you ride, how you use it (occasionally or regularly), the area where you primarily ride (city or countryside), your age, your driving record, and where you park your motorcycle.

How much does motorcycle insurance cost for young drivers?

A “young driver” is defined as someone who has recently obtained a motorcycle license from the SAAQ. This demographic is considered a higher risk, which leads to increased insurance premiums. Generally, it can cost about $100 to $150 more to insure a motorcycle for young drivers. However, there are several ways to reduce this premium, such as increasing your deductible or bundling your insurance policies.

How do I file a motorcycle insurance claim?

In the event of a claim, contact your broker or insurance company as soon as possible. You can do this online or by phone.

Is motorcycle insurance mandatory?

Yes. In Quebec, the law requires motorcycle owners to purchase civil liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000.

Will I be covered if I travel to the United States?

Yes, you will be covered; however, we strongly recommend increasing your civil liability coverage to $2,000,000. Legal expenses in the event of an accident in the United States are significantly higher than those in Quebec.

Recreational vehicles

Snowmobile

How is the price of my snowmobile insurance determined?

Multiple factors come into play, including your profile and history, how you operate your snowmobile, the model and value of the snowmobile, etc.

How do I file a snowmobile insurance claim?

Contact your broker or insurer promptly. Most insurers have a deadline for submitting claims (typically ranging from 90 days to 12 months, depending on the company).

Is snowmobile insurance mandatory?

Yes. In Quebec, it is required to have civil liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000. This coverage protects against property damage and bodily injury caused to others.

Recreational Vehicles

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV, quad, side-by-side, etc.)

Can securing my all-terrain vehicle reduce the cost of my ATV insurance?

Yes, using an anti-theft system or parking your vehicle in a secure location can lower your premiums.

Is ATV insurance mandatory in Quebec?

Yes, all motorized vehicles registered with the SAAQ must carry civil liability insurance, including ATVs. We recommend a minimum coverage of $2,000,000 to cover bodily injury and property damage that may be caused to others.

Is my ATV insured if I lend it to a friend and they have an accident?

Yes, as long as the driver is at least 16 years old and has a valid license. However, you need to report any regular drivers who reside in your household.

Is it mandatory to register my ATV?

Yes, registration is mandatory with the SAAQ, even for trail riders, and it includes a portion of insurance.

What factors affect the price of off-road vehicle insurance?

The driver’s age, profile, driving history, previous claims, and the type and value of the ATV (quad, side-by-side, etc.) along with the selected coverage are factors that can influence the price.

Recreational vehicles

What types of recreational vehicles are covered by your insurance?

Our coverage applies to most recreational vehicles, including trailers, stationary caravans, tent trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and camper trailers.

Business

Can I tailor my insurance to my industry?

Absolutely! The needs of a restaurant owner, a manufacturer, and a transporter are not the same. Your broker will ensure that your coverage is tailored specifically to your industry.

What factors affect the cost of my business insurance?

The cost of insurance is influenced by several factors, including the size of your business, the value of the property you want to protect, the industry in which you operate, your claims history, and the type of coverage you select. For instance, businesses in the restaurant or transportation sectors generally face greater risks compared to those in administrative fields, which can lead to higher insurance premiums. Implementing preventive measures, such as security systems, can help lower your costs.

Does my insurance cover my employees?

In general, business insurance does not directly cover employees, unlike group insurance. Instead, it protects your civil liability in case an employee causes harm while performing their job duties. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain group insurance or contact the CNESST to ensure the financial and medical security of your employees.

Can I deduct my business insurance premiums from my taxes?

Yes, you can typically deduct business insurance premiums as a business expense on your taxes. However, it’s advisable to consult with your accountant for specific guidance on how to proceed.

Am I protected if my operations are temporarily suspended after a disaster?

Yes, but only if you have business interruption coverage. This coverage protects against financial losses that arise from a temporary halt in your operations due to a covered disaster, such as a fire.

Agricultural

Is my agricultural machinery insured?

Yes, you can insure your tractors, harvesters, and other equipment. In the event of a breakdown, accident, or theft, your insurance will assist in replacing or repairing your equipment.

Does my agricultural insurance cover civil liability?

Certainly. If someone gets injured on your farm, or if your activities cause property damage to others, civil liability will protect you financially.

What factors influence the cost of my agricultural insurance?

The size of your farm, the type of production (dairy, grain, vegetables, etc.), the value of the property to be insured, and your claims history are the main factors that influence your premium amount.