Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your questions
Has water damage just ruined your cocktail party? Did your attempt to make homemade fries fail and now your house stinks of smoke? Did your vehicle accidentally collide with a fire hydrant? Did your new employee fall down the icy stairs? There’s a solution for every situation!
To get clear, simple and accurate information about insurance for your car, home, motorcycle, RV and much more, check out our Frequently Asked Questions!
Questions about insurance for individuals
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What documents are required to take out homeowners insurance?
Here are the documents and information you may be asked to provide to purchase a home insurance policy:
- Proof of ownership, such as a deed, lease, or utility bill (water, electricity, or gas).
- Information about the building, including its date of construction, size, structure, and general condition.
- Information about the building’s equipment and facilities, such as the heating system, plumbing, electricity, alarm, and security.
- Information about the contents of your home (furniture, appliances, clothing, jewelry, and other valuables).
- Your history of previous claims, if any.
- The names and ages of the people living in your home and the nature of their relationship to you.
- Your Social Security number, name, address, and phone number.
The documents required to take out home insurance may vary depending on the insurance company. Your broker can guide you through the process.
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How long should you keep insurance documents for non-occupant homeowners?
As a general rule, it is recommended that you keep the following documents for a period of three years:
- Insurance contracts;
- Polices ;
- Insurance premium invoices;
- Payment statements;
- Notice of maturity;
- Renewal documents;
- Claims reports;
- Receipts for payment of deductibles;
- Repair or replacement invoices;
- Expert reports and all other correspondence.
However, some documents, such as those related to major claims, may need to be kept for longer periods of time. Au besoin, votre courtier d’assurance saura vous indiquer la durée de conservation recommandée.
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Is damage caused by my water heater covered?
Damage caused by a water heater is generally covered by insurance companies, but certain conditions must be met. If you have any concerns about your water heater coverage, please contact your AMR broker, who will be able to review the terms of your insurance policy with you.
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How long should you keep your home insurance documents?
As a general rule, it is recommended that you keep the following documents for a period of three years:
- Insurance contracts;
- Policies – Insurance premium invoices;
- Payment statements;
- Notice of maturity;
- Renewal documents;
- Claims reports;
- Receipts for franchise payments;
- Repair or replacement invoices;
- Expert reports and all other correspondence.
However, some documents, such as those related to major claims, may need to be kept for longer periods of time. Au besoin, votre courtier d’assurance saura vous indiquer la durée de conservation recommandée.
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Can my insurer terminate my home insurance policy if I make too many claims?
If you make a number of claims that your insurer considers excessive within a short period of time, they may terminate your insurance policy. However, the insurer must send you a written notice and the cancellation will take effect 15 days after you receive the notice. In such a case, an insurer is not entitled to charge you a penalty and must refund any excess premiums you may have paid.
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How do I report a claim to my insurer and file a claim?
In the event of a claim, you must contact your AMR broker promptly, who will handle communications and procedures with your insurance company. To do so, you will need to provide your broker with:
- All information about the accident or incident, including the date and time, location, circumstances, details about the people involved, and any damage that may have been caused by the incident;
- The names and contact details of witnesses, if applicable;
- Photos or videos if you have any;
- You will then need to follow the instructions provided by your insurance company, through your broker, for damage assessment, repairs, and reimbursements. It is also important to keep a record of all documents and communications related to your claim.
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Is insurance for an unoccupied building less expensive?
Quite the opposite, in fact! Insuring an unoccupied building is generally more expensive than insuring an occupied building. This is because a building with no occupants represents a higher risk of claims.
Since it is unoccupied, it is more likely to be vandalized, broken into or damaged by outside elements, or to have maintenance and security problems that no one will report.
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How do I cancel my car insurance policy?
To cancel your auto insurance policy, you can contact your AMR insurance broker, who will take care of the formalities with your current insurance company and, if necessary, find you a new insurer that better suits your needs or budget.
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Can I cancel my car insurance at any time?
Even though auto insurance policies are usually for a one-year term, it is generally possible to cancel your insurance policy and switch insurers at any time. However, some insurance companies will charge a cancellation fee or require advance notice.
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Should immobilized vehicles be insured?
The answer to this question depends on why the vehicle is immobilized and the requirements of your insurance company.
If your vehicle is out of service for an extended period of time, you may want to consider insuring it against risks such as theft, fire, or damage caused by natural elements. This can be particularly important if the vehicle is parked in a location where it is likely to be damaged or stolen, such as a quiet street or an unguarded parking lot.
However, if your vehicle is simply immobilized for a short period of time, such as for repairs or maintenance, your current insurance policy may already cover the risks mentioned above. It is important to check the terms and conditions of your insurance contract to see what is covered and what is not.
In any case, it is always best to contact your insurance company to discuss your specific situation and ensure that you have the appropriate coverage for your immobilized vehicle.
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Should I file a claim after an accident?
The decision to file a claim after an accident depends on several factors, such as the severity of the accident, the amount of your deductible, your insurance history, and the cost of repairs. To make an informed choice, don’t hesitate to call on the expertise of your AMR insurance broker, who will be able to guide you appropriately.
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What to do in case of an accident?
In the event of a car accident, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your safety and your interests. Here are the steps to follow:
- Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services and the police if necessary. If possible, move the cars involved out of the lane of traffic.
- Exchange information with the other drivers and, if the circumstances of the accident allow, fill out an accident report form.
- Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Contact your insurance broker immediately to report the accident and provide them with all the information you have.
In addition, it is best to avoid admitting fault following the accident, as this could harm your claim for compensation. Instead, let the insurance companies investigate and determine the cause of the accident.
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Why do frequent claims increase the price of my insurance?
According to statistics, making frequent claims indicates a higher probability that you will make further claims in the future and therefore represents a greater risk for insurers, which translates into a higher insurance premium.
In addition, frequent claims may indicate that you are more likely to cause damage in the future. For example, numerous claims for car accidents could mean that you are a reckless driver.
Also, insurance companies factor the costs associated with processing claims into their premium calculations. The more claims there are, the higher these costs are, which affects the amount of premiums paid by their customers, including those who make frequent claims.
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How do I insure a recreational vehicle outside of Quebec?
If you are a resident of Quebec and own a recreational vehicle that you wish to insure outside of Quebec, first contact your AMR insurance broker to find out if your current insurer offers coverage outside of Quebec. If so, and if it suits your needs, you can purchase it based on your broker’s recommendations.
If your current insurer does not offer this type of coverage, your independent broker will research other insurance companies to find coverage that meets your needs at the best possible price.
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What should you do if something is stolen from your trailer?
Here are the steps to follow in the event of theft from a trailer:
- Report the theft to the police and provide information such as the license plate number, make, model, etc., to help the police locate your property.
- Contact your AMR insurance broker so that they can report the theft to your insurance company and provide them with a copy of the police report. If your insurance policy covers theft, they can also file a claim on your behalf.
By immediately reporting the theft to the police and your insurance company, you increase your chances of being compensated and recovering your property.
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What insurance do I need to rent a recreational vehicle?
When renting a recreational vehicle, it is important to purchase insurance to protect yourself in the event of an accident or damage to your vehicle. Here are the types of insurance you should consider when renting a recreational vehicle:
- Liability insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Supplementary liability insurance
- Bodily injury liability insurance
To choose the one that suits you best, we recommend that you consult your AMR insurance broker, who will be able to advise you.
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Is recreational vehicle insurance mandatory?
In Quebec, recreational vehicle insurance is required by law. Recreational vehicle owners must therefore purchase liability insurance that covers damage that may be caused to other people or their property while driving their recreational vehicle on public roads.
It is also recommended that you purchase collision or comprehensive insurance to cover damage to your own recreational vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, fire, or vandalism.
Since insurance requirements may vary depending on the type of recreational vehicle you own and how you use it, we recommend that you check these terms and conditions with your AMR property and casualty insurance broker.
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What is the minimum age to insure a snowmobile?
In Quebec, the minimum age to insure a snowmobile is 16. However, drivers under the age of 18 must obtain permission from their parents or guardians before purchasing snowmobile insurance.
In addition, drivers under the age of 18 may be subject to restrictions on the power or engine size of the snowmobile they can drive. As these requirements may vary depending on the insurer, your AMR insurance broker will ensure that you meet them so that you are adequately protected.
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What documents are required to insure a snowmobile?
To insure your snowmobile, you can contact an independent AMR insurance broker by calling 819-791-1791. The broker will assess your needs based on how you plan to use your snowmobile, then compare offers from different insurers to find the best coverage at the best price for you.
After that, you will of course need to pay your premium (annually, monthly, etc.) and obtain your proof of insurance, which you must keep with you at all times when riding your snowmobile.
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How do I insure a snowmobile?
To insure your snowmobile, you can contact an independent AMR insurance broker by calling 819-791-1791. The broker will assess your needs based on how you plan to use your snowmobile, then compare offers from different insurers to find the best coverage at the best price for you.
After that, you will of course need to pay your premium and obtain your proof of insurance, which you must keep with you at all times when riding your snowmobile.
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Is snowmobile insurance mandatory?
Snowmobile insurance is mandatory in Quebec. In accordance with Quebec’s Off-Road Vehicle Act, all snowmobile owners must have civil liability insurance of at least $500,000 to cover damage caused to others in the event of an accident. This insurance must be in effect at all times when operating a snowmobile.
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How can you suspend or cancel motorcycle insurance?
To cancel your motorcycle insurance policy, you can contact your AMR insurance broker, who will take care of the formalities with your current insurance company and, if necessary, find you a new insurer that better suits your needs or budget.
To suspend your motorcycle insurance for the winter, you must check with your broker to see if you are eligible for the FAQ16 endorsement. Under this clause, some of the coverage related to the operation of your vehicle, such as third party liability and the collision section, will be suspended while your motorcycle is in storage. If this applies to your situation, you may receive a credit on your insurance premium.
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Are we insured if someone tries out our motorcycle?
If someone with a valid driver’s license drives your motorcycle with your permission and is involved in an accident, most insurance policies will cover the damages up to your insurance limits.
However, if someone is riding without your permission and gets into an accident, then your insurance coverage may be in question.
We recommend that you check with your broker to see what your coverage would be in the event of such an incident.
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What documents are required to insure a motorcycle?
The documents required to insure a motorcycle may vary depending on the insurance company. However, the following is a list of the documents that are usually required:
- Driver’s licence
- Proof of registration
- Safety certificate
- Proof of previous insurance (if you already have motorcycle insurance in place)
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Is motorcycle insurance mandatory?
In Quebec, it is mandatory to have insurance for your motorcycle. In accordance with the Automobile Insurance Act, you must purchase civil liability coverage of at least $50,000.
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How long should you keep your auto insurance documents?
You should keep your car insurance documents for at least one year after your policy expires. They may be useful in the event of a dispute or litigation with your insurance company or another party involved in an accident.
Claim settlement documents should be kept for at least seven years, as some disputes can take several years to be settled.
Please note, however, that requirements may vary by jurisdiction and insurance company, so be sure to ask your broker for recommendations that apply to your unique situation.
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How does car insurance work?
To protect drivers financially in the event of car accidents, insurance companies assess the risks associated with each driver and their vehicle, then set rates based on those assessments.
If an accident occurs, policyholders can file a claim with their insurance company (through their broker if applicable) and receive an amount to cover—depending on the policy they have purchased—property damage and bodily injury to the other party involved in the accident in the case of liability insurance (which is mandatory) or damage to both parties in the case of comprehensive insurance (which is optional).
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What is car insurance for?
Car insurance protects drivers against the financial risks associated with car accidents.
In Quebec, car insurance has two components:
- Chapter A (mandatory), or “one-way” insurance as people say, which covers third party liability, i.e. property damage caused to another person’s vehicle and bodily injury (which would not be covered by the SAAQ) caused to another person.
- Chapter B (optional), also nicknamed “two-way insurance,” which covers damage to your own vehicle.
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Does tenant insurance cover relocation costs?
Generally, tenant insurance does not cover relocation costs. However, there are some tenant insurance options that may cover relocation costs in the event of an emergency evacuation due to a loss covered by your insurance policy, or you may wish to purchase additional insurance to cover such costs in the event of such an event.
If you want to ensure that you have such coverage in your insurance contract, ask your AMR insurance broker, who will be able to find the appropriate insurance company for this specific need.
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Do all roommates have to have tenant insurance?
While it is recommended to ensure adequate protection of personal property and liabilities, it is not required.
In a shared tenancy, each roommate benefit from having an individual insurance policy to cover their own property and liability.
For example, if a roommate is responsible for damage to common property, such as shared furniture or equipment, that individual’s liability insurance could cover the cost of repair or replacement.
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What documents are needed to purchase tenant insurance?
Here are the documents and information you may be asked to provide to purchase tenant insurance:
- Your personal information (name, address, phone number, date of birth)
- Information about the property to be insured (address, size of property, type of property, value of property to be insured)
- Details about security measures in the residence (such as the presence of smoke detectors and burglar alarms)
- Information about any prior losses, including past claims
- Information on payment method
- Proof of tenancy (lease)
The documents you must provide can vary from insurer to insurer. Your insurance broker will be able to guide you through this process.
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Can a landlord require a tenant to purchase tenant insurance?
Tenant insurance is not mandatory, but landlords may require tenants to purchase it as a condition of signing the rental agreement. Tenant insurance protects both the tenant (their personal property and liability) and the landlord in the event of a claim or damage caused by the tenant.
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Is homeowners insurance mandatory?
Although it is strongly recommended in order to protect you financially, homeowners insurance is not required by law.
However, if you have a mortgage, the lending bank may require you to purchase home insurance to protect their investment. And if you live in a condominium or subdivision, this type of insurance may be required by the rules.
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Does condo insurance cover relocation costs?
In general, condo insurance does not cover the cost of relocation.
However, some insurers offer an optional loss of use benefit that covers relocation costs if the owner is unable to occupy the property due to a loss covered by their insurance.
If you would like to add this coverage to your insurance contract, please contact your AMR insurance broker, who will be able to make the request to your insurer or find a suitable insurance company for this specific need.
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What documents are needed to purchase condo insurance?
To purchase condo insurance, we recommend having the following documents available:
- The condominium rules
- The minutes from the most recent general meeting of co-owners
- The declaration of co-ownership
- The property management contract
- Records of previous claims
The documents you must provide can vary from insurer to insurer. Your insurance broker will be able to guide you through this process.
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What are the differences in insurance coverage for divided and undivided condominiums?
On the one hand, in a divided condominium, each co-owner owns a private unit and a share of the common areas. Each co-owner is therefore responsible for purchasing insurance and paying the premium for their own unit, and the condominium association is responsible for covering the common areas. In the event of a claim, each co-owner is compensated in accordance with the coverage they have purchased for their private portion and the condominium association is compensated for damages caused to the common areas.
On the other hand, in an undivided condominium, each co-owner holds a percentage of an entire building. The co-owners are therefore jointly responsible for insuring the building and the insurance premium is divided among them based on their undivided share. In the event of a claim, each co-owner is compensated based on their undivided share in the building.
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Is condo insurance mandatory?
In Quebec, if you are a co-owner, you are required by law to at least have liability insurance to protect you in case of legal proceedings resulting from an accident in common areas. This insurance must be $1 million for condominiums of 12 units or fewer and $2 million for those with more units. The condo association may also require owners to carry condo insurance to protect common areas and to cover potential damage to the building’s structure. Mortgage lenders may also require condo insurance to protect their investment.
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Is home insurance mandatory?
In Quebec, home insurance is mandatory for tenants and co-owners. In addition, the Quebec act on damage insurance requires all tenants and co-owners to carry liability insurance to cover damages caused to others.
Owners of single-family homes are not required by law to carry home insurance. However, it is highly recommended to be financially protected in case of fire, water damage and theft.
In the case of a mortgage loan, the lending bank may require the borrower to purchase home insurance as a condition of the loan.
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Can I cancel my home insurance at any time?
In Quebec, it is possible to cancel your home insurance contract at any time, subject to the specific terms of your insurance contract. Some contracts require 30 days’ notice before the desired cancellation date, while others allow the cancellation to take effect immediately.
To cancel your insurance contract, you can contact your AMR insurance broker, who will take care of the procedures with your current insurance company. You may also be required to pay a cancellation fee or penalty if it is specified in your policy.