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!
Insurance for individualsGeneral questions
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Why do business with an independent insurance broker?
Unlike insurance agents, an independent insurance broker works for you rather than for an insurance company. They are therefore impartial and act solely in your best interests. They can offer you personalised advice and, as they work with several insurers, they can help you find the best cover at the best price.
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Is it worth combining car and home insurance?
Yes, it is generally worth combining your car and home insurance. Many insurers offer substantial discounts if you take out both policies with them. This also makes it easier to manage your policies and simplifies the claims process if an incident causes damage to both your car and your home.
However, this is not necessarily always the case. Certain specific situations – for example, insuring a century-old house or if you have a poor driving record – may mean that it is more cost-effective to take out specialist insurance rather than pay a higher premium with a standard insurer.
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What is the difference between civil liability insurance and comprehensive insurance?
Civil liability car insurance is mandatory in Quebec. It protects you in the event of damage caused to third parties, but does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Comprehensive insurance is an optional form of cover available in several options, which allows you to be compensated if your vehicle is damaged in an accident.
Civil liability is included in your home insurance policy. This coverage allows you to repair damage you have unintentionally caused to others, but it does not cover the damage you suffer. It follows you all over the world and also covers members of your family living under the same roof.
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What is a deductible and how does it work?
In insurance, a deductible is the predetermined amount you have to pay out of your own pocket when making a claim. The insurer deducts this amount from the total cost of the damage. It helps to balance the risk and reduce your premiums: the higher the deductible you choose, the cheaper your insurance will be.
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Why do you ask so many questions when I’m applying for insurance, renewing a policy, or calling to make a change to my insurance?
Our insurance brokers ask a lot of questions to properly analyze your situation, accurately assess the risks, find the best protection for you and determine a fair premium based on your profile.
Asking questions when applying for a quote, renewing or changing your insurance policy ensures that your file is kept up to date with all the correct information. This can prevent unpleasant surprises later, as an insurer could refuse to compensate you if an undisclosed factor makes you ineligible for cover.
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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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Can I cancel my insurance policy at any time?
Although insurance policies are usually for a term of one year, it is generally possible to cancel your policy at any time. However, some insurance companies may charge a cancellation fee or require you to give notice, if this is stipulated in your policy.
To cancel your insurance policy, you can contact your AMR insurance broker, who will handle the necessary arrangements with your current insurance company. You may also be required to pay certain cancellation fees or penalties.
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How do I report a loss to my insurer and file a claim?
En cas de sinistre, vous devez contacter rapidement votre assureur ou votre courtier AMR qui prendra en charge les communications et les In the event of a claim, you should contact your insurer or your AMR broker as soon as possible; they will handle all communications and procedures with your insurance company.
To ensure your claim is handled properly and to minimise processing times, your insurer will need detailed information:
- Explain the circumstances of the incident (date, place, time, people involved, etc.);
- Make a list of the damaged or stolen items;
- Gather all relevant documents (photos, receipts, invoices, police report, etc.)
You will then need to follow the instructions provided by your insurance company, via your broker, regarding damage assessment, repairs and reimbursements. It is also important to keep a record of all documents and correspondence relating to your claim.
Personal insuranceHome insurance
General questions
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Is home insurance mandatory?
In Quebec, home insurance is not mandatory, unless it is required by a financial institution in the case of a mortgage loan.
However, home insurance is strongly recommended to protect you financially in the event of fire, theft, or water damage, for example. To deal with any eventuality, it is always better to protect yourself against all risks!
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What does home insurance cover?
Home insurance protects your home and personal property against various risks. This generally includes:
- theft;
- vandalism ;
- fire ;
- wing ;
- ice;
- hail.
However, there may be several differences from one insurer to another, and it’s important to carefully check what is included and excluded in your insurance policy.
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Is water damage covered by my home insurance?
Not all water damage is covered by your home insurance. Basic coverage generally covers only damage caused by water originating from inside the home. This may include, for example, overflowing plumbing fixtures (washing machine, toilet, water heater, dishwasher, etc.) or a broken water supply line.
Damage caused by a water heater is generally covered by insurance companies, under certain conditions. Your appliance must be no more than 10 or 12 years old and in good working condition.
For floods, sewer backups, and water leaks through the roof, you’ll need to add optional riders to your home insurance policy.
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Are my personal belongings covered outside the home?
Yes, most home insurance policies in Quebec cover your personal property outside the home, including when you’re traveling. However, this coverage is subject to certain conditions and limits. It applies in the event of theft or accidental damage, but rarely covers the simple loss of an item.
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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. If necessary, your insurance broker will be able to advise you on the recommended retention period.
Co-Owner
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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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What does the condominium association’s insurance cover?
The condominium association’s insurance protects the building and common areas (corridors, roof, garage) against major risks such as fire, theft, vandalism or water damage.
It also includes third-party liability cover and protects the association if someone is injured in the shared areas or if the block causes damage to a third party (e.g. a roof tile falling from the roof).
However, you are required to take out individual co-owner insurance to cover improvements to your flat, your personal belongings and your personal third-party liability within your unit.
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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.
Tenant
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Can a landlord require a tenant to purchase tenant insurance?
L’assurance locataire n’est pas obligatoire, mais les propriétaires peuvent exiger que le locataire y souscrive pour signer le contrat de location. Celle-ci protège aussi bien les locataires, c’est-à-dire leurs biens personnels et leur responsabilité civile, que le propriétaire en cas de sinistre ou de dommages causés par le locataire.
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Why should I take out cover for water damage from groundwater, sewer backup and overflowing watercourses, when my flat is on the 3rd floor?
Although you’re on the third floor, taking out this cover is essential. These incidents can occur on upper floors and cause extensive damage that your basic insurance does not cover. Indeed, a sewer backflow can cause your toilets or sinks to overflow, regardless of which floor you’re on. Similarly, during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt, water can accumulate, saturate the ground and seep in through the roof, balconies or external walls.
Tenant
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What distinguishes a prestige home insurance policy from a standard one?
A so-called ‘high-value’ home insurance policy offers optimal protection, exclusive cover and premium services that go beyond basic cover. Generally, a property may be considered high-value if:
- It has a high replacement value;
- It stands out for its architecture, high-end materials or size;
- It contains items of very high value (works of art, collections, jewellery, wine cellar).
This type of insurance ensures that your property is protected in line with its value and offers cover that is truly tailored to your standard of living.
To find out if luxury home insurance is right for you, contact one of our brokers for a personalized assessment of your needs.
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How can you insure high-value items?
High-value items are often subject to specific limitations in your insurance policy. These relate to the maximum amount of compensation that will be paid out in the event of a claim for certain personal belongings.
To ensure your high-value possessions (jewellery, watches, works of art, etc.) are properly protected, you can:
- Upgrade your home insurance with a high-value possessions policy
- Opt for a specific insurance policy that covers the possessions you wish to protect
We recommend that you contact our insurance brokers to find the best cover for your situation.
Secondary or seasonal residence
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How do you insure a seasonal home or second home?
Insurance for a secondary or seasonal residence differs from that for your main residence, particularly if you do not stay there very often.
Several factors can affect the cost of your insurance premium: the area where your second home is located, how often you stay there, the age of the property, the type of heating system, proximity to a hydrant, etc.
It’s often worth combining your main home insurance with that of your holiday home. Speak to your broker to find the cover you need.
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Do I need to inform my insurer if I rent out my property?
Yes, you must notify your insurer if you let out your home, even for a short period. If you fail to do so, they may refuse to pay out in the event of a claim.
Some insurers will agree to cover you by adding a rider to your policy. If this isn’t the case, an insurance broker with experience in short-term lettings can shop around on your behalf and find home insurance tailored to your circumstances.
Non-occupant Owner
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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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What is the difference between homeowners insurance and non-occupant owners insurance?
Homeowners insurance covers the main residence where you live. Non-occupant owners insurance, on the other hand, is designed for owners who rent out their property or leave it vacant.
As soon as you no longer live in the property you own, your standard home insurance policy is no longer sufficient. Non-occupant owner insurance protects your property investments and safeguards your rental income.
Personal InsuranceVehicule insurance
General questions
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Is vehicle insurance mandatory in Quebec?
Yes, in Quebec, the law requires owners of all motor vehicles to have automobile insurance covering civil liability for an amount of at least $50,000.
This protection covers property damage caused to others if you are responsible for an accident. It is also possible to purchase optional coverage for damage to your own vehicle.
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What does the SAAQ cover?
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) covers only personal injury (injuries, death) resulting from a road traffic accident in Québec or elsewhere in the world. It compensates all Québec residents involved (drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists), even if they are responsible for the accident.
Coverage includes, in particular:
- Medical care and health treatments not covered by the RAMQ.
- Income replacement in the event of incapacity to work.
- Personal care at home and medication.
- Home or vehicle adaptations, and rehabilitation.
- Property damage only in the specific case of a hit-and-run accident.
Property damage to your vehicle is excluded and must be covered by a private insurer.
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Why does my friend, who has a car similar to mine, pay less with the same insurer?
Although you have the same insurer and similar cars, your insurance premium differs because it is calculated specifically for your unique profile. The insurer assesses the overall risk you represent.
Key factors explaining this price difference include: your driving experience and driving record, how you use your vehicle, where you live, your credit history, the cover you’ve chosen and the amount of your excess.
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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. Here are the steps to follow:
- Make sure everyone is safe and call the emergency services and the police if necessary. If possible, move the vehicles involved out of the way of traffic.
- Exchange details with the other drivers and, if the circumstances of the accident allow, complete an accident report form.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles and any visible injuries.
- Contact your insurance broker as soon as possible to report the accident and provide them with all the information you have.
A claims adjuster will then be assigned to your case to investigate the damage caused and your liability in the accident.
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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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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.
Motorcycle
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Does my car insurance also cover my motorbike?
No. Your car insurance does not cover your motorcycle. They are two separate vehicles, each requiring its own specific insurance policy. It is possible to add a motorbike to a car insurance policy; however, we advise you to insure your motorcycle with a specialist insurer under a separate policy.
Snowmobile
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Is snowmobile insurance mandatory?
L’assurance motoneige est obligatoire au Québec. Conformément à la loi québécoise sur les véhicules hors route, tout propriétaire de motoneige doit avoir une assurance responsabilité civile d’au moins 1 000 000 $ pour couvrir les dommages causés à autrui en cas d’accident. Cette assurance doit être en vigueur en tout temps lors de l’utilisation de la motoneige.
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How do I insure a snowmobile?
Whilst it can sometimes be advantageous to bundle your insurance policies to save money, in the case of a snowmobile, it is best to use an insurer that specialises in this type of vehicle.
An insurance broker can assess your needs based on how you plan to use your snowmobile. They will then compare quotes from different insurers to find the best cover for you.
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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.
Recreational Vehicle
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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 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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What does recreational vehicle insurance cover?
Recreational vehicle insurance combines cover for your vehicle, your belongings and your third-party liability. Unlike standard car insurance, RV insurance can also cover items, clothing and equipment inside the vehicle.