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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How long does an insurance claim stay on my file?
In Quebec, a car insurance claim will impact your premium for 6 years and affect your subscription for 3 years. A home insurance claim will have an impact on your premium for 10 years and will generally affect the subscription for a period of 3 to 5 years.
Each insurer has access to your insurance file and your claim history in order to establish the amount of your premium.
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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 cancel my insurance policy if I make too many claims?
Yes, an insurer can cancel your insurance policy if you make a number of claims considered too large. For car insurance, this often represents three claims – or two responsible claims – in the last three years.
For home insurance, it depends on the amount of claims, but also on the nature of these claims. For example, a client with two or three water damages for the same reason will be more difficult to insure than another with two or three claims as well, but of a different nature.
In the event of cancellation, your insurer must send you a written notice and the termination will take effect 15 days after you receive this notice. In such circumstances, an insurer is not entitled to charge you a penalty and must refund any premiums you may have overpaid.
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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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Why do frequent claims increase the price of my insurance?
Insurance is based on a concept called risk mutualization. All premiums received are placed into a common pot. When you make a claim, the insurer will draw on this large pool to pay for repairs. Thus, the contributions of many pay for the losses of a few.
The top three reasons for premium increases following a claim:
Inflation of the common pot: If the year has been disastrous for many people, the fund runs out too quickly. The insurer must then increase everyone’s base rate to replenish the pot, but will charge even more to those who have directly benefited from the funds.
Change in risk profile: Insurance is a matter of statistics. The figures prove that if you make a claim today, you are statistically more likely to make another one in the coming years. The insurer therefore adjusts its rate to reflect this new risk.
Loss of discount: Often, a beneficial premium is due to a “clean record” or “no claim” discount. As soon as you make a claim, this discount is automatically withdrawn at renewal, which causes the price to jump.
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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. (Article 1064.1 of the Civil Code)
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?
In a divided co-ownership property, each person is the sole owner of their unit and a co-owner of the communal areas. This requires two insurance policies: one taken out by the co-ownership association (commercial insurance covering the building structure and civil liability relating to the building) and one taken out by the co-owner (personal insurance covering civil liability and personal property). Each co-owner is therefore responsible for taking out insurance and paying the premium for their private unit and their share of the communal areas. In the event of a claim, each co-owner is compensated according to the cover they have taken out for their private unit, and the co-ownership association is compensated for damage caused to the building.
In an undivided co-ownership, each co-owner holds a percentage share of the entire building. There are no private areas in the legal sense. For example, a 50% share equates to 50% of the roof, 50% of the flat above, 50% of the flat below, and so on. There is therefore a single insurance policy for the building, and all co-owners must be named on this policy as co-insured parties. In the event of a claim that destroys the building, each co-owner is compensated in proportion to their share of the building. Owners must take out a tenant’s insurance policy to cover their civil liability and personal belongings.
Some insurers are reluctant to insure undivided co-ownership properties, and most will require that all owners have insurance policies (tenant’s insurance) in order to insure the building. Other insurers will require that at least one of the owners has insurance in order to insure the building.
It is worth noting that, in a divided co-ownership, the provisions of the Civil Code apply, whereas for an undivided co-ownership, it is the notarised agreement that governs.
Tenant
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Can a landlord require tenants to take out insurance?
Tenant insurance is not mandatory, but landlords may require the tenant to take out a policy in order to sign the rental contract. This protects both the tenants, that is to say their personal property and civil liability, as well as the owner in case of damage or loss caused by the tenant.
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What is the difference between home insurance for a homeowner and for a tenant?
Homeowners insurance protects the building itself – that is, the structure, the walls, the roof and any permanent fixtures. It also covers civil liability if the building causes damage to a third party. (For example, a leaking guttering that floods a neighbour’s property.)
Tenant insurance protects the occupant’s personal belongings and civil liability, for example if they accidentally cause damage to the property or to neighbours.
In the event of a claim, the landlord’s insurance never covers a tenant’s personal belongings or civil liability. Tenants are therefore responsible for taking out their own insurance to protect themselves financially against unforeseen events.
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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.
Luxury Home
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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.
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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.
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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Should immobilized vehicles be insured?
Yes, it is strongly recommended that you insure a vehicle that is off the road. You can add a storage rider to your insurance policy, which will reduce the premium whilst maintaining a minimum level of cover, such as third-party liability, fire, theft and vandalism.
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Should I file a claim after an accident?
If it is mandatory to report a claim to your insurer, it is not mandatory to claim the amount.
The decision to file a claim after an incident 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 decision, do not hesitate to seek the advice 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. 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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Why does my child, who has a learner’s licence, have to be assigned to my most expensive insured vehicle, even though they don’t drive it?
If your child lives at home, they are often automatically assigned to the most expensive vehicle in the household. Insurance companies calculate the premium based on the vehicle that would be most costly to repair, on the assumption that they might potentially drive it. Assigning your child to the most expensive vehicle allows them to drive all the cars covered by the policy, rather than incurring additional premiums on each vehicle.
Some insurers will agree to assign your young driver to a specific, less expensive car. If your teenager only has access to one specific vehicle for their driving lessons or practice, you’ll need to prove its use and provide the details to your broker.
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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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Is it more expensive to insure a motorbike?
Motorcycle insurance is generally cheaper than car insurance for an experienced driver. As this is a seasonal vehicle, the premium is calculated based on usage half-year. Also, the costs of repairs or damage related to a motorcycle are often lower than for a car.
However, premiums go up quickly for young drivers or if you choose a sport motorbike.
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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?
Snowmobile insurance is mandatory in Quebec. In accordance with the Off-Road Vehicles Regulation, all snowmobile owners must have third-party liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 to cover personal injury or property damage caused to others in the event of an accident. This insurance must be in effect at all times when using the snowmobile.
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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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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.
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How do I insure a recreational vehicle outside of Quebec?
Your recreational vehicle insurance policy generally covers the whole of North America. However, you must notify your insurer if you plan to travel outside Québec with your RV. Depending on the length of your stay outside the province, an additional premium may apply.
Consult your AMR insurance broker for advice on choosing the right insurance for your recreational vehicle.