What it covers
Bodily injury or property damage that you, members of your household, and often your pets, unintentionally cause to others. It covers the compensation owed, and generally defence costs, which can be considerable on their own.
It follows you away from home
The coverage generally applies anywhere, not only at your residence: an accident in a store, a bicycle striking a pedestrian, a child breaking a neighbour’s window. Many insureds do not know this.
The limit
Policies offer tiers. Moving up a tier usually costs little, while a bodily injury judgment can far exceed a modest limit. It is the best protection-per-premium in a home policy.
Structural exclusions
Intent, a business carried on at home, the use of a motor vehicle — covered by auto insurance — certain watercraft, and contractual liability are typically excluded. A self-employed person working from home needs an endorsement or a commercial policy.
Liability for the acts of others
The Civil Code of Québec makes parents liable for harm caused by their minor child in certain circumstances, and the keeper of an animal liable for harm it causes. That exposure is real and is not a matter of choice.
Umbrella, or excess liability
For a substantial estate, an excess liability policy raises the limits above those of the home and auto policies. It is discussed with a broker when the assets to protect justify it.
No rate, price, or recommendation on this page. Amounts and limits change: verify them with official sources before deciding.