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Guides · Damage insurance

The same apartment is insured three different ways depending on your title.

What each type of policy covers, the grey zone of co-ownership, and the mistake of the tenant who believes the landlord covers them.

The CompareTaux teamReading: 6 min

The owner-occupier policy

It covers the building, contents, civil liability, and generally living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable. It is the broadest of the three.

The tenant policy

It does not cover the building, which belongs to the owner, but it covers your property, your civil liability, and your relocation costs. The building owner’s policy covers neither your belongings nor your liability: that is the most common misunderstanding.

The tenant’s liability toward the building

A tenant can be held liable for damage caused to the building and to neighbouring units through their fault — a fire starting in a deep fryer, a water loss. The sums at stake far exceed the value of personal property.

The co-owner policy

In divided co-ownership, the syndicate’s insurance covers the building and common portions. Your personal policy covers your improvements, your property, your liability, and certain costs tied to the syndicate’s deductible.

The syndicate’s deductible

Quebec law frames a co-owner’s responsibility for the syndicate insurance deductible, which can be substantial. A specific endorsement covers that amount; without it, it stays on your account.

The right move

Ask for your syndicate’s insurance declaration and deductible amount, then have your personal policy checked against them. A damage insurance broker makes that connection.

No rate, price, or recommendation on this page. Amounts and limits change: verify them with official sources before deciding.