Kanetix
Property Insurance Forum

I don't have a lease, I just have an agreement to give 2 months notice before I move. What happens if I'm not home, and something happens to the house, like a fire, and all my stuff gets ruined? Does the landlords insurance cover that?

No, your landlord's insurance never covers your property damage to your stuff unless it can be proven that the damage to your property is a result of negligence on your landlord's part. In cases like this you would have to sue your landlord for the damage, and the liability coverage under their policy would respond.

Even if you are renting a room in a house, if you want to have insurance coverage for your belongings, you would need your own insurance policy (often called tenant's insurance, renter's insurance or even contents insurance). Assuming the landlord lives in the house as well, your landlord's insurance would only cover the structure of their building (the physical home or garage) and their personal belongings, as well as that of immediate family members also living in the home. Unless you are an immediate family member, your belongings are not covered in their house and you would need to purchase insurance if you wanted coverage for your own property.

In the event that something did happen, like a fire, and you had to move out due to damages, some tenant insurance policies offer a coverage called "Additional Living Expenses": As all companies are different, the amount of coverage and what is covered will vary by company. If available, this coverage will generally cover your hotel costs, meals (if you're put up in a hotel) and other additional costs specified in your policy.

Sean Graham, Principal Broker at KTX Insurance Brokers.

Neither Kanetix® nor the KanetixForum.ca is an insurance broker or agent. Although this information has been passed along to you from KTX Insurance Brokers through the Forum, we are not responsible for the opinions expressed by them. Insurance can be complicated. When reading these answers, keep in mind each person's situation is unique. Individual responses may vary depending on your insurer, geographic location, and specific circumstances. If you have a similar situation, always speak with your insurance provider, or a licensed insurance representative, for terms and conditions that may apply to you.

You may want to have a look at these articles posted on the Insurance Bureau of Canada's website. They may have further information that may be useful to you.

• Tenants Insurance: Is It For You?


• Home Insurance Explained