10 things you didn’t know about your home insurance

1) Civil liability: spouse or roommate

Is your partner moving in with you? Are you thinking of taking in a roommate? Don’t forget to have your home insurance policy amended with the name of the new occupant, even if you’re the sole owner of the property. That way, both of you will benefit from the civil liability coverage included in the policy, as well as protection of the home’s contents.

Even if they are not named in the contract, the partner and children of an insured person, as well as their stepchildren (their partner’s children), are also insured. The requirement: spouses must be married or living in a marital relationship and have been cohabiting for at least one year.

2) Civil liability: worldwide coverage

The civil liability insurance included in your home insurance policy applies outside your place of residence. It will cover things like water damage that you involuntarily cause to your hotel room or rented condo in Florida, for example, or legal action brought against you by someone injured in a fall when you knock them over (accidentally, of course) on your way out of a store.

3) Civil liability: custody of children

If you’re taking care of your underage grandchildren for a few hours, and one of them injures someone or damages property belonging to a third party, you will be held responsible if it can be proved that you were at fault. Your liability insurance will come into play in such cases.

The same goes for a teenager babysitting children. The small sum received in exchange for their services cannot be considered a wage. In that case, the teenager will be covered by their parent’s liability insurance.

4) Civil liability and STDs

Passing on a sexually transmitted disease used to be covered by civil liability insurance, but no longer. If you face legal action after infecting a partner, you will have to pay the damages awarded to the victim out of your own pocket, if you are found guilty.

5) When kids leave the nest to go to university

If your child leaves home to study full time, their property and civil liability will probably be covered under your home insurance. You should, however, check the age limit applied by the insurer and make sure the coverage is sufficient.

6) Legal aid

Some home insurance policies include legal aid service. For example, clients can benefit unlimited phone advice from lawyers who are members of the Quebec Bar and knowledgeable about most areas of law.

7) Protection against identity theft

Few people know that they can turn to their insurer in the event of identity theft (if the insurer offers coverage, that is). They can have access to free advice from experts who can answer your questions and explain what steps to take.

8) Water damage

Contrary to popular belief, not all cases of water damage are automatically covered under a home insurance policy. Sewer backup, water infiltration and flood waters, for example, require additional protection. As for damage caused by flooding, some insurers offer coverage. If you have to cope with flood damage, you may also be eligible for financial assistance from the Ministère de la Sécurité publique.

9) Power outages

After a power failure, you could lose a number of food items. If you are forced to throw food in the garbage, note the quantity and price of everything and contact your insurer, who will tell you what your coverage limits are. Ideally, you should take pictures of every batch of items thrown away.

10) Home insurance and your cottage

The amount of coverage to which you are entitled for your secondary residence depends on how often you’re there. Seasonal home insurance provides basic coverage for people who occupy their cottage only occasionally, while more frequent visitors can take out a homeowner’s policy, which carries certain conditions: for example, you must use the cottage regularly, and you most likely will not be allowed to lease it for commercial purposes.

If you have any doubts about any of these specific cases, don’t hesitate to contact your insurer. They are in the best position to inform you.