Compare the cheapest renters and tenant insurance quotes

Q: How do I get renters insurance?

Securing your renters insurance policy is easy – by providing us with a few details, we can show you customized renters insurance quotes in under five minutes. We can also connect you to an insurance agent to help finalize your tenant policy and answer any questions you may have.

Q: What is tenant liability insurance?

The liability portion of your tenant insurance policy protects you against third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage. For instance, if a friend comes over and slips on your wet floor, you could be held legally responsible for their injuries. In this case, having tenant insurance can help pay for the medical bills and legal fees involved.

Q: Does tenant insurance cover bed bugs?

Unfortunately, no – depending on your provider, you may be able to add rodents or vermin onto your policy, but generally speaking, bed bugs, mice, rats, or any rodent damage are seen as a maintenance task to be carried out by the renter or landlord.

Q: Can renters get flood insurance?

Yes, flood insurance is available as an add-on to any tenant insurance policy. Call your broker or insurance provider to find out the details. Floods come in many forms – a burst pipe is typically covered, but heavy rainfall or sewer backups may require an endorsement.

Q: Does renters insurance cover holes in the wall?

No, and it's likely not worth making a claim. You can patch the work yourself or hire a professional. If not, the landlord may take the repair costs out of your damage deposit.

In under five minutes, get a cheap tenant insurance quote from one of Canada's top providers – free of charge.

How to get tenant insurance quotes with Ratehub.ca

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The cost of tenant insurance by province

To compare the cost of tenant insurance across Canada, here are four different quotes we received in September 2023 for one renter's profile – the only changing factor being their location. Keep in mind that insurers calculate individual rates based on the risk you bring and the coverage you need. You won't know how much you'll be paying until you get a quote yourself.

$29/month
Quebec tenant insurance
for a 1-bedroom condo unit in Montreal
get a quote
$32/month
Ontario tenant insurance
for a 1-bedroom condo unit in Toronto
get a quote
$32/month
Alberta tenant insurance
for a 1-bedroom condo unit in Edmonton
get a quote
$40/month
British Columbia tenant insurance
for a 1-bedroom condo unit in Vancouver
get a quote

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What is tenant insurance?

Matt Hands, VP, Insurance and MoneySense

September 20, 2023

Tenant insurance (otherwise known as renters insurance, contents insurance, or apartment insurance) gives you the benefits of a homeowner's insurance policy but without coverage for the physical dwelling. The landlord's insurance covers the building, not yours.

Generally speaking, there are three types of coverage on a basic tenant insurance policy: liability insurance, contents insurance, and additional living expenses. By paying our regular premiums to your provider, you'll be protected financially from all different types of tenant-related emergencies.

If you're looking for tenant insurance in Canada, we’re here to help you choose better. You can get a customized tenant insurance quote online with us in under five minutes today – all from the comfort of your couch.

Is tenant insurance mandatory?

Tenant insurance isn't mandated by law in Canada, but many landlords will require you to purchase coverage as a stipulation in the lease agreement. And even if that's not the case for you, it's a good idea to get insurance anyway.

While your landlord may have their own home insurance policy, that doesn't mean you're immune to risks as a renter. Landlord insurance (or rental income property insurance) is only there to protect your landlord from their own financial implications, such as building damage or a tenant liability claim. You could still face your own financial troubles as a renter for all different reasons, such as the loss of your belongings due to a break-in.

Learn more about tenant insurance

Get a cheap tenant insurance quote
The cost of tenant insurance by province
What does tenant insurance cover?
How much does tenant insurance cost?
Factors that impact your tenant insurance quote
Tenant insurance misconceptions
How to save on tenant insurance
Common tenant insurance claims

What does renters insurance cover in Canada?

As a renter, it's important to understand the coverages on your tenant insurance policy. While a standard package may be enough, you can also add optional endorsements to better suit your coverage needs.

Included types of renters insurance coverage

Generally speaking, a standard renters insurance package includes three types of coverages: contents insurance, living expenses, and liability protection.

Living expenses

Liability

Optional types of renters insurance coverage

Depending on your provider, some coverages may be excluded unless you pay extra. Here are a few popular options you can ask your insurer about.

Overland water

Sewer backup

Identity theft

Personal valuables

How much is tenant insurance?

So what is the average cost of renters insurance? Renters insurance across Canada typically ranges between $20 to $50 each month, but this will depend many different factors. Be sure to compare renters insurance quotes before you purchase a policy to make sure you get the best rate on the market.

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Factors that impact your tenant insurance quote

Property type
A studio apartment comes with different risks than a basement unit. So your provider will take your property type into account when calculating your tenant insurance rate.
Location
Renting in a neighbourhood prone to theft and vandalism can increase your rate substantially. And flood-prone areas also won't reflect well on your tenant insurance premium.
Personal belongings
The more items you have to insure, the more expensive your coverage will be – that's a given. And some valuables (e.g. artwork) may also require extended coverage limits for an added cost.
Credit score
Not all tenant insurance companies look at credit to calculate your renters insurance rate. But if you can opt-in for a soft credit check, you may see a discount for having a good score.

Living situation
Do you live with others? The more people there are to insure, the more expensive your coverage will be. Also keep in mind that it's often a better idea to buy separate policies when living with roommates.
Pets
Did you know owning a pet can increase the cost of your renters insurance? This is especially the case for vicious dog breeds – due to the added risk of a liability claim.
Insurance history
If you've made several property insurance claims in the past, this will reflect poorly on your tenant insurance rate – providers like to see low-risk customers.
Applicable discounts
Be sure to ask your provider about any available discounts. For instance, just having a fire extinguisher on hand can save you a few bucks each month.

Tenant insurance misconceptions

50% of renters don't have tenant insurance.

In a recent survey conducted for our Digital Money Trends Report, we found that less than 50% of renters in Canada actually have tenant insurance in place. Only 48% of renters surveyed claimed to carry coverage.

If you're part of this group, you may be under the impression that tenant insurance isn't a necessity. And while it isn't mandated by law, this is not true. Statista reported four reasons why tenants in Canada believe they should forego coverage, and here, we explain the invalidities behind each one and why you should highly consider getting a policy anyway – swipe left to learn more.

Misconception #1

"Renters insurance is too expensive."

48% of renters think tenant insurance is too expensive – While tenant insurance might look like a monthly bill you can cut from your budget, that's not the best idea – it can prevent you from falling into deep financial trouble down the road.

Compared to home insurance, tenant insurance tends to be much more affordable. This is because you don't require building coverage; damage to the rental unit generally falls under your landlord's insurance. Some plans start as low as $20 per month, and there are many ways you can save (e.g. bundling with auto insurance).

Misconception #2

"I don't have enough contents to need renters insurance."

24% of Canadians think they don't have enough to insure – Even if you don't own any luxury items, tenant insurance can come in handy. Replacing one stolen laptop out-of-pocket can already exceed the annual cost of a policy. And a basement flood could ruin all your belongings at once – even if nothing was particularly pricey, it can be a huge financial burden to replace everything at the same time.

Also, keep in mind that tenant insurance isn't only there to protect your contents. If you need to move out temporarily or if you run into a legal liability issue, you can look to your insurance policy for help.

Misconception #3

"My landlord has coverage, so I don't need renters insurance."

17% of renters think their landlord's insurance covers them – This is not the case. Landlord insurance and tenant insurance are two different products, designed to protect two different people.

A landlord's policy is simply there to protect the landlord from the financial risks of leasing out a property. This can include a liability claim from the tenant or damage caused to the rental unit. As a renter, you have your own risks to worry about. For example, if your belongings are stolen after a break-in, your landlord won't be held responsible – this is why carrying your own insurance is important.

Misconception #4

"My roommate has renters insurance, so I don't need it."

11% of renters think their roommate's policy covers them – Just because your roommate has insurance doesn't mean you're automatically covered – tenant insurance is designed to protect the policyholder and their immediate family members. And while some companies allow shared plans (provided all individuals are listed on the policy), you should consider getting your own coverage anyway.

Shared policies can lead to shared insurance records. If your roommate makes a claim, you'll likely face higher rates when shopping for coverage in the future – this can include your home insurance.

How to get cheap tenant insurance online

Shop and compare
At Ratehub.ca, we take the work out of monotonous phone calls and visits to many different brokerages. By entering your information once, we can show you quotes from Canada’s top insurers.
Bundle policies
Insurance companies often give discounts to customers who get both their tenant and auto insurance from them. Look to bundle multiple policies for a discount.
Install monitored alarms
Having a monitored alarm system installed – one that is connected to a central station – can lead to a discount on your policy. This typically won't include your own cameras and motion sensor lighting.
Increase your deductible
The standard tenant insurance deductible is about $500. If you increase the deductible (the amount of money you cover before insurance pays the rest), you'll see a decrease in your premium.

Limit your claims
A clean claims history looks good to insurers. If you submit a claim, make sure it's worth it. Never submit one for less than your deductible – claims should be reserved for times of significant financial distress.
Pay annually
Paying your premiums on an annual basis, as opposed to monthly, reduces your insurer's administrative costs while proving your loyalty. So you may be rewarded with a cheaper rate.
Review your coverage
Make sure you aren't overinsured. Document your contents properly and review their value with an annual audit of your belongings – you won't need $1,000 in coverage for a TV that's only worth $500.
Get a group rate
Some insurance companies offer special discounts to school alumni and working professionals (e.g. CPA). It won't hurt to ask your insurance representative about any eligible discounts.

Common tenant insurance claims in Canada

Stolen property
In 2021, over 125,500 cases of breaking and entering were reported nationwide. With tenant insurance, however, you won't be on your own when it comes to replacing all your prized possessions.
Guest liability
In Canada, the average slip and fall settlement for minor injuries can fall between $10,000 to $30,000. A tenant insurance policy, on the other hand, can cost you about $30 per month – saving you thousands of dollars in the long-run.
House fire
In recent years, structural fires have accounted for over 60% of all fires in Canada. If your unit burns down, a renters insurance policy can help replace your items and pay for temporary accomodations.
Basement flood
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, basement floods cost an average of $43,000 to repair. And while tenants might not be financially responsible for building damage, you'll still want coverage for all your contents.

Shop for Canadian renters insurance online today.

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A snapshot of Canadian renters

Now that you've become an expert on all things tenant insurance, let's take a quick look at the rental market in Canada. Here are some interesting facts we found, according to the Canadian Rental Housing Index.

4,441,015 million households in Canada rent instead of own – While nearly 4.5 million households rent, there are over 9 million households that own their home. Renters make up about 32% of the household population within the country.

The average cost of rent and utilities in Canada is $1,002 – While this is representative of Canada as a whole, the average cost is slightly higher in the most populated province, Ontario – tenants see an average monthly payment of $1,109.

The average renter household income in Canada is $53,163 – Tenants in Canada spend an average of 23% of their income on rent and utilities. But with that being said, 18% of the renting population still uses up half their income on these expenses.

32%

of households in Canada rent their property instead of own.

18%

of Canadian households spend over half their income on rent and utilities.

Frequently asked renters insurance questions

How do I get renters insurance?

What does renters insurance not cover?

There are a few situations in which renters insurance will not cover you. This includes any loss as a result of deliberate actions caused by the insured (including criminal acts), damage due to overland or sewage flooding (provided you don't have the proper flood insurance in place), as well as damage due to war or terrorism. And you also won't be covered if you're property was illegally acquired.

What is tenant liability insurance?

Does each tenant need renters insurance?

Yes, it's recommended each tenant has their own renters insurance policy. If you have roommates and everyone's belongings are damaged in a flood or fire, only those protected by their own tenant insurance policy will have coverage for their contents. Also, renters insurance can pay for you to live elsewhere during renovations, but it won't cover your roommate's expenses.

You may be able to list multiple roommates on a policy, but make sure you're aware of the risks of doing so. Shared insurance policies lead to shared insurance histories. This means that if your roommate were to make a claim, it could lead to future rate hikes in your property insurance, even if the claim had nothing to do with you.

How do I get cheap tenant insurance in Toronto?

Comparing quotes is one of the best ways to get cheap tenant insurance in Toronto. Different providers offer different rates, so you won't know what your cheapest options are until you shop the market. Keep in mind there are also many external factors that will influence the price of your policy, including your location, your contents, and your insurance history – by lowering your risk with these factors (e.g. choosing a safe location, keeping a clean claims history), providers will quote you for less.

Does homeowners insurance cover renters damage?

Landlord insurance protects the building, detached structures, and the landlord's belongings. Home insurance does not protect the renters' belongings. If a renter damages the unit, a tenant insurance policy may repair it. If no tenant insurance policy is available, you may turn to the landlord's insurance, but it could likely end up in a court dispute.

To avoid problems, it's best that each person is insured on the property. If both have insurance, and there is damage to the rental unit, it's possible for it to be claimed by the landlord's policy, and the tenant's policy could potentially pay the landlord's deductible.

Does tenant insurance cover bed bugs?

Can renters get flood insurance?

Does renters insurance cover holes in the wall?

Do you need sewer backup insurance in an apartment?

Whether or not you need sewer backup insurance depends on the type of apartment and the level of risk it brings. For instance, if you live on the tenth floor of a condo building, you likely won't need sewer backup insurance. If you live in a basement near water, on the other hand, sewer backup may be a top priority.

However, know that if there is a clog in the drain below your unit, all the flushing from the units above yours could spill out through your bathtub and sink drains. Though rare, this is a situation in which sewer backup insurance could come in handy for an apartment unit.

Do renters require a credit check for tenant insurance?

Unlike getting a standard home insurance quote, a provider does not generally require a soft credit check for tenant insurance, but if the option is available, it will help to reduce the price you pay. Insurance companies have noticed a relationship between someone’s credit score and their likelihood to file a claim. The higher your credit score, the less likely insurers expect you to make a claim. Your landlord may also want a credit check.

Can I rent my apartment on Airbnb?

Check with your landlord first. It is a high-risk endeavour – Airbnb does offer insurance for their hosts, but if you need more coverage, or if your landlord needs more coverage, there are only a select few providers that offer home-share or short-term rental property insurance. You could void your existing policy if you home-share without notifying your provider.

For more information, check out our blog on how Airbnb insurance works in Canada.

All about your Ratehub.ca tenant insurance quote

Your most frequently asked questions about our online renters insurance process, answered.

Ratehub.ca partners with top tenant insurance providers across Canada, so you can request a personalized renters insurance quote with ease. Because each rate is calculated using the insurer's own underwriting and quoting process, you’ll be able to receive accurate estimations based on your individualized profile.

Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance

With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio

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