Renting in Ottawa? Tenant insurance protects your things and your liability.
Your landlord’s insurance covers the building, not your belongings. Tenant insurance can cover your things, your liability if you accidentally damage the unit or someone is hurt, and extra living costs if you have to move out after a covered loss.
No obligation. Nothing changes without your approval.
- Licensed broker (RIBO)
- English or French
- Weekends available
- A real person, by phone
Why renters get tenant insurance
Your landlord’s policy isn’t yours
It covers the landlord’s building. It doesn’t cover your belongings or your liability.
Your lease may require it
Under Ontario’s standard lease, you and your landlord can agree that you’ll carry liability insurance, and you must show proof if asked.
Students: check your parents’ policy
If you’re under 21 and studying away from home, a parent’s home policy may cover you, depending on the insurer. Ask them to check before you buy.
What tenant insurance can cover
- Your belongings, including items stolen from your car
- Liability if you accidentally damage the unit or someone is hurt
- Additional living expenses if you must move out after a covered loss
- Water damage options, such as sewer backup
- A possible discount if you bundle with car insurance
How it works
- Send a short requestPick a time for a call and add documents if you have them. It takes a few minutes.
- Frank reviews and comparesA licensed broker looks at your situation and compares options.
- You decideTalk it through by phone. Nothing changes without your approval.
Students moving off campus
Many insurers don’t offer tenant insurance to students living in a college or university residence, but a first off-campus apartment is a good time to set it up. Insurance Bureau of Canada: tenant insurance for students.
What to have ready
- Your address and move-in date
- A rough value of your belongings
- Any insurance requirement in your lease
- Whether you have roommates
Don’t have everything? Send what you have and Frank will ask for the rest.
Common questions
Is tenant insurance required by law?
No, but your lease can require liability insurance, and many landlords ask for it.
Do roommates share a policy?
Usually each roommate needs their own policy, since a policy generally covers you and your family.
How much coverage do I need?
Add up what it would cost to replace your belongings, and check whether your lease names a liability amount.
Can I bundle it with car insurance?
Often, yes. Many insurers offer a discount when you bundle.
Protect your things before move-in day
Tell Frank your address and move-in date. No obligation, and nothing is bought without your approval.
Prefer email? Write to Frank.tereraho@insureu.ca.
More reasons to review your insurance
Sources: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: home and tenant insurance · Ontario: guide to the standard lease
Frank Tereraho is a licensed insurance broker (RIBO) affiliated with InsureU Brokers Inc., 135 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON. This page is general information, not advice. Savings are not guaranteed. Quotes and coverage depend on each insurer’s underwriting and policy wording.