How does condominium insurance work in Canada?

Condominium insurance is similar to home insurance, but is used for condominiums and condos. Although not required by law in Canada, it helps protect your personal property, your storage unit and lawsuits if someone is injured in your condo. In this article, we explain how condominium insurance works.

The condo corporation’s insurance policy protects the building and its interior and exterior common areas. For example, lobbies, elevators, roofs and windows. The condo corporation’s insurance also protects residents from situations that could endanger the public, such as falling debris.

It’s especially important to have personal condominium insurance (condo insurance) to ensure that all your personal belongings inside the property are covered. You’ll also be protected against unforeseen events that may occur in your unit, for example if someone is injured (third-party liability insurance). Note that condo insurance is different from tenant and homeowner insurance.

To find out more about what condominium insurance covers, continue reading this article and consult the complete guides below.

Here’s what’s covered by your personal condo insurance.

Just like home insurance, your condominium contents and personal effects will be covered by this type of insurance. You’ll be protected against property damage in the event of a claim, including water damage and fire. Insurance can also cover items such as clothing, household goods, jewelry and works of art. The value of the content depends on the policy you choose to subscribe to.

However, check the limits, conditions and exclusions in your insurance contract. However, you can obtain additional coverage for your high-value items, at extra cost. Finally, make sure you have an insurance deductible that meets your needs.

You’ll also be protected if the owner of the condominium (condo corporation) sends you a special assessment. This is simply a case where the building has suffered damage (e.g. fire) and the condominium owners are unable to pay for repairs through their insurance or contingency funds. They will then pass the assessment on to each condominium unit owner, which can be devastating. As you may have guessed, it’s unique to condo insurance.

All the improvements you make or have made must be mentioned in your insurance policy for them to be covered. Improvements such as new wood floors, new kitchen cabinets or bathroom renovations must all be disclosed to your insurance agent or broker. Here, too, the protection is unique to co-owner insurance (condo insurance). Check that the insurance amounts correspond to your needs.

Although this is less likely in the case of condominiums, as they are normally well protected, your personal insurance policy will cover you against theft from your condo. Check that the insurance amounts correspond to the fair value of your personal effects. Also, check exclusions (these should be mentioned in your insurance contract).

If you are at fault in the event of a claim, your civil liability insurance will cover any compensation costs you may incur. For example, if you set fire to your apartment and it damages the neighbor’s wall, instead of paying for the damage, you’ll be protected (to some extent) based on the amount of your policy. In our opinion, liability insurance is essential, whether you’re a homeowner, co-owner or tenant.

In short, condominium insurance is similar to home insurance, but it applies to condos rather than houses. Condo insurance is not legally required in Canada, but it can protect your personal property, your storage unit and lawsuits if someone is injured in your condo.

To get quotes, use our home insurance comparison tool to find the best condo insurance policy for your needs.