If you're a homeowner, you know full well that home insurance is expensive! Plus, when you own a home, home insurance is usually mandatory to protect your investment, so there's no getting around it.
Did you know that if you've been with the same insurer for a while, you're probably paying too much?
Indeed, if you haven't compared different insurers for your home insurance for a long time, it's time to do so!
Perhaps you were wondering about renewing your insurance policy?
In this article, we'll answer all the most frequently asked questions from those looking to switch home insurance and give you some practical tips for handling the process with confidence.
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What does home insurance include?
Home insurance is a guarantee offered to tenants, owners or co-owners of real estate to protect them against possible incidents affecting their property.
This insurance generally covers damage to the structure of the property itself (such as walls, plumbing, ceilings) as well as the objects and personal belongings within it. It also provides liability insurance for damage you may cause to the property of others.
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Can I change my home insurance at any time?
According to the website of the authority financial markets, yes, in Quebec, it is possible to change home insurance at any time.
Unlike some provinces, Quebec does not limit the change of insurer to a specific time of year.
However, it is important to note that there are certain conditions and considerations that should be taken into account before changing insurers.
For example, it is recommended to find new home insurance before canceling the existing policy to avoid being without coverage.
How to change home insurance?
The process of transferring your home insurance from one insurer to another is a simple 5-step process.
First, start by looking for a new insurer. It's highly recommended to compare several insurers, or even simpler, contact an insurance broker. This way, you'll be sure to get the best coverage at the best price, and it could save you a lot of money.
Once you've selected a new insurer, contact them for an insurance quote. After accepting the quote, you'll need to notify your current insurer of your intention to cancel your policy. This is called a notice of termination.
Make sure you comply with the notice periods specified in your current policy. Finally, sign the new insurance contract and ensure that coverage takes effect before the previous policy terminates.
You can compare home insurance policies every year to take advantage of better rates and current promotions.
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What are the reasons for canceling home insurance?
There are several valid reasons for canceling home insurance in Quebec.
These reasons may include a change in personal circumstances, such as moving, marriage, divorce, or a change of ownership.
Additionally, if your insurer significantly increases your premiums or changes the terms of your policy significantly, this may also be grounds for cancellation.
You can terminate your contract by respecting the notice periods specified in the law, by following the steps mentioned above.
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How not to renew an insurance contract?
If you do not wish to renew your home insurance contract, you must inform your insurer of your intention not to renew.
Most insurers send a renewal notice before your contract expiration date.
All you need to do is send them a notice of termination, and make sure your new insurance takes effect before your current contract ends.
Also note that in the event of non-renewal, there are no penalty fees to pay as in the case of termination.
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What is the deadline for canceling home insurance?
If you wish to terminate your contract before its expiry date, written notice must be sent to your insurer. The effective date of termination will be the date indicated in this notice.
Quebec law stipulates: "If the insured informs the insurer of his intention not to renew the contract orally, it is necessary to record the date of this communication and confirm it in writing" (Art. 2477 CcQ), an obligation for home insurance companies.
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What document should I request from my insurance company to change insurance?
When you decide to change your home insurer, it is important to ask your current insurer for an information statement.
This document contains information about your insurance history, such as past claims and payment history. It is valuable to your new insurer because it can influence the amount of your insurance premium and the benefits offered.
Be sure to provide this information statement to your new insurer to facilitate the subscription of the new policy.
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Why change insurers?
There are several reasons why you might consider changing your home insurer in Quebec.
These reasons may include seeking more competitive rates, seeking additional coverage, dissatisfaction with your current insurer's customer service, or changes in your personal circumstances that require different coverage.
Switching insurers can help you find insurance that better suits your current needs.
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How to cancel a newly signed insurance contract?
To withdraw after signing a home insurance contract in Quebec, you must send written notice to your insurer within 10 days of receiving your policy.
Make sure you keep proof of postage to confirm that you have met the withdrawal deadline.
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What are the conditions for changing home insurance?
The conditions for canceling a home insurance contract vary depending on Quebec law and the terms of your contract.
However, the 10-day cooling-off period is generally applicable to cancel a contract without penalty.
Beyond this period, cancellation conditions may vary depending on the terms of your contract, so it is essential to review them carefully.
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What types of errors result in the invalidation of a home insurance contract?
The invalidity of a home insurance contract in Quebec can be caused by various types of errors, including inaccurate or fraudulent declarations during subscription, serious administrative errors on the part of the insurer, or failure to comply with the legal subscription conditions.
Nullity of the contract means that the contract is considered as if it had never existed, and any premiums paid are usually refunded.
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When is a contract void?
A contract is considered void when the conditions for nullity are met, that is, when there is a serious violation of the law, an impossibility of performance or a fundamental defect which affects the validity of the contract.
In such cases, the contract is considered to have never existed.
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What are the causes of nullity?
Causes for invalidating a home insurance contract in Quebec may include inaccurate or fraudulent statements made during subscription, serious administrative errors on the part of the insurer, or serious violations of the law relating to the contract.
Each of these causes must be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they result in the nullity of the contract.
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What is the termination of a home insurance contract?
Termination of a home insurance contract in Quebec is the process by which the contract is terminated early, whether by the insured or the insurer.
Termination may be made for various reasons, including a change in circumstances, a breach of the terms of the contract, or other reasons specified by law.
It is essential to follow the proper procedures for terminating a contract while respecting any notice periods.
It can sometimes be advantageous to cancel a home insurance policy before its end and switch to a new home insurance policy. That's why it's important to compare insurers frequently and stay on the lookout for promotions.
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Conclusion
Changing your home insurance in Quebec may seem complex, but in reality, when you are well informed, the change is very easy.
If you're considering switching insurers, it's recommended that you contact an insurance professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation. Additionally, a professional such as an insurance broker will be able to find you the best current prices, sometimes saving you more than $201 on your current bill.
