Tenant & home insurance: what to compare

If you rent (tenant / renters insurance) — Ontario focus

In Ontario, your landlord’s policy usually covers the building—not your belongings or your personal liability. Many landlords also ask for proof of tenant insurance before (or during) a lease. Use this checklist to track what you’ve asked a landlord, broker, or insurer—then shop quotes on Ratehub.

Primary CTA: when you’ve reviewed the must-asks, compare live tenant quotes on Ratehub (licensed partners—not Card Lab quotes).

• Landlord vs you Building coverage is usually theirs; your stuff and liability are yours to insure.
• Proof of insurance / liability minimum Landlords often require a certificate; ask what minimum liability they want.
• Contents limit + RC vs ACV Rough inventory of furniture, electronics, clothes; decide replacement-cost vs actual cash value wording.
• Liability Protection if someone is injured in your unit or you accidentally damage a neighbour’s property.
• Additional living expenses (ALE) Help with temporary housing and related costs if the unit is uninhabitable after a covered event.
• Deductible Higher deductible can lower premium; pick an amount you could actually pay.
• Water & sewer backup Often optional in Ontario; ask if your building’s risk makes it worthwhile.
• Roommate / shared unit Ask who must be named, how shared belongings are treated, and whether one policy covers everyone.
• Claims & discounts Bundling, alarm/security, and claims-free history can change price—compare apples to apples.

No premiums or quotes on this page—only a fit checklist. Confirm coverage with licensed partners on Ratehub or a broker. Your ticks stay in this browser (localStorage) until you reset.

If you own (home insurance)

Home policies usually combine dwelling, contents, liability, and additional living expenses. Focus on what is included vs endorsed, and how rebuild costs are estimated—not just the cheapest sticker price.

• Dwelling / rebuild — Coverage should track rebuild cost, not just market value.
• Liability — Guest injury and related legal costs; confirm limits fit your situation.
• Water damage, sewer backup, overland flood — Common Ontario add-ons; wording and caps differ by insurer.
• Deductibles & exclusions — Read what is carved out (e.g. certain water events, vacant homes).
• Discounts — Alarms, claims-free, multi-policy (home + auto) — ask for the same coverage set when shopping.

This page does not provide quotes or insurance advice. Confirm coverage and eligibility with licensed insurers or brokers.

Compare quotes on Ratehub.ca

Use Ratehub to shop tenant and home insurance options through licensed partners. Card Lab does not issue quotes.

Interactive checklist last reviewed: 16 September 2026. Offers change — verify on Ratehub.