Why this isn't covered by my home insurance: common exclusions in Quebec home insurance

Home insurance is considered a necessity by both insurers and homeowners. Most mortgage companies may require borrowers to have some form of insurance coverage, either for a portion or the full value of the property. They may refuse to grant a loan without proof of adequate home insurance. It's a good idea to have this protection, whether required or not. Home insurance can protect your belongings against unforeseen disasters, such as extreme weather, fire, theft, vandalism, and more. It even provides liability coverage, in case a client is injured while showing your property or breaks their phone and holds you liable. Home insurance can be the difference between being in debt for hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and being able to get your life back on track.

That said, home insurance doesn't cover everything. In Quebec, common home insurance exclusions can be found in the list below – and may vary depending on your policy and provider. While some exclusions can be waived through an endorsement, there are certain risks that cannot be covered at all. See below why some risks and losses are excluded from your home insurance.

Why is water damage not covered by home insurance?

Water damage—caused by a natural event, such as a sewer or sump pump backup—and even groundwater seepage—is not covered by your homeowners insurance unless you have already purchased homeowners insurance that includes these specific risks. Negligence or a lack of regular maintenance that could lead to water damage—that is, anything that isn't an unexpected or unnatural event—is not covered because you, as the homeowner, are expected to be aware of when your home's systems, such as its plumbing, need repairs. You are also expected to be on the lookout for smaller problems that could worsen over time so they can be addressed before a claim is filed.

Why are parasites and termites not covered by home insurance?

Pests and termites can result from poor maintenance and are not covered by homeowners insurance, as homeowners are expected to address any issues before they lead to a larger infestation. Damage caused by an infestation, repairs, replacement of personal belongings, and pest removal—including termites, rodents, bats, or even bedbugs—are not covered by your homeowners insurance policy.

Why are some dog breeds not covered by my home insurance?

Some dog bites carry a higher risk of legal repercussions, potentially resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages if a lawsuit is filed against the owner. Consequently, certain breeds are excluded from coverage or placed on a "blacklist" by some insurers, including wolfdog hybrids, chow chows, American pit bull terriers, rottweilers, and even Great Danes. Individual dogs with a history of biting may also be excluded from your insurance policy.

Why are land-based movements not covered by my home insurance?

Damage caused by earthquakes may not be covered by standard home insurance, although you may have the option of purchasing earthquake insurance. However, some providers do not offer earthquake insurance at all, which may be due to the high risk of earthquakes and the potentially high cost of compensation. It may also be because earthquakes—including frontal shocks and aftershocks—can occur up to several weeks before or after an event, causing cumulative damage.

Why are acts of war not covered by my home insurance?

Acts of war are generally not covered by home insurance, including invasions, revolutions, and terrorism. In Quebec, common exclusions in home insurance policies are often due to the expectation that homeowners will maintain their homes, and damages may occur due to a lack of maintenance. Insurance companies generally do not cover damage caused by acts of war because it is virtually impossible to calculate premiums for this type of coverage. War damages can involve astronomical costs, which an insurance company may not be able to recover in the event of war.

Why are intentional actions not covered by my home insurance?

Intentional actions – i.e., damage intentionally caused to your home. For example, if you knock up part of your flooring to create a bowling alley or if you spray-paint graffiti on part of your wall, these are generally not covered by homeowners insurance, as insurance is designed to protect your property against unforeseen damage or events. Homeowners insurance is not intended to restore your home to its previous condition following a series of damages that you directly caused.