Tenant insurance in Ontario
Renting? Your landlord's insurance does not cover you
Tenant insurance protects your belongings, your liability and your living costs after a loss. Talk to a broker and choose cover that fits your rental.
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Tenant insurance, often called renters insurance, protects what you own and what you could owe while you rent. It covers your belongings after events such as fire or theft, your personal liability if you injure someone or damage their property, and often extra living costs if you cannot stay in your home. A landlord's insurance covers the building, not a tenant's belongings or liability. Many landlords also ask tenants to carry a policy.
Right-sized for your rental
A broker helps you estimate what your belongings are worth and choose limits that make sense for an apartment, basement unit or house rental.
Clear on what is included
Coverage for water damage, high-value items and roommates varies. A broker explains the details before you decide.
Quick conversation
Most tenants need only a short chat to understand their options, with no jargon and no pressure.
What tenant insurance usually covers
Most tenant policies are built from a few core parts, with options you can add.
Personal belongings
Covers furniture, clothing, electronics and other contents against covered losses such as fire, theft or certain types of water damage, up to your chosen limit.
Personal liability
Helps if you are legally responsible for injuring someone or damaging property, for example if a guest is hurt or your overflowing bathtub damages the unit below.
Additional living expenses
Helps pay for temporary housing and extra costs if a covered loss makes your rental unlivable while it is repaired.
Improvements and betterments
If you have added upgrades to your unit, such as flooring or built-in shelving, ask whether and how they are covered under your policy.
Valuables and scheduled items
Jewellery, bicycles, instruments and similar items may have sub-limits, but you can often schedule them for fuller protection. Ask your broker how the limits and conditions apply to you.
Away-from-home protection
Many policies extend belongings coverage to items temporarily away from your unit, such as in a storage locker or a vehicle. Limits and conditions vary.
Ready when you are
Answer a few questions and see your options in minutes. No payment, no commitment.
Who tenant insurance is for
Apartment and basement renters
Anyone renting a unit owns belongings and carries liability that the landlord's building insurance does not cover.
Students and young professionals
Renting your first place often means a laptop, bike and furniture worth protecting, and a policy can be modest in scope.
Roommates
Share one policy or arrange separate ones. A broker can explain how each approach treats belongings and liability.
People required by a lease
Many leases ask tenants to carry coverage and provide proof. A broker can arrange a policy that meets the requirement.
What changes your tenant insurance price
Tenant policies are generally modest, and a few factors shape the price.
Value of your belongings
The more you need to protect, the higher the contents limit and the price are likely to be.
Liability limit
Choosing a higher personal liability limit adds to the cost but increases protection.
Deductible
A higher deductible usually lowers the price, but you pay more yourself when you claim.
Location and building
The area, the type of building and its security features can influence the price depending on the insurer.
Claims history and bundling
Past claims can matter, and bundling with auto insurance may open up a discount with some insurers.
Bundle
Pairs well with
Insure tenant insurance together with one of these. When one insurer writes both for your household, it may lower both prices.
- The insurer gives it.
- Same insurer, same household.
- Your broker confirms the final number.
What people often assume is covered but is not
Your belongings under the landlord's insurance, which protects the building and not your contents.
Your liability if you cause damage or injury, since the landlord's policy does not respond for you.
Flood or sewer backup, which may require an add-on or be excluded depending on the policy.
Valuables beyond sub-limits, such as expensive jewellery or equipment, unless scheduled.
Roommates' belongings, unless they are named on the policy or have their own.
Loss from wear and tear, pests or gradual damage, which insurers treat as maintenance.
Always check your policy wording; a broker can explain what applies to you.
How it works
Tell us about you
Share a few details in under five minutes. No payment, no commitment.
Compare clear options
See what each option covers and what drives the price.
Confirm with a broker
Your broker checks everything with you before anything is bound.
Frequently asked questions
No. A landlord's policy covers the building and the landlord's own liability. Your furniture, electronics and clothing, and your own liability if you cause damage or injury, are not included. Tenant insurance fills that gap and is designed for renters.
The law does not require it, but many landlords make it a condition of the lease and ask for proof. Even when it is not required, the cost of replacing your belongings or paying a liability claim could be significant.
Walk through your home and estimate what it would cost to replace everything: furniture, clothing, electronics, kitchen items and more. People often underestimate the total. A broker can help you add it up and pick a limit that fits.
Sometimes, but terms vary by insurer. Named roommates may be covered under one policy, while others may need their own. A broker can explain which arrangement protects each person and their belongings.
Sudden events such as a burst pipe are often covered, while sewer backup and overland flooding may require an add-on. Wording varies by insurer, so ask your broker to confirm exactly what your policy includes before you buy.
Request a call with a broker. They will ask a few questions about your rental and belongings, explain your options in plain language and help you set up a policy. You are under no obligation to buy.
Related guides
Protect what you own while you rent
Share a few details about your place and a broker will get in touch to explain your options.
This page is general information, not advice, and rules change. Coverage, eligibility and terms depend on the insurer and your situation, so your broker confirms what applies to you. Reviewed October 2026.