🧭 FREE TOOL — SINISTRE QUÉBEC 2026
Interactive post-disaster checklist
What to do in the first few minutes, 48 hours and weeks following a fire, water damage, theft, car accident or any other disaster. Generate a list of steps customized to your type of claim, with the legal deadlines and the right reflexes in Quebec.
~7 j
Recommended average reporting time
911
in the event of a life-threatening emergency or fire
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AMF
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⚠ Life-threatening, injured or in immediate danger: always call 911 first. This tool is an indicative guide and does not replace the instructions in your insurance policy, the directives of the authorities (fire, police, ambulance) or the advice of your broker or certified claims adjuster. Each claim is unique — check the exact requirements of your contract and contact your Assur360 broker for personalized support.
Générez votre checklist personnalisée
Sélectionnez le type de sinistre que vous venez de subir. Nous générons la liste des étapes à cocher, avec les délais à respecter et les numéros utiles.
Votre checklist
0 / 0 étapes complétées
🚨 Dans les premières minutes
⏱ Dans les 24 à 48 heures
📋 Dans les 7 jours
📂 Suivi et indemnisation
Contacts utiles
⚠ Guide indicatif seulement. Les étapes affichées sont des bonnes pratiques générales au Québec. Votre police d’assurance, les autorités municipales et votre courtier ont autorité sur les exigences exactes. Toujours vérifier avec votre assureur avant de jeter, démolir ou remplacer quoi que ce soit.
The 5 golden reflexes after a disaster
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1. Secure
People first. Dial 911 for any injuries, fires, intruders or structural hazards. Evacuate if necessary.
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2. Document
Photos and videos before any cleaning. Capture the whole, the details, the damaged goods from several angles.
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3. Mitigate
Take reasonable emergency measures (tarp, turn off the water, extract the water) to prevent aggravation. Legal obligation.
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4. Report quickly
Call your broker or insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours. Note the file number.
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5. Don’t throw anything away
Keep all damaged property until the expert visits, even if they appear to be unsalvageable. Keep all emergency expense invoices.
Legal and contractual deadlines to be respected
🚫 7 mistakes that can reduce your compensation
- Throwing away damaged property before the expert comes by (breaking the appraisal link).
- Failure to mitigate damage (legal obligation — aggravation not covered).
- Late declarations or omissions (history, amendments, undisclosed commercial use).
- Signing the final release without understanding what you are renouncing to claim.
- Forget about living expenses if the accommodation is uninhabitable (meals, motel, daycare) — reimbursable.
- Verbally accept an amount of compensation without detailed writing.
- Begin permanent repairs prior to insurer approval.
Frequently asked questions about reporting a claim
How long do I have to report my claim?
Quebec law does not impose a specific time limit in days, but your insurance policy requires a declaration as soon as possible. In practice, call your broker or your insurer’s claims line within 48 hours. Late reporting may result in a denial or reduction in compensation, especially if the delay has aggravated the damage or prevented the investigation.
Can I throw away damaged goods before the expert’s visit?
No. Keep anything damaged until the adjuster’s assessment, even if it smells bad, even if it’s soaked. The expert must be able to ascertain the condition of the property in order to establish compensation. If an item is dangerous (burnt appliances, moldy furniture at risk of contamination), take photos from several angles before removing it, and document the reason.
Should I call the police after a theft or vandalism?
Yes. A police report is mandatory in almost all insurance policies for theft, vandalism, break and enter, vehicle theft and hit-and-run. No report = refusal of compensation. Call 911 if the perpetrators are still on site or recent, otherwise your police service’s non-emergency line. Write down the event number (this is the reference to be sent to the insurer).
Who pays for the emergency measures (tarpaulin, water extraction, dehumidification)?
These precautionary measures are reimbursed by your insurance, provided that they are reasonable and aim to avoid aggravation of the damage. Keep all invoices. If it is urgent (night, weekend), you can proceed without waiting for formal authorization. However, avoid permanent repairs before approval.
What is proof of loss and when do I need to produce it?
Proof of loss is the detailed and signed inventory of the damaged goods with values, age, proof of purchase. Article 2471 of the Civil Code of Québec gives you 60 days from the date of the loss to file it. Your claims adjuster or Assur360 broker will help you prepare for the process—it’s a step where the adjuster pays off.
If my accommodation is uninhabitable, who pays for the hotel and meals?
Most home insurance policies include additional living expenses : hotel or temporary apartment, restaurant meals, daycare fees, parking, laundry, additional transportation. Only the difference from your normal expenses is reimbursed. Keep all invoices and keep a journal of expenses.
Can I choose my repair contractor?
In general, yes, but first get the insurer’s approval on the contractor and the estimate. Some insurers offer a network of accredited contractors (faster process, work guarantee). If you choose yours, ask for a detailed quote and have it validated before signing. Never pay cash without a receipt.
What should I do if the insurer refuses or undervalues my compensation?
You have several recourses. First, ask in writing the reasons for the refusal and the policy items invoked. Your Assur360 broker trades on your behalf — this is one of the main benefits of going through a broker rather than a captive agent. You can also appoint a public claims adjuster (paid by you, generally 10-15% of the settlement), file a complaint with the AMF, refer the matter to the Ombudsman, or take legal action (3-year statute of limitations).
Why use Assur360 for your claim
- ✅ AMF certified brokers — we represent your interests, not those of the insurer
- ✅ Claims support — from declaration to release, we are at your side
- ✅ 100,000+ clients in Quebec — experience with all major insurers (Intact, Beneva, Desjardins, Wawanesa, Travelers, etc.)
- ✅ 24/7 Sinister Line — a knowledgeable human responds and triggers your case immediately
- ✅ No additional costs — our compensation comes from the insurer, not from you
- ✅ Settlement negotiation – if the offer is insufficient, we will challenge the evaluation with you
A disaster in Quebec? Talk to an Assur360 broker right away
Don’t be alone in the face of a disaster
An Assur360 broker opens your file, mobilizes the right experts (emergency plumber, disaster cleaner, contractor) and guides you every step of the way — from the first photo to the final release.
Additional tools and resources
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Home Allowance Simulator
Estimate how much you will receive after a home loss.
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24/7 disaster emergency
Declaration form and direct line.
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Home insurance guide
Protections, deductibles, exclusions to be aware of.
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All simulators
Back to the full list of Assur360 tools.
Legal Limitations and Warnings. This guide and its interactive checklist are general information provided by Assur360 to guide you after a disaster in Quebec. It does not replace the exact provisions of your insurance policy, the instructions of public authorities (firefighters, police, Urgence-Environnement, SAAQ), or the advice of a broker certified by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) or a claims adjuster who is a member of the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages (ChAD). The legal deadlines cited (Civil Code of Québec, arts. 2471, 2925) are given for information purposes only — consult a lawyer for any specific situation. Mitigation, reporting, proof of loss and release obligations vary depending on the contract, the type of risk and the applicable jurisdiction. If in doubt, contact your Assur360 broker before making any irreversible decision (demolition, release, permanent repair).