A disaster always occurs at the wrong time. Whether it’s water damage at 3 a.m., a fire or theft, every hour counts. Acting quickly limits the damage, protects your rights and speeds up your compensation. At Assur360, our AMF-certified brokers guide you every step of the way — from reporting to the final settlement of your claim.
Immediate danger to your life?
In case of immediate danger to your life or that of a loved one, call 911 first. Your safety comes before declaring it to your insurer. Only return to a damaged building when authorized by emergency services.
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📞 Call NowThe 5 most common types of claims in Quebec
Knowing the most common claims helps you react quickly and know which coverages to activate in your insurance policy.
How much do I really receive after a claim?
After the emergency, simulate your compensation according to your home coverage (A/B/C/D).
Water damage
Plumbing leaks, sewer backups, roof infiltrations — the most common loss in Quebec. Turn off the main water immediately and document before drying.
Fire
From kitchen fires to structural fires, the damage can be total. Your insurance can cover the cost of temporary housing and the replacement of your belongings.
Theft and vandalism
Intrusion, break-in or malicious acts. Report it to the police first to get a report number — essential for your claim.
Glass breakage
Windows, patio doors, built-in mirrors — often covered by a specific endorsement. Check to see if your policy includes “accidental breakage” coverage.
Damage to the vehicle
Collision, bad weather, animal, vandalism — depending on your coverage (all-perils vs. collision only), the procedures vary. Report to the police if necessary.
What to do in the first 24 hours after a disaster
The first few hours are crucial. Here are the 6 steps to follow in order to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Get to safety
Evacuate if necessary, turn off the electricity or gas depending on the type of disaster, and call 911 if lives are in danger. Return to the site only when it is safe to do so.
Document BEFORE cleaning
Take photos and videos of all the damage before touching anything. This documentation is your primary proof for the fitter. Don’t throw anything away — even debris has evidentiary value.
Notify your insurer or broker
Contact your Assur360 broker or your insurer directly as soon as possible. Outside of business hours, most insurers have a 24/7 emergency line.
Take emergency measures to limit the damage
Your policy requires you to minimize additional damage. Cover a damaged roof, install a temporary pump, barricade a fractured driveway. Keep all the invoices for this emergency work.
Get a police report if applicable
For theft, trespassing or vandalism, a police report is mandatory for your claim. Report the incident as soon as possible to the neighborhood police station or online through your city’s police department.
Compile your claim file
Gather insurance contracts, receipts, inventory of damaged property, before/after photos and all emergency repair invoices. The more complete your file, the faster and fairer the compensation will be.
Reporting deadlines by type of claim
In Quebec, the reporting deadlines are governed by your insurance contract and by the Civil Code of Quebec. Comply with them to avoid compromising your right to compensation.
| Type of claim | Max. | legal periodRecommended | time frameConsequence of a delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | damageAccording to contract (usually 30 days) | Within 24 hours | Refusal if damage aggravated by inaction |
| Fire | 3 years (civil statute of limitations) | Immediately | Loss of evidence, difficulties in investigation |
| Theft / vandalism | According to contract (often 5 working days) | Within 24 to 48 hours | Claim denied if contractual deadline exceeded |
| Motor vehicle | accident3 years (civil statute of limitations) | Within 48 hours | Complication of the investigation, possible challenge |
Information to prepare before calling your insurer
The more prepared you are on your first call, the faster the response will be. Here is the essential information to have on hand.
Your insurance policy
Policy number, insurer name, renewal date and coverage amounts. Have your certificate handy.
Date and time of the disaster
Specify the exact time when the loss occurred or was discovered. This information is fundamental to the adjuster.
Full address of the claim
The exact address of the property or the place of the accident, with all useful details (apartment, floor, etc.).
Photos and videos
Comprehensive visual documentation of damage. Include wide shots and close-ups, and timestamp your files if possible.
List of damaged property
Make, model, year of purchase and estimated value of each damaged property. Purchase receipts expedite compensation.
Police report (if applicable)
Report number, name of police officer and district. Mandatory for theft, vandalism and some road accidents.
Pro tip: Document BEFORE cleaning
Your natural reflex will be to clean everything immediately. Resist this temptation. Film each piece in continuous video before touching anything. This video evidence is often decisive in the settlement. Don’t throw away any damaged goods until the fitter has completed their inspection — even an old carpet soaked in water has proof value.
What your Assur360 broker does for you in the event of a claim
An insurance broker isn’t just there to sell policies — they’re your advocate when making a claim. Here’s how our AMF-certified brokers support you in practice.
Reporting and opening the file
Your broker contacts the insurer on your behalf, ensures that the statement is complete and correct, and opens the claim file within the required time frame. You avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your compensation.
Analysis of your coverage
They go through your policy in detail to identify all the coverages that apply to your situation — including any endorsements and coverages you may have missed. Some customers get thousands of dollars back more from this step.
Accompaniment during the inspection
Your broker may be present during the visit of the insurer’s adjuster to ensure that all damages are properly listed and assessed at their fair value. He pleads in your favor if necessary.
Follow-up to final settlement
They follow up on the file, follow up with the insurer if delays exceed standards, and guide you if a decision needs to be challenged — until you receive fair and full compensation.
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Our brokers accompany you from declaration to settlement
Don’t negotiate with your insurer alone. An Assur360 broker advocates for you every step of the way — at no additional cost to you.
Talk to a brokerFrequently Asked Questions About Claims and Claims
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