How much does tenant insurance cost in Quebec in 2026?

Studio or 41/2 in Montreal

$14 – $22/month

Single tenant, properties around $25,000, RC $1 million, deductible $500. For a furnished studio with no history, we often fall below $16/month.

51/2 in the suburbs (couple)

$19 – $28/month

Couple, property around $40,000, RC $1 million, deductible $500. Laval, Longueuil and the north/south shore have the best prices.

61/2 or townhouse (family)

$25 – $38/month

Family, property around $60,000, RCA $1 million or $2 million, deductible $500 or $1,000. More parts = more belongings and more risk of water damage.

Geographical area

Postal code, density, district accident rate. Flood zones or areas with a high theft rate cost more. Montreal centre is generally more expensive than Trois-Rivières or Saguenay.

Value of the insured property

The higher the declared value (furniture, electronics, bicycles, jewellery), the higher the premium. Realistic inventory avoids paying too much or too little.

Credit history and history

One or two claims in the last 5 years can increase the premium by 10 to 30%. The credit score also influences the price with most insurers.

Amount of the deductible

A $500 deductible vs. $1,000 can represent 15 to 20% annual savings. To be adjusted according to your ability to absorb an unforeseen event.

Civil liability limit

$1 million, $2 million or $3 million — going from $1 million to $2 million costs an average of $2 to $4 more per month. Many leases now require $2 million in 2026.

Pets

Dogs of certain breeds can increase the CR or exclude protections. Declare your animals to avoid a refusal of claim.

Basement or Floor

A basement apartment is more likely to backflow and infiltrate — the premium can be 10 to 25 percent higher than a higher floor.

Alarm system and detectors

An alarm system connected to a central station, intelligent smoke and water leak detectors reduce the premium by 5 to 15%.

Expert tip: don’t undervalue your assets

Many renters choose $15,000 property coverage to save a few dollars a month — and then realize at the loss that their personal belongings are actually worth $35,000 or more (electronics, bikes, winter clothing, personal appliances, instruments). Take a room-by-room inventory with photos and receipts. The premium gap between $25,000 and $40,000 in coverage is often less than $3/month — a small investment compared to real protection.

Not mandatory by law, but required by about 90% of leases in 2026

Tenant home insurance is not mandatory under the Civil Code of Quebec. But your landlord has the right to require one in the lease (clause F of the standard lease or added clause). In 2026, the majority of Quebec homeowners require it, with a minimum civil liability limit of $1 million — often $2 million for newer buildings or condominiums. Without insurance, you are personally responsible for any water damage caused to your neighbour’s home (which can easily exceed $50,000) or a fire starting in your home.