Home insurance in Quebec does not renew automatically by law. It may sound surprising, but your insurer has no legal obligation to keep your policy active once it reaches its expiry date.

Not sure where to start? This guide covers the entire home insurance renewal process: from finding your expiry date to confirming your coverage, reviewing your policy and comparing premiums.

1. Find your home insurance policy's expiry date

First, find the exact expiry date of your home insurance policy. This is the day your coverage will end if you don’t renew it.

Your insurer usually sends a renewal notice a few weeks before your policy expires, but they are not legally required to do so. Marking the date on your calendar well in advance gives you time to compare options, review your coverage and avoid rushed decisions at the end of your policy term. By staying ahead of the curve, you can avoid any accidental lapse in your home insurance.

Why is the expiry date important for your renewal?

If you forget your expiry date it could cause a gap in coverage, leaving you unprotected if something happens.

Without an active policy, any damage to your home or belongings will not be covered. But the consequences go beyond immediate loss. Getting a new policy after a gap in coverage is often harder, and your premium could be higher. Plus, mortgage lenders require proof of valid home insurance, so a lapse in coverage could prompt a demand letter from your financial institution. Ensuring continuous coverage is the best way to protect your financial security.

Have you found your expiry date? Next, let's break down what's inside your renewal notice.

2. Review your insurance renewal notice

Your renewal notice is the document your insurer sends before the end of your policy. It details your new premium, the coverage that can be renewed and any changes from your current policy. This document helps you evaluate if the proposed terms still meet your needs.

If an insurer makes changes that reduce your coverage or increase your obligations, they must inform you in a separate document. These changes are assumed to be accepted 30 days after you receive them. After that point, the new terms take effect, which could mean unexpected costs or reduced coverage when it’s time to renew.

What should you look for in your renewal notice?

Compare each section of the notice with your current policy to spot any changes. Focus on these key areas:

• Premium amount (has it gone up or down from last year?)
• Included and excluded coverages
• Deductibles for each type of claim
• Insurance limits for your home and belongings
• New exclusions or restrictions

For example, an endorsement might change the scope of your coverage without it being obvious from the premium. Check the details of your coverage to ensure the replacement value of your belongings and property is still accurate. Once you have your notice, check if your coverage needs have changed since you first signed up.

3. Assess your coverage needs before renewing

Renewal is the perfect time to review whether your coverage matches your current life. Your home might have changed since you first bought your policy, with renovations, new high-value items, adding a pool or spa or working from home. Each of these things can change the level of protection you need.

The gap between replacement cost and actual cash value on the day of a claim can be huge, especially after major renovations. For example, if you have water damage and your coverage doesn't reflect the real value of your belongings, you'll have to pay for the uncovered damage yourself. It's always best to update your coverage before you renew.

How to report changes to your insurer at renewal

You need to report any change that may alter the risk of your property to your insurer. Some of the most common examples include:

• Major renovations (like to the kitchen, bathroom or roof)
• Installing a new security or alarm system
• Adding a pool, hot tub or trampoline
• Setting up a home office
• Buying high-value items (like jewelry, art or specialized equipment)

Forgetting to report these changes could lead to a denied claim when you need it most. Your insurer can help adjust your policy to fit your home's new reality. Once your coverage is updated, comparing quotes in Quebec can help you find better options before you renew.

4. Compare insurance quotes in Quebec

Taking the time to compare available insurance offers before renewing can make a real difference in your premium. Price, service, and coverage options vary by insurer. You can also use specific strategies to lower your premium at renewal.

How to save on your home insurance renewal

Renewal is a great time to lower your premium without reducing the quality of your coverage. These tips can make a real difference in your annual cost:

• Bundle your home and auto insurance with the same company.
• Install a security system (like an alarm, connected smoke detector or smart locks) to help lower your property's risk.
• Raise your deductible if your budget allows, which lowers your premium.
• Ask about eligible discounts, such as claims-free, alumni or professional association memberships.
• Review your coverage details to remove options you no longer need.

In Quebec, all insurers must be registered with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Always check their registration before getting a quote to protect yourself against unauthorized practices.

How to get an online home insurance quote

Getting a quote online takes only a few minutes and is completely commitment-free. The process is simple:

• Fill out a form with details about your property (including the type of home, year built and square footage)
• Select your desired coverages and limits
• Get a detailed quote showing your premium

The final step is to check the coverage summary (coverage map) before confirming. This document outlines your coverages, exclusions and deductibles. Comparing this summary to your current policy shows you whether the new option offers better value for your home. Done comparing? It’s time to finalize your new policy.

5. Confirm your renewal

Once you’ve made your choice, renewing is simple. Double-check these points before confirming:

• The terms of the new policy (e.g., coverages, exclusions and deductibles)
• Payment options (monthly, quarterly or annual)
• Effective date

If you decide to switch insurers, cancelling your policy on its expiry date is penalty-free. You usually just need to notify your current insurer in writing before the expiry date. However, cancelling mid-term will trigger a pro-rated penalty based on the remaining time, making your expiry date the ideal time to switch.

Make sure your new policy's start date matches your old policy's end date exactly. A gap of even one day could leave you unprotected. Once your contract is signed, it’s time to organize your files for the next year.

6. Keep your home insurance documents up to date

Keeping copies of your home insurance documents protects you in case of a dispute or claim. Save these documents after every renewal:

• Your renewed policy and any endorsements
• Proof of premium payment
• Your renewal notice
• Confirmations of any changes to your file

Updating this folder every year saves you from searching for documents in an emergency. Here are a few tips to stay organized: keep digital copies in an accessible folder, keep past policies for reference and set a calendar reminder well before your next expiry date to start the process again.

Get a home insurance quote with Sonnet

From reviewing coverage to comparing quotes, home insurance renewal requires a clear plan. Sonnet makes it easy with a fully online quote process, automatic discounts and 24/7 claims service.

Get a quote in minutes to find the right coverage and price for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is home insurance renewed automatically in Quebec?

Quebec law does not require automatic renewal for home insurance. Insurers usually send a renewal notice a few weeks before your policy expires, but it’s up to the policyholder to renew or shop around for a new policy.

What happens if you miss your home insurance renewal?

A gap in coverage leaves you unprotected during a loss, meaning any damage to your belongings won't be covered. Getting a new policy after a gap can be harder and more expensive, and mortgage lenders typically require continuous, active proof of insurance.

How do you cancel home insurance at renewal?

Cancelling your policy on its expiry date is completely free, provided you notify your current insurer in writing before the policy expires. Cancelling mid-term may result in a pro-rated cancellation fee depending on your policy’s terms.

Why does home insurance increase at renewal?

Several factors drive premium increases, like inflation in replacement costs, regional weather events (like floods or ice storms), your claim history and rising construction costs. Reviewing your coverage and comparing quotes at renewal is the best way to manage your premium.

What documents do I need to renew my home insurance?

Your insurer will typically ask for your renewal notice, an updated list of your belongings and details about any changes to your property since your last renewal. Having this information ready speeds up the process and makes comparing quotes easy.