The short answer? No. But, getting home insurance if you live in Alberta is highly recommended. Threats to your home include fire, windstorm, and – as many Albertans know first-hand – hailstorms.

Without house insurance, you’ll be responsible for paying out of pocket for damages to your home and detached structures like a shed or garage. It also covers your personal belongings, your legal liability, and even provides you with a place to stay if you can’t stay in your home due to a covered event. In case the worst happens, a home policy gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll get back to where you need to be without worrying about costly bills to repair, or even replace, your home.

And – if you have a mortgage, your lender will probably require you to have an insurance policy, even though it’s not required by law.