Tenant insurance for Ontario renters

Renting in Ontario? Get tenant insurance online in minutes.
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Customized tenant insurance for renters in Ontario

Sonnet’s tenant insurance in Ontario is built to protect renters at every stage of life. Whether you're moving into your first apartment or upgrading to a larger rental, renters insurance in Ontario helps cover your belongings, protect you financially if someone is injured in your home and support you if your rental becomes unlivable after a covered loss.

Our online quote experience makes it easy to compare coverage options, understand Ontario tenant insurance cost factors and get insured quickly.

Is tenant insurance mandatory in Ontario?

In Ontario, you don’t legally need to have tenant insurance (also called renters insurance). But many landlords require it before you can sign a lease. Ontario tenant insurance covers things like the cost to repair or replace your stuff if it gets damaged or stolen. It’ll also help if you need to temporarily relocate due to damage in your unit. Plus, liability coverage is there to protect you and anyone in your rental.

What does renters insurance cover in Ontario?

Here’s a breakdown of the common coverages included in tenant insurance in Ontario. Every policy is unique, so review your tenant policy to get familiar with your coverage and additional coverage options.

Standard Ontario tenant insurance coverages
Liability insurance

Protect yourself and the people in your home in case you’re sued with tenant liability insurance. You’re covered if someone gets hurt while visiting or for damage you may unintentionally cause.
Personal belongings

Often called contents insurance, this protects anything you own that you could pack in a bag or put in a moving truck. Contents insurance in Ontario covers things like your clothing, electronics and furniture. These are covered while they’re on your property or temporarily removed (like when you’re travelling to work – or out of the country).
Extra expenses

In case something happens and you can’t live in your apartment in Ontario, you’re covered while your unit is being repaired. Choose to stay in a hotel or with friends and family. We’ll help cover your extra living expenses either way.
Unit improvements

With renters insurance in Ontario, you’re covered for the cost of any damage to improvements you’ve made to your rental unit to make it your own. This could be things like built-in closet organizers or unique light fixtures.

Additional Ontario tenant insurance coverages
Sewer backup

This coverage can help in some smelly situations. If water backs up or escapes into your rental unit through a sewer, sump, septic tank or floor drain, this will cover you for the damage caused. Coverage offered depends on eligibility. 
Overland water

You’re covered for damage to your belongings caused by fresh water, such as excessive rain, spring run-off and melting snow, coming in at ground level through windows and doors. Coverage offered depends on eligibility. 
Identity theft

This covers you and anyone else on your policy in case your identity is stolen. We’ll reimburse you for legal fees as well as certain other costs, up to a limit. These could include lost wages if you have to take time off work to sort it out, and payment for services that help you restore your identity. 

How is tenant insurance calculated in Ontario?

If you rent in Ontario, the cost of tenant insurance is based on details about you and your rental. At Sonnet this includes things like:

  • The type of rental you live in
  • Where your rental is located
  • How much coverage you choose for your belongings
  • Your claims history

Together, these details help us offer you a customized tenant insurance quote that fits your home and your budget – so you’re covered without paying for more than you need.

Engineering graduates in Ontario

Engineers value elegant design and creative solutions. So, you’ll appreciate getting a quote online and an exclusive discount for engineering graduates.

Accounting graduates in Ontario

Accountants know numbers. And one way we’re keeping the price of tenant insurance low is with a discount for accounting graduates.

Canadian university alumni

A university degree has its perks. Canadian university alumni can save even more on tenant insurance in Ontario with Sonnet.

How you can save on tenant insurance in Ontario

You may be able to save on tenant insurance in Ontario through your employer, profession or alumni association. Explore the options below to see if you qualify.

Therapeutic Recreation Ontario

Learn more

CUPE 4705

Learn more

The Canadian Society of Association Executives

Learn more

More ways to save in Ontario

Save more with our exclusive group and affinity discounts. Start your quote online and search for your organization or association. Here are a few organizations that trust Sonnet:
How do I file a tenant insurance claim?

It’s simple. First, log in to your Sonnet account to access your policy number and tenant coverage details. You’ll need this information to file your claim, whether you choose to do it online or by phone.

To file your claim online: 
Select the Start a digital claim button. We’ll guide you step by step to fill out the required information. If you have questions, you can connect with our claims team via chat during business hours – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET. 
 
After you submit your claim, we’ll review it and an adjuster will contact you with next steps. 

To file your claim by phone: 
Call 1-844-766-6384 and follow the prompts so we can direct your call. Unless your claim is an emergency, it’s best to call during business hours – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. ET.

Want to learn more about our tenant insurance claims process? Visit our insurance claims  page.  
How does tenant insurance work in Ontario?

Tenant insurance in Ontario works similar to any other type of property insurance. The type of insurance you need depends on whether you’re an owner, tenant or landlord. This helps to make sure you get the right coverage at the right price. When it comes to renting, there are two types of insurance coverage needed. Your landlord has insurance that specifically covers damage to the structure of their property. As the tenant, your landlord’s insurance doesn’t protect your stuff, so you need tenant insurance for that.
Who needs renters insurance in Ontario?

Are you a student, family, young couple, newly living on your own or with friends? Are you renting a condo in Toronto, a basement apartment in Burlington or an entire house in Port Perry? No matter who you are or where you’re living in Ontario – if you’re paying rent, you can benefit from having tenant insurance.
Why do I need tenant liability insurance?

Some landlords or rental contracts may require proof of insurance before you can sign the lease, while others don’t. So, who needs renters insurance and is it mandatory? Even if you’re not required to have tenant insurance, it’s the best way to make sure your stuff is protected. Take a walk through your apartment, think of how much it would cost to replace all your stuff – it adds up, right? With tenant insurance you’re covered for pretty much everything you own and more. 

So, how does tenant insurance protect you? It covers your personal belongings if they’re lost or damaged in a covered event – like a fire, or a windstorm. It also covers your personal liability in the event that you’re held responsible if someone’s accidentally injured at your place – like if a guest trips on loose carpet and breaks their arm – or if you cause damage to someone else’s property.

Have more questions about tenant insurance? Get in touch with us via email or chat – we’re here to help.
How is the cost of tenant insurance calculated?

The cost of tenant insurance is based on several factors such as public information about the place you’re renting and your personal information. Here are things can impact your rate:

  • Where your rental is located
  • Home structure, age, type of heating, etc.
  • Number of past insurance claims
  • Information about you (age, credit score if applicable, etc.)

Using this information and a whole lot of math and statistics, you get the most competitive price – savings included. The whole process takes just minutes and the price you’re quoted is final. Buy online right away or save your quote and lock in your price for 45 days or until the coverage start date (whichever is sooner).
How do you get renters insurance in Ontario?

With Sonnet Insurance, you can get a tenant insurance quote online in minutes. All you’ll need is the address of the place you’re renting and the answers to a few simple questions – we do the rest of the work for you!
How to save money on tenant insurance in Ontario?

With Sonnet Insurance, your policy is priced based on your unique information which means any savings are automatically included. Here are some of the ways you can save on your tenant insurance: 

  • Exclusive Sonnet savings: Self-service has its benefits. Save just for purchasing your insurance online.
  • Claims Free: No recent claims? Lucky for you that means savings.
  • Multi-policy savings: Insure your home and auto with us and you could save even more.

Get a quote online to see your price – it’s free and there’s no obligation to buy. 
 

Don’t wait to start saving

Do you already have Ontario tenant insurance? Switching to Sonnet may be easier and cheaper than you think.