Renters Insurance in Toronto and Ontario
Tenant insurance for your rented space
Whatever you rent, renters insurance, also called tenant insurance, helps protect your belongings and your liability if something unexpected happens. Insurewise is an independent broker in North York, Toronto, and we compare options from the insurers we work with so you can pick a plan that fits your place.
We will keep it simple and explain it in plain words.
Renters insurance through an independent broker
Whether you rent an apartment, a basement unit or a whole house, renters insurance is designed to protect what you own and what you could be responsible for.
Because we are not tied to one insurance company, we can look at several options and show you how they compare.
What renters insurance usually covers
Policies differ, so the details depend on the plan you choose.
Your belongings
Furniture, clothing, electronics and other personal property are usually covered against events like fire, theft and water damage.
Personal liability
Helps if you are responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property, for example accidental water damage to the unit below.
Extra living costs
Helps with costs like a temporary place to stay if you cannot live in your home after a covered loss.
What your landlord's insurance does not cover
Your landlord's insurance is for the building. It generally does not cover your belongings, and it does not cover your own liability. Those are yours to insure.
That is why many tenants buy their own policy, and why some landlords ask for it in the lease.
Is tenant insurance required in Ontario?
Tenant insurance is not something Ontario law makes every tenant buy, but a landlord can ask for it. Ontario's standard lease has a section on it. There, the landlord and tenant can agree whether the tenant must have liability insurance, and if the landlord asks for proof, the tenant must provide it. It is up to the tenant to get contents insurance if they want it.
Check your lease before you move in. Even when nothing requires it, your landlord's policy does not protect your belongings, so many tenants choose to insure them.
Ways to choose your coverage
A few questions help you decide what you need:
- What are your belongings worth in total, from furniture to clothes?
- Do you have a laptop, phone or other electronics you would need to replace?
- Do you own valuables like jewellery or musical instruments?
- Would you like replacement cost coverage, so you can replace items with new ones?
Add up what it would cost to replace everything you own. We can help you turn that into a coverage amount.
Bundle renters with auto
Many insurers offer discounts when you insure more than one thing with them. Ask us to look at your renters coverage together with your auto insurance. If you own instead of rent, see our condo insurance or home insurance pages.
Coverage, eligibility and pricing depend on the insurer's underwriting and the policy wording. Information on this site is general and is not a quote or a policy.
Related coverage
- Auto insuranceCars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and other vehicles, with coverage built around how you drive.
- Condo insuranceCover for your unit, your upgrades and your things, on top of what the condo corporation insures.
- Home insuranceProtection for your house, your belongings and your liability if someone is hurt on your property.
Renters insurance questions
Still wondering about something? Call 416-383-0901 and ask, or see our contact page for the address and email.
Usually not. The landlord's policy is for the building. You insure your own belongings and your own liability with a renters policy. If you are unsure what your landlord covers, ask them and then tell us so we can fit your policy around it.
Some landlords ask for proof of tenant insurance as part of the lease. Check your lease or ask your landlord. Even if it is not required, a policy protects your belongings and your liability, so it is worth a conversation.
It can help if you are responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property, for example accidental water damage to the unit below. What is covered and the limit that applies depend on the policy, so we will walk you through it.
It depends on the policy and the insurer. Some policies only cover the named people, so a roommate may need their own. Ask us when you set up your coverage and we will tell you what applies.
Not by law, but your landlord may require it in your lease. Ontario's standard lease lets a landlord and tenant agree that the tenant must carry liability insurance, and the tenant must show proof if asked. Contents insurance is the tenant's choice. Check your lease, and ask us if you are unsure what to buy.
It depends on what you own and the choices you make, so we cannot name a price without details. The value of your belongings, your liability limit, your deductible and where you live can all affect it. Tell us about your place and we will compare quotes from the insurers we work with.
Yes. Renters insurance and tenant insurance are two names for the same type of policy. It covers your belongings, your personal liability and extra living costs after a covered loss. Insurers and landlords use both terms, so you may see either one on your lease or a quote.
You can ask for it. A policy protects your own belongings and liability whatever you rent, and a landlord may ask for it in your lease. Whether an insurer will write a policy depends on the place and the arrangement, so tell us the details and we will check what is available.
Sources: Ontario, guide to Ontario's standard lease, IBC, types of home coverage
Get a renters insurance quote
Tell us about your place. We will come back with options and explain them in plain words.