Limit risks with tenants’ insurance

The importance of home insurance for tenants

Some tenants who don’t own much property may rightfully wonder whether it’s worth paying for insurance. The answer is a resounding yes. First of all, not much property can end up being a lot if you have to replace everything after a fire. This doesn't even include temporary relocation fees.

Also, most home insurance products include civil liability insurance. This insurance provides coverage if you cause the damage yourself. Think about it. What would you do if you caused a fire? Or water damage? Or what if you got sued by someone who was injured tripping over an extension cord you neglected to put away in your apartment?

At the end of the day, home insurance doesn’t just offer coverage, it provides peace of mind.

How to limit risk and avoid making a claim

It’s good to have home insurance. But it’s even better if you never have to use it. Here are a few tips that can help you avoid major headaches.

Preventing fires

• Make sure your smoke alarms work. Replace the batteries twice a year.
• Get a portable fire extinguisher and place it somewhere it can easily be accessed.
• Never leave your oven on when you’re not home.
• Stay close to it when you're cooking.
• Be careful when handling oil. Use safe appliances, like a fryer.
• Make sure your heaters are clear of other objects.
• Turn off the dryer before leaving home or going to sleep.
• Be extra cautious if you use auxiliary heating, such as portable heaters.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.

If you smoke:

• Use an ashtray. Empty and clean it regularly. Make sure the cigarette butts are put out properly and cooled off before disposing of them. Soak them to be sure.
• Don’t smoke somewhere you’re susceptible to fall asleep, like on your sofa or bed.
• If you smoke outside, don’t put out your cigarettes in flower pots. The soil is made up of material that can easily catch fire, such as peat moss.

Get more tips to prevent fires

Avoid water damage

• Make sure you know where your watermain is, so you can turn it off if necessary.
• Never leave your washer or dishwasher on when you’re not home.
• Stay by your bathtub when filling it.
• Have any leaky faucet repaired.
• If you go on vacation during the winter, make sure you have adequate heating on in your home so the pipes don’t freeze.

More tips to avoid water damage

Adopt theft prevention measures

• Lock all doors and windows when you leave.
• Make sure nothing tempting for would-be thieves, like your TV or laptop, is visible from outside.
• Store your valuable items in a secure area.
• If possible, keep your bike inside your home, or get a good quality lock and make sure you always use it.
• Wait until you’re back from your trip before posting photos on social media.

See other tips to prevent break-ins

Protection and prevention, a winning combo

By taking out home insurance that meets your needs and by following these tips to minimize the risk of claims, you can enjoy your home with peace of mind.

Your insurance broker is there to help you prevent losses. Contact him or her!