As president of KBD, Curtis aims to simplify insurance for his clients. He’s helped lead KBD to become one of Canada’s fastest 400 growing companies according to the Globe & Mail.
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Most Montreal homeowners make the same mistake: buying the cheapest policy online without realizing what’s missing.
Sewer backup isn’t standard, renovations may not be covered, and if your rebuild value isn’t updated, a claim could get denied.
Here’s what makes home insurance in Montreal unique—and how to avoid costly surprises.
Why Montreal Homes Are Different
Aging Properties
Montreal’s housing stock is old—many homes were built decades before modern building codes. That means higher rebuild costs if a fire or flood strikes. Your insurance should reflect rebuild value, not just market price.
Water Damage Risk
Sewer backup is the most common claim in the city, yet it’s rarely included by default. The floods in Pierrefonds and Dorval are reminders that water-related claims can be devastating if uninsured.
Renovations Matter
If you’ve finished a basement, added an extension, or renovated your kitchen, your policy must be updated. Otherwise, that investment may not be covered in a claim.
Harsh Winters
Flat roofs in Mile End or NDG are prone to ice damming, while older pipes in Westmount or Verdun can burst during freeze-thaw cycles. Coverage for these risks isn’t automatic.
Urban Density
In neighborhoods with tightly packed homes—like Hochelaga or Rosemont—a fire can spread quickly, making proper liability coverage critical.
Why a Montreal-Based Broker Helps
Online insurers rarely factor in local risks.
They’ll give you a quick quote, but it won’t tell you what’s missing.
A local insurance broker in Montreal:
- Shops multiple insurers to find the best fit
- Knows which areas (West Island, Plateau, Ville-Marie) face higher risks
- Explains exclusions like sewer backup or flood coverage in plain language
- Helps you navigate claims when something actually happens
FAQs
Q: What’s the average cost of home insurance in Montreal?
A: Most homeowners pay between $75–$125 per month. Costs vary based on location, building type, rebuild value, and add-ons like water coverage. For example, homes in flood-prone zones may pay higher premiums.
Q: Is sewer backup covered by default?
A: No. Sewer backup and overland water coverage are optional endorsements. Without them, water damage from heavy rain or floods may not be covered. Most Montrealers should carry at least $25,000 in protection.
Q: Why is rebuild value more important than market value?
A: Rebuild costs reflect what it would take to reconstruct your home with today’s labor and materials. In Montreal’s older neighborhoods, this can exceed market value. If you’re underinsured, your claim could be denied.
Q: How can I lower my premiums?
A: Yes—by installing an alarm system, upgrading your roof, or bundling home and auto policies with the same insurer. A broker can help identify all available discounts.
Wrap-Up
If you live in Montreal, don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all policy.
Work with a local broker who understands your neighborhood and its risks.
Get a free quote or policy review today—trusted by Montrealers for over 40 years.