What are the big changes in your life that can affect your insurances?

Exciting new chapters ahead

You’ve finally found the right person to build a future with. You’re moving in together, getting engaged, or perhaps expecting a child. Maybe you’ve purchased a new home, are planning major renovations, or your children are now old enough to start borrowing the family car. Your career may be entering a new phase as well—a new job, a promotion, a layoff, or even the launch of your own business.

All of these major life events can have an impact on your home or auto insurance coverage.

Changes you should report to your broker

We recommend contacting your broker whenever there is a change involving:

• The number of people living in your home
• The value of your personal belongings
• The value of your home’s interior or exterior finishes
• How you use your vehicle
• The drivers who regularly use your vehicle
• The number of kilometres you drive each year
• Equipment or modifications added to your vehicle

Relationship and lifestyle changes

Be sure to notify your broker if any of the following occur:

• Moving in with a partner
• Purchasing a car, home, or cottage
• A significant change in your commuting distance
• Driving more frequently outside Québec or Ontario
• Using your vehicle outside Québec for a cumulative period exceeding four weeks per year
• Purchasing jewelry or other valuable items
• Placing furniture or personal belongings in storage
• Leaving your home vacant
• Separation or divorce

Family milestones

Your insurance needs can also change when:

• You welcome a new baby
• You adopt a dog or exotic pet
• A teenager begins driving your vehicle occasionally or regularly
• A child moves out of the family home
• You modify your home to accommodate a family member with special needs

Career and business changes

Consider contacting your broker if you:

• Experience a significant change in your commute
• Drive more frequently outside Québec or Ontario
• Use your vehicle for business purposes, such as meeting clients, making deliveries, or ridesharing services like Uber
• Spend more than four weeks per year using your vehicle outside Québec
• Become self-employed
• Start working from home
• Join a professional association or regulatory body
• Purchase business-related computer equipment

Home improvements and property changes

Your coverage may need to be updated if you:

• Undertake major renovations
• Install a swimming pool or spa
• Add a new heating system
• Install a supplementary heating source
• Leave your home vacant for an extended period

Other important life events

You should also notify your broker if:

• Your vehicle will be stored for several months
• Your home will be vacant for more than 30 days
• You have been smoke-free for at least 12 months
• You rent your vehicle through a car-sharing platform such as Turo
• You rent all or part of your residence through a short-term rental platform such as Airbnb

Don’t wait until renewal time

When a significant change occurs, it’s best not to wait until your policy renewal. Reach out to your broker as soon as you believe a life event could affect your home or auto insurance.

A quick conversation today can help ensure your coverage accurately reflects your current situation—and give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re properly protected.