Tag: Coverage Exclusions

Few things are more stressful than finding a maple across your roof the morning after a windstorm. In the Laurentides, where many homes in Val-David, Sainte-Adèle, Saint-Sauveur or around Mont-Tremblant sit among mature trees, and where freezing rain and heavy wet snow are regular visitors, the same question comes up again and again: does my home insurance actually cover this?

This guide explains how Quebec home insurance usually responds to wind, ice storms, hail and fallen trees, who pays when a neighbour’s tree is involved, and what happens to your freezer after a long outage. Every policy wording is different, so use it as a starting point before reading your own contract.

Key takeaways

• Wind, hail, lightning and the weight of ice or snow are covered perils in most Quebec home insurance policies.
• A tree that falls on your house, garage, shed, deck or fence is generally a claim on your own home policy, even if the tree belonged to your neighbour or the municipality.
• A tree that falls on your car is an auto claim, covered only with comprehensive or all-perils coverage.
• Debris removal is usually covered when the tree damaged an insured structure; removing a tree that fell without damaging anything is often not covered or is subject to a small limit.
• The tree itself, gradual root damage and lack of maintenance are typically not covered.
• Hydro-Québec states that it does not compensate for outages caused by weather events, so food spoilage claims go through your own insurer, if your policy includes that coverage.

Does home insurance cover wind damage in Quebec?

Wind is one of the core perils covered by virtually every home insurance policy sold in Quebec, whether you have a “named perils” (basic) or an “all risks” (comprehensive) form. Shingles torn off the roof, broken windows, a damaged soffit, a bent chimney cap or siding peeled off by a strong gust are all classic examples of sudden, accidental wind damage.

The important nuance concerns water. Most policies cover rain or snow that enters the house through an opening created by the wind or by a falling object, such as a hole in the roof made by a branch. Water that seeps in through an old, worn roof without any storm damage is usually treated as a maintenance problem and excluded. If you are unsure about your roof’s condition, see our guide on roof, snow load and winter insurance in the Laurentides.

What about hail?

Generally yes. Hail damage to your home is claimed on your home policy; hail damage to your car is claimed on your auto policy, only if you carry comprehensive or all-perils coverage. Some insurers apply depreciation to older roofing.

Are ice storms covered by home insurance?

Freezing rain remains a regular winter event in the Laurentides. In general, home insurance covers damage caused by the weight of ice, snow or sleet on the building, as well as damage from branches or trees that break under the load and fall on insured structures.

Ice storms often cause several losses at once:

• Roof or structure damaged by ice weight or falling branches: generally covered as a sudden loss.
• Ice dams that push meltwater under shingles: coverage varies widely between insurers and policy forms. Some cover the resulting interior water damage, others exclude it or treat it as a maintenance issue.
• Frozen and burst pipes during a long power outage: often covered, provided you took reasonable precautions (keeping the heat on, shutting off and draining the water if the house was left unheated). Policies commonly exclude freezing damage if a home was left unattended without these measures, especially chalets.
• Food spoilage due to a prolonged outage: depends on your policy (see below).
• Additional living expenses: usually covered when the home is uninhabitable because of an insured loss.

Does home insurance cover a tree falling on my house?

Generally, yes. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), home insurance usually covers damage when a tree or branch falls on your home because of wind or lightning, which are the most common causes. This also extends to other structures on your property, such as a detached garage, shed, fence or deck.

Your claim would typically include:

1. Repairs to the damaged structure (roof, walls, windows, siding).
2. Damage to the contents inside, if the falling tree or the resulting water damaged furniture, electronics or other belongings.
3. The cost of removing the tree debris from the structure, usually included with the loss.

Your deductible applies once per claim. If you need help with the steps, documentation and timelines, read our guide on how to file a home insurance claim in Quebec.

What if the tree fell but didn’t hit anything?

This is a frequent source of surprise. If a tree falls in your yard without damaging a building, fence or other insured property, many policies will not pay to cut it up and haul it away, or only provide a small, specific limit for debris removal. The IBC also notes that insurance does not pay to replace the tree itself. Trees, shrubs and plants are usually covered only for a short list of perils such as fire, lightning or vandalism, and with limited amounts. Wind is often not one of them.

Is a tree falling on my fence covered?

Yes, in most policies a fence is a detached structure covered when a tree falls on it. The detached structures limit is often a percentage of your dwelling limit, so properties with several outbuildings may need more.

What if my neighbour’s tree falls on my house?

This is one of the most searched tree questions, and the answer often surprises people: you usually claim on your own home insurance, regardless of who owns the tree. The IBC explains that your insurer handles repairs to your property even if the tree belonged to your neighbour or the city.

Responsibility is separate. Owners are generally responsible for damage caused by their trees, but the Government of Quebec’s page on trees and branches between neighbours notes an important exception: damage caused by an unforeseeable event of superior force, such as violent winds that topple a healthy tree. In that case, the neighbour is generally not at fault, and each owner’s insurer handles their own client’s damage.

If the tree was visibly dead or leaning and the owner ignored warnings, your insurer may try to recover what it paid from the neighbour’s liability insurer (subrogation). Practical tips:

• If you see a neighbour’s tree that looks likely to fall, ask them in writing to have it inspected or cut. Keep a copy and take photos.
• Do not cut a neighbour’s tree, branches or roots yourself without permission: the Quebec government warns that the owner could claim damages from you.
• Check your municipality’s by-laws. Many Laurentides municipalities require a permit to cut trees, particularly near lakes and in protected shoreline strips.

What if my tree falls on my neighbour’s property?

Your neighbour will normally claim on their own home insurance. If their insurer believes you were negligent, it may seek reimbursement from you, and the civil liability section of your home policy would usually respond.

Does car insurance cover a tree falling on my car?

A tree falling on your vehicle is an auto insurance matter, even in your own driveway. You are covered only if your policy includes comprehensive or all-perils coverage for your own vehicle; Quebec’s mandatory minimum covers only damage you cause to others’ property. Our guide to auto insurance in the Laurentides explains the different chapters and options.

Summary table: who pays for storm and tree damage?

Situation	Usually claimed on	Generally covered?
Wind tears shingles off the roof	Home insurance	Yes, sudden wind damage
Rain enters through a hole made by the storm	Home insurance	Usually yes
Water leaks through an old, worn roof	Home insurance	Usually no (maintenance)
Your tree falls on your house or garage	Your home insurance	Yes, including debris removal from the structure
Neighbour’s tree falls on your house	Your home insurance	Yes; your insurer may pursue the neighbour if negligent
Tree falls on your fence or shed	Home insurance (other structures)	Yes, within the detached structures limit
Tree falls in the yard, damages nothing	Home insurance	Often no, or small limit
Tree falls on your car	Auto insurance	Only with comprehensive / all perils
Hail damages your car	Auto insurance	Only with comprehensive / all perils
Roots crack your foundation	Home insurance	Generally no (gradual damage)
Food spoils during a long outage	Home insurance	Depends on the policy or endorsement
Basement floods from rising surface water	Home insurance	Only with an overland water endorsement

Does home insurance cover food spoilage after a power outage?

Long outages are part of life on rural Laurentides roads, from Wentworth-Nord to Mont-Laurier, where lines run through forest. Can you get reimbursed for a freezer full of spoiled food?

Start with Hydro-Québec. On its claims page, Hydro-Québec states that it does not compensate for food or other losses caused by outages, barring gross or intentional fault, and that it cannot be held liable for interruptions caused by meteorological events such as storms. In practice, this means you should turn to your own insurer.

Many Quebec home insurance policies include some coverage for food in a freezer or refrigerator spoiled because of a power interruption or mechanical breakdown, but:

• it may be included automatically, offered as an option, or absent altogether;
• it is usually subject to a specific dollar limit;
• some policies require the outage to have lasted a minimum period, or to have been caused by an event off your premises;
• your regular deductible may apply, which can make a small claim not worth filing.

Before you throw food away, take photos of the contents and note what you discard. That documentation will help if you decide to claim.

Are cleanup and tree removal costs covered?

When a tree damages an insured structure, debris removal is generally part of the claim. This usually includes cutting the tree off the roof and removing the pieces that caused the damage. What is often not included is grinding the stump, removing the rest of the tree that stayed standing, landscaping or replacing the tree.

If you hire a tree removal company, check that it carries liability insurance; the IBC notes it is generally responsible if its work causes damage. Take photos before cleanup, and keep invoices for emergency measures such as tarping the roof: reasonable steps to prevent further damage are generally reimbursed and expected.

What storm damage is usually not covered?

Even with a good policy, several storm-related situations are commonly excluded or limited. For a broader overview, see our article on common home insurance exclusions in Quebec.

• Flooding from rising rivers or lakes, or water flowing over the ground: requires an overland water endorsement, which may not be available in high-risk zones.
• Sewer backup caused by heavy rain overwhelming the municipal system: requires a sewer backup endorsement. Our water damage, sewer backup and flood guide explains the differences.
• Wear, rot and lack of maintenance, including a roof at the end of its life.
• Gradual root damage to foundations or drains. The IBC notes that optional service line coverage may help with underground lines damaged by roots.
• Trees, shrubs and lawns damaged by wind, in most policies.
• Freezing damage in an unheated or unoccupied home where required precautions were not taken. Chalet owners should read our chalet and cottage insurance guide.

The Laurentides angle: forests, lakes and long driveways

Homes close to the treeline, lakeside properties exposed to wind across open water and properties with several outbuildings all multiply what a storm can damage.

A useful habit before each winter: walk your property and look up. Dead branches over the roof and trees leaning toward the house or power lines are worth having assessed by a certified arborist.

A few practical points for Laurentides homeowners:

• Check your detached structures limit if you have a garage, workshop, sheds or a boathouse.
• Know your municipal tree rules: shoreline protection by-laws around lakes often limit cutting, and permits may be required even for dangerous trees.
• Plan for outages: declare generators and backup heat sources; see our guide on wood stove and fireplace insurance.
• Keep your roof in good condition: a roof in good shape is your best argument when a storm claim arises. Local roofing resources are available on toiture.thelaurentides.com.

For more about life in the region, visit thelaurentides.com.

Frequently asked questions

Does home insurance cover damage from a windstorm in Quebec?

Yes, wind is a covered peril in almost all Quebec home insurance policies. Sudden damage to the roof, siding, windows and other structures is generally covered, as is rain entering through openings created by the storm. Damage due to wear or a worn-out roof is usually excluded.

Who pays if my neighbour’s healthy tree falls on my house during a storm?

Your own home insurer usually pays, minus your deductible. If a healthy tree fell in violent winds, the neighbour is generally not at fault; if it was dead or neglected, your insurer may seek reimbursement.

Will my insurance pay to remove a fallen tree that didn’t damage anything?

Often not, or only up to a small limit. Debris removal is usually tied to damage to an insured structure; check your wording for any limited tree removal amount.

Can I claim spoiled food from Hydro-Québec after an outage?

Generally no. Hydro-Québec says it does not compensate for food or other losses from outages barring gross or intentional fault, and that it is not liable for interruptions caused by weather. Your home insurance may include limited food spoilage coverage.

Does home insurance cover ice dam damage?

It depends on the insurer. Some policies cover interior water damage caused by ice dams; others exclude it as a maintenance issue. Ask your broker specifically if your roof has a history of icing.

Will a storm claim increase my premium?

It can. Insurers consider claims history when pricing and renewing policies, so weigh small losses close to your deductible. Our guide on cancellation and non-renewal in Quebec and our article on the cost of home insurance in Quebec explain the factors involved.

Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact us.

This article is for general information only and is not insurance advice. Laurentides Insurance Guide does not sell insurance. Always confirm with a licensed broker or your insurer.

Most people only discover what their home insurance doesn’t cover when they file a claim. A slow leak under the kitchen sink, mice in the walls of a chalet in Val-David, a flooded basement after the spring thaw in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts: these are the kinds of situations where homeowners in the Laurentides are often surprised to hear “that’s excluded.”

Understanding exclusions before a loss is the best way to avoid that surprise. This guide explains the most common home insurance exclusions in Quebec, why they exist, and which ones you can reduce or remove with optional coverage.

Key takeaways

• Home insurance covers sudden and accidental damage, not slow deterioration or maintenance problems.
• Water is the most complex area: sewer backup, overland water and ground water are each treated differently.
• Vacancy and seasonal use (common for Laurentides chalets) can trigger exclusions or conditions.
• Undeclared changes (renovations, wood stove, rental activity) can lead to a refused claim.
• Many exclusions can be partly covered by endorsements; some cannot.
• The Civil Code of Québec sets out general rules about what insurers must and need not cover.

Why does home insurance have exclusions?

Insurance is designed to cover unpredictable events, not costs that are certain to happen over time. A roof will eventually wear out; pipes will eventually corrode. Covering those would make insurance unaffordable for everyone. Exclusions also remove catastrophic risks that require separate pricing (like earthquakes or floods) and behaviours insurers won’t accept (like intentional damage).

The insurance chapter of the Civil Code of Québec, available on LégisQuébec, sets out general principles, including that the insured must disclose relevant facts and inform the insurer of changes that increase the risk. Your policy wording then defines the specific exclusions.

What are the most common home insurance exclusions in Quebec?

Exclusion	Typical situation	Can it be added?
Wear and tear, lack of maintenance	Old roof leaking, rotten window frames	No
Gradual or repeated leaks	Leak under a sink for months	No (sudden leaks are usually covered)
Mould, rot, fungus	Mould from humidity in a basement	Limited, sometimes when caused by an insured event
Insects, rodents, vermin	Mice, carpenter ants, squirrels in the attic	Generally no
Sewer backup	Water coming up through floor drains	Yes, by endorsement
Overland water (flood)	River or lake overflowing into the home	Often by endorsement, depending on location
Ground water / infiltration	Water seeping through foundations	Sometimes, with some insurers
Earthquake	Cracks after an earthquake	Yes, by endorsement
Vacancy beyond a set period	Frozen pipes in an empty chalet	Sometimes, with conditions or a vacancy permit
Business activities	Clients injured at a home-based business	Yes, with business coverage
Intentional acts	Damage deliberately caused by the insured	No
Settling, cracking, shrinkage	Foundation cracks over time, pyrite	Generally no

Does home insurance cover wear and tear?

No. Damage caused by normal aging, deterioration, rust, corrosion or lack of maintenance is excluded. If your 25-year-old shingles start leaking, the insurer will typically not pay for a new roof. However, if a sudden event like a windstorm tears off shingles, that damage may be covered, even on an older roof. For roofing advice specific to the region, see our sister site toiture.thelaurentides.com and our guide on roof snow load and winter insurance.

Is a slow leak covered by home insurance?

Usually not. Policies typically cover sudden and accidental water escape, such as a pipe that bursts. A leak that continues over weeks or months, causing rot or mould, is generally considered a maintenance issue. The insurer may still cover resulting damage in some cases, but the repair of the leaking item itself is often excluded. Checking under sinks, behind toilets and around the water heater regularly is one of the best ways to avoid this problem.

Does home insurance cover mould?

Mould resulting from humidity, poor ventilation or a long-term leak is usually excluded. Some policies cover mould cleanup when it directly results from a sudden insured event, such as a burst pipe, often with a lower limit. Prompt drying after any water damage is essential.

Are mice, squirrels and insects covered?

Damage caused by rodents, insects and vermin is generally excluded because it’s considered preventable through maintenance. This is a common issue in Laurentides chalets surrounded by forest. Sealing entry points, storing food properly and regular inspections are your best protection. Some policies make a limited exception for damage caused by wild animals other than rodents (for example, a bird or raccoon), so read your wording.

What water damage is not covered by home insurance in Quebec?

Water damage is the area where exclusions cause the most confusion. Most policies distinguish several sources:

• Water from inside the home (burst pipe, broken appliance hose): often covered if sudden and accidental.
• Sewer backup: excluded unless you add the endorsement. A backflow valve may be required.
• Overland water: water entering from the surface during a flood. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, some Quebec insurers began offering overland water coverage in 2017; availability depends on the insurer and the flood risk of the property. See ibc.ca.
• Ground water: water seeping through foundations or rising from the ground. Often excluded or offered only by some insurers.
• Rain or snow entering through openings: covered or excluded depending on whether the opening was created by an insured event (e.g., wind damage).

The IBC has also explained that if flood water caused a sewer backup, the claim may be treated as flood damage rather than sewer backup. That’s why lakefront and riverside owners around the Rivière du Nord, Rivière Rouge or Lac des Sables should look at both endorsements. Read water damage, sewer backup and flood insurance in the Laurentides.

What about ice dams?

Ice dams are a classic winter problem: ice builds up at the roof edge and melted snow backs up under the shingles. Coverage depends on the wording. Some policies cover resulting interior damage, others exclude it or apply conditions. Insurers may also look at whether the roof was reasonably maintained and cleared.

Is a septic backup the same as a sewer backup?

Not necessarily. Many rural homes in the Laurentides use septic systems rather than municipal sewers. Policy wording may refer specifically to sewers or drains, and coverage of septic-related backups varies. Ask your insurer explicitly how they treat a septic system backup.

Does home insurance cover a vacant house or chalet?

Most policies have conditions on vacancy or unoccupancy. If the home is left empty beyond a certain number of consecutive days (the period varies by insurer and is stated in your policy), some coverages, such as water damage from freezing, vandalism or glass breakage, may be excluded unless certain precautions are taken. Common precautions include keeping the heat on, shutting off the main water valve and draining pipes, or having someone check the property regularly.

This is particularly important for chalets in Mont-Tremblant, Lac-Supérieur or the Hautes-Laurentides that sit empty between visits. Read chalet and cottage insurance in the Laurentides.

Exclusions linked to undeclared risks

Some claims are refused not because of a written exclusion, but because the insured didn’t disclose an important fact or change. Under the Civil Code of Québec, you must declare circumstances that would influence the insurer’s decision (article 2408) and promptly notify changes that increase the risk (article 2466). Typical examples:

• Installing a wood stove or fireplace insert without telling your insurer. See wood stove and fireplace insurance in Quebec.
• Renting the property on Airbnb or other platforms. See short-term rental chalet insurance in Quebec.
• Major renovations or construction work.
• Running a business from home with clients visiting or stock stored on site.
• Converting a garage or basement into an apartment.

Other common exclusions and limits

Earthquake

Earthquake damage is generally excluded from standard policies but can usually be added by endorsement, often with a percentage-based deductible.

Foundation problems and pyrite

Settling, cracking, shrinkage and expansion of foundations are generally excluded. Problems linked to pyrite or pyrrhotite in concrete are also typically not covered by home insurance.

Trees and landscaping

Coverage for trees, shrubs and lawns is often limited, and some causes like windstorms may be excluded for landscaping. Damage to your house caused by a tree falling during a storm is typically covered; removing the tree itself may have a limit. See storm and tree damage insurance in Quebec.

Special limits on valuables

Many policies apply lower limits to categories like jewellery, cash, bikes, art, collections and electronic equipment. These aren’t exactly exclusions, but they can feel like it. Listing valuable items separately can increase the coverage.

Recreational vehicles and watercraft

Snowmobiles, ATVs and boats often have limited or no coverage under a home policy, particularly for liability while using them. See snowmobile insurance and boat insurance in Quebec.

Outbuildings, docks and seawalls

Detached garages and sheds are often covered with a separate limit. Docks, boathouses and retaining walls on lakefront properties may be limited or excluded, especially against ice and water damage. Ask your insurer before assuming they’re included.

Tip: Ask your insurer or broker for the full policy wording, not just the summary. Highlight the “Exclusions,” “Conditions” and “Special limits” sections, and ask about anything you don’t understand before you need to claim.

How to reduce the impact of exclusions

1. Read the policy wording once a year, especially after renewal.
2. Add relevant endorsements: sewer backup, overland water, ground water, earthquake, service lines.
3. Install prevention devices: backflow valve, sump pump with battery backup, leak detectors, automatic water shut-off.
4. Maintain your property and keep receipts as proof: roof, chimney sweeping, gutters, plumbing.
5. Declare every change that increases the risk.
6. Plan for vacancies with regular inspections and documented visits.
7. Shop with exclusions in mind: compare wordings, not only prices. See how to shop for home insurance in the Laurentides.

If you’re buying an older property, our upcoming guide on older home insurance in Quebec covers specific issues with old wiring, plumbing and foundations.

What if my claim is refused because of an exclusion?

Ask the insurer to explain in writing which clause applies. Compare it with your policy wording. If you disagree, use the insurer’s internal complaint process. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, the AMF can review your file and offer dispute resolution services. Our guide on how to file a home insurance claim in Quebec gives practical steps.

For uninsurable losses after natural disasters, the Quebec government may offer financial assistance programs in some situations. Information is published on Québec.ca.

Frequently asked questions

Does home insurance cover a flooded basement in Quebec?

It depends on the source of the water. A burst pipe is often covered; sewer backup and overland flooding usually require separate endorsements; ground water seepage is often excluded.

Does home insurance cover roof replacement?

Only if the damage results from a sudden insured event like wind or hail. Replacing a roof because it’s old or worn out is not covered.

Is frozen pipe damage covered?

Often yes, if you took reasonable precautions such as maintaining heat. If the home was vacant beyond the allowed period without precautions, the damage may be excluded.

Does home insurance cover theft at a chalet?

Theft is generally covered, but conditions may apply if the property is vacant or seasonal. Some policies require visible signs of forced entry or have lower limits for secondary residences.

Are tree removal costs covered?

If a tree falls on your house due to an insured peril, removal is often covered within a limit. If it falls on the lawn without damaging a structure, removal may not be covered.

Can I add coverage for an excluded risk?

Some exclusions, like sewer backup, overland water and earthquake, can usually be covered with endorsements. Others, like wear and tear or intentional acts, cannot be insured.

Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact us.

This article is for general information only and is not insurance advice. Laurentides Insurance Guide does not sell insurance. Always confirm with a licensed broker or your insurer.