Quick answer: Yes, but within rules. For home insurance, the Civil Code of Québec allows an insurer to cancel (resiliate) a policy at any time by written notice, with the cancellation taking effect 15 days after you receive it and any unearned premium refunded. An insurer can also decline to renew at the end of the term. Auto insurance is more protected: after the first 60 days, an insurer can only cancel for non-payment or a significant increase in risk, with 30 days’ notice, and must give at least 30 days’ written notice before refusing to renew. If you disagree, complain to the insurer first, then ask to transfer your file to the AMF.
A letter from your insurer saying your policy will be cancelled, or will not be renewed, can feel like the floor falling away. Without insurance, your mortgage lender may be in breach of conditions, you cannot legally drive, and a single storm or fire could become a financial disaster. Laurentides homeowners are not immune: older homes, chalets left empty for weeks, wood stoves, short-term rentals and multiple water claims are all situations that can lead insurers to reconsider a file.
This guide explains the difference between cancellation and non-renewal, the notice rules that apply in Quebec for home and auto insurance, what you can do if it happens to you, and how to file a complaint if you think you have been treated unfairly.
Key takeaways
- Cancellation (resiliation) ends a policy during its term; non-renewal means the insurer will not offer a new term when the policy expires.
- Home insurance: the insurer may cancel at any time by written notice; it takes effect 15 days after you receive the notice (Civil Code, arts. 2477 and 2479), and you get a pro rata refund.
- Home insurance non-renewal: no specific legal notice period, although insurers usually notify about 30 days ahead.
- Auto insurance: after the first 60 days, cancellation is only allowed for non-payment or a significant increase in risk, with 30 days’ notice; non-renewal requires at least 30 days’ written notice.
- Changes at renewal that reduce coverage must be notified in writing at least 30 days before the end of the term (Civil Code, art. 2405).
- You must disclose a past cancellation or non-renewal to any new insurer that asks.
- Complaints go to the insurer first, then to the AMF if unresolved.
What is the difference between cancellation and non-renewal?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but legally they are very different.
|
Cancellation (resiliation) |
Non-renewal |
| When it happens |
During the policy term |
At the end of the policy term |
| Home insurance notice |
Written notice; effective 15 days after receipt by the insured |
No specific legal deadline; insurers usually notify about 30 days ahead |
| Auto insurance notice |
First 60 days: 15 days, any reason. After 60 days: 30 days, only for non-payment or significant increase in risk |
At least 30 days’ written notice to the insured or broker |
| Premium |
Unearned premium refunded |
Policy simply ends at expiry |
| Main legal source |
Civil Code arts. 2477, 2479; Automobile Insurance Act s. 91 |
Automobile Insurance Act s. 90 (auto) |
The Chambre de l’assurance de dommages (ChAD) provides a clear consumer summary of these rules, along with a one-page table of home insurance deadlines.
Can my home insurer cancel my policy in the middle of the term?
Yes. Under the Civil Code of Québec, a damage insurer may cancel (resiliate) the contract by sending written notice to each named insured. According to the ChAD, the cancellation takes effect 15 days after the insured receives the notice at their last known address, and the insurer must refund the premium for the period not covered (arts. 2477 and 2479 C.C.Q.).
For home insurance, the insurer does not have to give a reason. In practice, mid-term cancellations usually follow one of these situations:
- non-payment of premium;
- discovery of a significant undeclared fact, such as a short-term rental, an uncertified wood stove or a home left vacant;
- an increase in risk the insurer was not told about;
- an inspection revealing conditions the insurer will not accept (old wiring, an aging oil tank, a damaged roof);
- a pattern of claims.
What is an “increase in risk” and why does it matter?
Article 2466 of the Civil Code requires the insured to promptly tell the insurer about changes that increase the risk and result from the insured’s own actions. Examples: starting to rent your chalet on Airbnb, installing a wood stove, leaving a house unoccupied for an extended period, or starting a business at home. Once informed, the insurer may accept the change, adjust the premium, or cancel. If you fail to disclose and a loss occurs, the insurer may reduce your claim payment or, in some cases, treat the contract as void. For examples relevant to the region, see our guides on short-term rental chalet insurance and wood stove and fireplace insurance.
Can my insurer refuse to renew my home insurance?
Yes. A home insurance contract runs for a fixed term, usually one year, and renewal is not automatic as a matter of law. The ChAD notes that the law does not set a specific notice mechanism or deadline for non-renewal of home insurance, although insurers usually send a notice about 30 days before expiry.
What the law does regulate is renewal with changes. Under article 2405 of the Civil Code, if the insurer renews with modifications, it must give written notice at least 30 days before the end of the current term, and changes that reduce coverage or increase your obligations must be indicated in a separate document. Read renewal packages carefully: a lower limit, a higher deductible or a new exclusion (for example on water damage) may be buried in the paperwork.
What are the rules for auto insurance?
Because liability insurance is mandatory to drive in Quebec, auto insurance enjoys stronger protection under the Automobile Insurance Act. According to the ChAD:
- During the first 60 days of a new policy, the insurer may cancel without giving a reason, by written notice; cancellation takes effect 15 days after you receive it.
- From day 61 onward, the insurer may cancel only for non-payment of premium or a significant increase in risk, with written notice taking effect 30 days after receipt.
- Non-renewal: the insurer must notify the insured or the broker in writing at least 30 days before the policy expires.
If your auto policy ends, do not drive until you have new coverage. If you cannot find an insurer, the ChAD advises contacting the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA). Our guides on auto insurance in the Laurentides and how to lower car insurance in Quebec cover the basics and ways to rebuild your profile.
Can I cancel my own policy?
Yes. You can cancel your home or auto policy at any time by sending written notice to the insurer, signed by every named insured. The ChAD explains that the cancellation takes effect when the insurer receives the notice. A short-rate penalty set out in your contract may apply, and it is generally higher the further you are from the expiry date. Avoid simply stopping payments: the ChAD warns that this can make it harder to find a new insurer and may affect your credit.
What should I do if my policy is cancelled or not renewed?
- Read the notice carefully. Note the effective date. For home insurance, count 15 days from the day you received it.
- Ask for the reasons in writing. The insurer may not be legally required to give reasons for home insurance, but asking often reveals a fixable problem (a missing certificate, an inspection report, an outstanding payment).
- Contact your broker or insurer immediately. If the problem can be corrected, for example by replacing a fuse panel or providing a wood stove inspection, the insurer may reconsider.
- Shop for new coverage right away. Do not wait until the last day. A broker can approach several insurers. See our guide on brokers vs agents vs direct insurers.
- Disclose the cancellation honestly. Insurers usually ask whether a policy was cancelled or refused in the past. Failing to disclose can void the new policy.
- Notify your mortgage lender if your home insurance is affected; most mortgages require continuous coverage.
- Keep proof of everything: notices, emails, inspection reports, invoices for upgrades.
My broker sent me an “end of mandate” letter. What does that mean?
A broker may stop representing you. The ChAD advises contacting the broker for a detailed explanation, asking whether your current insurer will continue to cover you, and finding new coverage quickly. The broker must help transfer your file.
What if no insurer wants to cover me? (The high-risk market)
Some homeowners, especially those with older homes, several recent claims, vacant properties or particular risks, find that mainstream insurers decline them. Options can include:
- Specialized or non-standard insurers accessed through brokers, often at higher premiums and with stricter conditions;
- Temporary policies while you complete required upgrades;
- Reducing the risk: correcting the issues behind the refusal, such as updating wiring, replacing an oil tank or roof, installing water leak detectors. See our guide on insuring an older home in Quebec.
- Accepting a higher deductible or reduced coverage while you rebuild your claims history.
For auto insurance, the GAA can help drivers who cannot find coverage. Premiums in the non-standard market can be significantly higher, so consider it a temporary solution while you work on your profile. Our article on the cost of home insurance in Quebec explains the factors insurers weigh.
How do I file a complaint against an insurer in Quebec?
If you believe your file was handled unfairly, Quebec has a structured complaint process. According to the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF):
- Gather your documents: policy, notices, correspondence, names of people you spoke with, notes of conversations.
- Raise the issue verbally with the insurer or representative first.
- File a written complaint with the firm if the issue is not resolved. The firm must acknowledge it, examine it fairly and send you a final written response, and tell you that you can transfer your file to the AMF.
- Request a transfer to the AMF if you remain dissatisfied. The firm forwards a copy of your complaint file to the AMF, which then decides whether it can offer mediation or conciliation.
- Mediation or conciliation is voluntary: the AMF cannot force either party to participate.
Important: the AMF notes that its complaint process does not suspend the limitation period for going to court. If you are considering legal action, keep track of that deadline and consider consulting a lawyer.
If your complaint concerns the professional conduct of a broker, agent or claims adjuster rather than the insurer’s decision, the ChAD is the professional body that oversees damage insurance representatives in Quebec.
Laurentides situations that often trigger a review
- Chalets left empty in winter without regular checks. See our chalet and cottage insurance guide.
- Undeclared short-term rentals in tourist areas like Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Sauveur or Val-David.
- Repeated water claims from sewer backup, ice dams or burst pipes. Our water damage guide explains prevention measures insurers value.
- Older village homes with original wiring, fuse panels or old oil tanks.
- Wood stoves installed without declaring them or without proper certification.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice must my home insurer give to cancel my policy in Quebec?
Cancellation by a home insurer takes effect 15 days after the insured receives written notice at their last known address, under articles 2477 and 2479 of the Civil Code of Québec. The unearned premium must be refunded.
Does my insurer have to tell me why it won’t renew?
For home insurance, the law does not set a specific obligation or deadline for non-renewal. It is still wise to ask for the reason in writing, as it may be something you can correct. For auto insurance, the insurer must give at least 30 days’ written notice before refusing to renew.
Can my insurer cancel because I made a claim?
For home insurance, the insurer can cancel for any reason with proper notice, so a claim history can lead to cancellation or non-renewal. For auto insurance after the first 60 days, cancellation is only allowed for non-payment or a significant increase in risk, though a claims history can affect renewal.
Do I have to tell a new insurer my policy was cancelled?
Yes, if asked, and insurers almost always ask. You have a duty to disclose facts that are relevant to the risk. Hiding a past cancellation or non-renewal can lead the new insurer to reduce a claim payment or void the policy.
Can I get my money back if my policy is cancelled?
If the insurer cancels, you are entitled to a refund of the premium for the period not covered. If you cancel yourself, a short-rate penalty set out in your contract may reduce the refund.
Where can I complain about an insurer’s decision?
First file a complaint with the insurer itself. If you are not satisfied with its final written response, you can ask that your complaint file be transferred to the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), which may offer mediation or conciliation.
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.
