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By insuring your car and home, you’re protecting the things you care about. When your car or your belongings are damaged by something your insurance policy covers, you can make a claim and be reimbursed for your loss. But did you know that your home and auto insurance policies also include liability coverage to protect you in case you accidentally cause injury to someone else, or damage to their property?

Civil liability – auto insurance

Did you ever hear someone talk about “partial or complete insurance”? And if so, did you know what they meant? They were probably referring to the two main parts of an automobile insurance policy: sections A and B.

In Quebec, every vehicle owner is required by law—the Automobile Insurance Act, to be exact—to have valid civil liability insurance, which is provided under Section A of your auto insurance policy. The absolute minimum required is $50,000, but it’s recommended to purchase a limit of $1 million. This protection covers¹ :

• Damage from a collision that is not your fault
• Property damage and bodily injury when the accident occurs outside Quebec
• Property damage or bodily injury to others, for which you may be held liable

Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re driving on a country road, when you lose control of your vehicle and hit a hydro pole. Under section A of your auto insurance policy, your insurance company will pay for the property damage you caused.

Section B covers physical damage to the insured vehicle. Although this coverage is optional, it’s very strongly recommended. Various types of physical damage insurance are available, covering collision damage, theft of your vehicle, windshield breakage, and so on. Your broker is in the best position to help you choose the right coverage for you.

Legal liability – home insurance

Imagine your mail carrier is injured falling down your front steps. Or what if a fire that starts in your home ends up burning down your neighbour’s house? In cases like these, you could be sued for thousands of dollars in damages. Could you pay for your defence and for the damages that might be awarded?

Unfortunately, incidents like these don’t just happen to other people. But there is protection. If you were held liable for the mail carrier’s injuries or the neighbour’s fire damage, the legal liability coverage in your home insurance policy would pay them. This coverage protects you against liability for bodily injury and property damage you unintentionally cause to someone else.

Your insurance broker—your best source of information and advice

To find out more about liability coverage, contact your insurance broker—your best source for information and advice.

Insurance Bureau of Canada – infoinsurance.ca

Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions apply to the offers mentioned. This document is provided for information purposes only, and your insurance contract prevails at all times. Please consult it for a complete description of coverages and exclusions.

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