Moving Insurance in Quebec: What's Covered & What's Not

Understanding Moving Insurance in Quebec

Moving insurance can be confusing, and many Montreal residents don't realize there are different levels of coverage until it's too late. In Quebec, moving companies are required to carry basic liability, but that basic coverage may not fully protect your belongings. Understanding the difference before you sign a contract can save you thousands.

There are essentially three layers of protection: the mover's basic liability, optional full-value protection offered by the mover, and your own homeowner's or renter's insurance (assurance habitation). Each covers different things at different amounts, and gaps between them are where people get burned.

Basic Carrier Liability: What's Included by Default

Under Quebec's Civil Code, a moving company is liable for damage caused by their negligence or fault. However, basic liability coverage is typically calculated at a low rate — often around $0.60 per pound per article. That means your 50-pound flat-screen TV worth $1,500 might only be covered for $30 under basic liability.

Basic coverage also typically excludes items you packed yourself. If movers pack a box and it breaks, they're responsible. If you packed it and something inside shatters, proving the movers were at fault becomes much harder. This is an important distinction in Quebec moving law.

At Up & Out, our basic coverage meets all Quebec requirements, and we're transparent about what it includes. We always recommend customers understand these limits before moving day.

Full-Value Protection: Upgrading Your Coverage

For better peace of mind, many movers offer full-value protection (sometimes called replacement value coverage). Under this option, the mover is responsible for repairing, replacing, or compensating you for the current market value of any item they damage or lose.

Full-value protection typically costs 1%–3% of your declared shipment value. For a household valued at $30,000, expect to pay $300–$900 for this coverage. It's a worthwhile investment if you're moving high-value furniture, electronics, or art.

When purchasing full-value protection, you'll need to declare a total shipment value and may need to list high-value items individually (usually items worth over $100 per pound). Read the policy carefully for deductibles and exclusions.

Your Home Insurance During a Move

Here's what many Montrealers overlook: your assurance habitation (home or renter's insurance) may cover belongings during a move. Contact your insurer — Desjardins, Intact, La Capitale, or whoever provides your policy — and ask specifically about coverage during transit and at the new address.

Some policies cover belongings in transit automatically, while others require a rider or temporary extension. Ask about the deductible, coverage limits, and whether you need to update your address before or on moving day.

Pro tip: take a video inventory of your belongings before the movers arrive. Walk through every room and document the condition of furniture, electronics, and valuables. This makes any insurance claim — whether through your mover or your home insurer — far easier to process. Store the video in the cloud so it's accessible from anywhere.