Contents
Simply put, Contents Insurance covers your personal belongings - the contents of your home. This helps pay for any loss or damage to your personal property, including if anything is stolen or damaged.
Ontario's best tenant insurance, from Canada's leading provider
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Looking for tenant insurance in Ontario?
Whether you're residing in the heart of Toronto, the bustling streets of Ottawa, or the serene landscapes of Niagara, tenant insurance is a vital shield for renters across the province. Also referred to as renters insurance, this important protection provides comprehensive coverage for your belongings, personal liability should an accident happen, and additional living expenses if you're temporarily displaced due to a covered event.
What's covered by Tenant Insurance?
Additional Living Expenses
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you couldn't live in your apartment due to an emergency? This coverage can help you pay for hotels and food if you are forced out of your home after a covered event.
Personal Liability
Accidents happen. And they can be costly. Personal Liability coverage protects you if you are held responsible for property damage or personal injury to others, at home or anywhere else.
Are you a full time student? We have a product specially designed for you! Check out our Student Tenant coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tenant insurance and why is it important?
Most people are familiar with home insurance. Less familiar is Tenant Insurance (also known as renters insurance), which protects you if you're renting a residence. Renters Insurance is a requirement for many landlord-tenant lease agreements, but even if it's not, it's a good idea to have. It can end up saving you from covering the cost of replacing your valuable items in the event of a fire, theft, or flood.
Tenant Insurance can also help pay for the extra costs of having to live somewhere else if your residence becomes uninhabitable due to an insured loss. This can include the cost of lodging, such as temporary rent at a separate location, hotels, or Airbnbs, and can also help with other costs like restaurant meals and storage fees.
Although landlords likely have insurance of their own, your landlord's insurance typically only covers the building. This leaves your contents of your unit unprotected. Further, if you were found liable for damages to the building, your landlord's insurance company may come after you for the costs. Renters Insurance can aid you in both of these situations. Further, it can cover certain expenses that arise from an emergency. Read more about the benefits of Renters Insurance here.
What does tenant insurance cover?
Tenant insurance offers comprehensive protection for renters, covering three main areas:
Personal Property: Safeguards your belongings against theft, fire, vandalism, and other covered perils.
Liability Protection: Covers legal costs and damages if someone is injured in your home or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.
Additional Living Expenses: Provides financial assistance for temporary housing if your rental home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.
APOLLO offers tailored coverage that fits your unique needs, ensuring peace of mind and financial security.
Is it mandatory to have tenant insurance in Canada?
While tenant insurance isn’t legally required in Canada, many landlords do require it as part of the lease agreement. Even if it’s not mandatory, having tenant insurance is a smart decision. It protects your personal belongings and provides crucial liability coverage, helping you avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an unforeseen incident.
How much does tenant insurance cost?
The cost of tenant insurance varies based on several factors, including location, coverage amount, and deductible. On average, you can expect to pay between $15 to $30 per month. APOLLO Insurance offers tenant insurance policies that are, on average, 25% cheaper than those of our competitors. We also offer a user-friendly online platform to help you find the perfect coverage at the right price. Get an instant quote today and see how affordable comprehensive protection can be.
What happens if you don’t have tenant insurance?
Without tenant insurance, you’re at risk of significant financial loss. If your personal belongings are damaged or stolen, you’ll have to cover the replacement costs out of pocket. Additionally, if you're held liable for someone getting injured in your home or you accidentally damage someone else's property, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs. Protect yourself from these risks with APOLLO Insurance, providing you with peace of mind and financial security.
Does tenant insurance cover fire?
Yes, renter’s insurance covers fire. This is the case regardless of how the blaze was started, unless the fire was intentionally set by you.
Fire is one of the most common covered perils included in renter’s insurance. Also referred to as named perils, other examples are windstorms and hail, theft, and vandalism.
Find out more instances by reading out article Does Renters Insurance Cover Fire?
What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?
A COI is a statement of coverage that we provide to you. It’s a summary that verifies that your business is, in fact, insured. You may receive a request from a potential client for a COI as a condition of doing business with you. It’s simply proof that your business can cover the cost of a liability claim.
For more information, read our article Insurance 101: What Is a Certificate of Insurance?
What is personal liability coverage?
Liability insurance protects you if you are held responsible for causing property damage or bodily injuries to others while at home or away anywhere in the world. For example: If you hit a baseball out of a park onto the street, and it hits a child, or breaks a window. Or one of your guests slips and falls and has to take time off work due to injuries. Or, while on vacation, a bonfire gets out of control and damages someone’s property. Personal Liability would cover you in all these and similar events. To learn more, read our article The Importance of Personal Liability Insurance.
What is personal property coverage and how much of it do I need?
Also called contents Insurance, this protects the property you own that you could pack in a bag or put in a moving truck. Things like your clothing, electronics, furniture, etc. are covered while they’re on your property or in transit during a move. APOLLO offers personal property limits from $25,000 to $250,000. You should choose an amount that will be sufficient to replace all of your belongings with the new items. If your residence is ever burglarized or there is a fire, this policy will help replace the lost or damaged items with the new ones. Over the years we tend to accumulate a lot of little and big things. Majority of our clients in a two-bedroom condo choose the $50,000 coverage limit.
To learn more about this coverage, read our article What Kind of Insurance Protects the Things You Own?
What are additional living expenses?
This coverage protects against increased living expenses you may incur because your rented unit can’t be lived in. This could be a result of damage to your home from an insured loss or an order to evacuate your home as a result of a sudden, accidental event. For example, it can help cover expenses like a hotel room, storage costs, meals, laundry, transportation, and more if you can’t live in your condo while repairs are being made after an insured loss.
To learn more, read our article Why Additional Living Expenses Coverage is Essential.
How much is tenant insurance?
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You can customize your policy just how you like it so you're only paying for the coverage you need.
The cost of the policy depends on a few things, such as the address to be insured, the coverage limits and options you select. We offer the following coverage options:
Contents coverage options ranging from $10,000 to $150,000
Additional living expenses coverage options ranging from $5,000 to $30,000
Personal liability coverage of up to $2 million
Deductible options ranging from $500 to $2,500
Water damage and full replacement value extensions
Get a quote in less than a minute.
What address would you like to insure?
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Getting insured is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3
1
Tell us (very little) about yourself
Just tell us your address, your name, email and phone number. And that's it. We'll give you a price in less than a minute.
2
Pay online easily and securely
You can choose to pay monthly or save money by paying for the entire year in one easy payment.
3
Get your documents in your inbox - instantly
As soon as you complete your purchase, you'll find your proof of insurance and policy documents waiting for you in your inbox.
Why choose APOLLO?
The simplest way to buy insurance
Our platform is designed to be the fastest and simplest way to buy tenant insurance. We make it easier than anyone else to get covered.
The best value for money
We provide the best value for your money, with more standard coverages built into one low price. Pay less for more coverage.
Easy online tools
Our Customer Portal makes it easy to manage your policy online, any time. You don't even need to register! Customer Portal Sign In
Great insurance advisors
If you need to speak to a person, you can contact one of our insurance advisors easily by phone, email or chat. We're here to help!
Fair, independent claims management
We work closely with independent, third party adjusters to ensure claims are handled fairly, ethically and transparently.
Top financial ratings
Our financial ratings really are top notch. We were rated A by AM BEST, A+ by Standard & Poor's, and AA- by Fitch.
What our customers say about us
Customer service is a huge part of the APOLLO story. Insurance is a relationship based on trust and we earn our clients' trust by providing the best products backed by world class service and support.
What if I need to make a claim?
If something happens and you need to use your tenant insurance, APOLLO makes it easy with a simple claims process that can be done online. Just let us know the details of the incident and we'll get started on doing our part to set things right — keeping you informed at every step of the way.
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Thinking about moving to Ontario?
With its diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and charming small towns, Ontario is a captivating destination for residents and visitors alike. The province is home to the vibrant city of Toronto, known for its iconic skyline, world-class dining, and cultural diversity. Beyond the city, Ontario offers an abundance of natural beauty, including the stunning Niagara Falls, breathtaking national parks, and picturesque lakes. History and culture enthusiasts can explore charming heritage towns, visit museums and art galleries, and experience the vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Ontario also boasts a thriving culinary scene, showcasing local flavours and international cuisines. With its welcoming communities, vibrant urban centres, and scenic wonders, Ontario is a province that captivates with its blend of natural splendour and modern living.
Ontario Rental Market Snapshot
Ontario is home to some of Canada’s most dynamic and competitive rental markets. From high-rise condos in Toronto to student apartments in Waterloo and family townhomes in Ottawa, rental housing is as diverse as the province itself.
Renters vs. Homeowners in Ontario
As of 2022, approximately 31% of Ontarians rent their homes, with that number climbing significantly in major urban centres. In cities like Toronto, more than half of residents are renters, making tenant insurance not only a smart decision—but often a requirement. (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220921/dq220921b-eng.htm)
In Toronto, where over 50% of residents rent, having tenant insurance is crucial to protect against fire, theft, and liability claims—especially in high-density buildings.
Average Rent Prices Across Ontario
Rental costs vary widely across the province. As of 2025, here’s a snapshot of average rent prices for one-bedroom units in key Ontario cities:
High-Rent Cities (1-Bedroom Avg: $2,000–$2,500)
Toronto: $2,500/month
Mississauga: $2,100/month
Vaughan / Richmond Hill / Markham: $2,000–$2,300/month
Scarborough: $2,066/month
Mid-Range Cities (1-Bedroom Avg: $1,600–$1,900)
Hamilton: $1,795/month
London: $1,717/month
Oshawa: $1,635/month
Barrie: $1,700/month
St. Catharines: $1,600/month
Affordable Cities (1-Bedroom Avg: $1,200–$1,500)
Kingston: $1,200/month
Kitchener-Waterloo: $1,400/month
Windsor: $1,100/month
Sudbury: $1,200/month
Most Common Types of Rentals in Ontario
Understanding the type of rental you live in can help you choose the right tenant insurance coverage. Here’s what’s most common across Ontario cities:
Toronto & Mississauga: High-rise condos, apartments, and basement suites
Ottawa: Townhouses, duplexes, and student rentals
Hamilton & London: Detached homes converted into multi-unit rentals
Waterloo & Kingston: Shared student housing and apartments
Northern Ontario: Single-family homes and seasonal rentals
Something about how to find a good rental - maybe shout out some websites or something?
Link to statscan report about this.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220921/dq220921b-eng.htm
Tenant Insurance Laws & Lease Requirements in Ontario
If you’re renting in Ontario, you might be wondering if tenant insurance is required by law. The short answer is no, but the reality is a bit more nuanced.
Is Tenant Insurance Legally Required in Ontario?
Tenant insurance is not legally mandatory under Ontario law. The Residential Tenancies Act does not require tenants to carry insurance—but that doesn’t mean you won’t need it.
Landlord Lease Requirements
While the law doesn’t require it, many Ontario landlords include tenant insurance as a condition of the lease. It’s now common to be asked for proof of insurance before you receive your keys—especially in professionally managed buildings or newer developments.
In Ontario, while tenant insurance isn’t required by law, most landlords now make it mandatory before signing a lease.
Landlords often require tenants to carry:
Personal liability coverage (in case someone is injured or their property is damaged in your unit)
Proof of coverage with them listed as an “interested party” (so they’re notified if your policy lapses)
Why Landlords Require It
Requiring tenant insurance protects everyone involved:
Tenants avoid out-of-pocket costs from damage, loss, or legal claims
Landlords reduce liability and avoid disputes over who pays for what in case of an incident
This is especially important in multi-unit buildings—where a small kitchen fire or plumbing mishap in one suite can quickly affect neighbouring units.
Extreme Weather Risks for Ontario Renters
Southern Ontario cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and London have seen firsthand how heavy rains can turn streets into rivers. In a single summer storm, Toronto’s storm drains were overwhelmed, flooding roads and basements. In fact, flash floods in the Toronto area in July 2024 caused over $940 million in insured damage.
Ottawa has faced similar threats, from spring thaws that swelled the Ottawa River to sudden downpours. These floods don’t just soak carpets – they destroy belongings and force families out of their homes. These incidents are a stark reminder that flooding can impact renters across the province, making tenant insurance and optional overland flood coverage more critical than ever.
Ontario’s winters can be brutal. Ice storms periodically lash regions from London and the GTA to Northern Ontario, snapping tree limbs and knocking out power. A notorious example was the massive ice storm of 1998, which coated Eastern Ontario in ice and became one of Canada’s costliest disasters (nearly $3 billion in insured losses).
More recently, a 2013 holiday ice storm left parts of Toronto frozen and dark for days, and in 2023 another icy blast left over a million people without electricity. Meanwhile, communities in Northern Ontario endure extreme cold snaps with windchills plunging below –40 °C. Such frigid temperatures can burst pipes and flood apartments in minutes.
It’s not just winter weather that impacts Ontarians. Fierce windstorms and even tornadoes have torn through communities in recent years. In Barrie, for example, a severe tornado in July 2021 carved a path of destruction through a suburban neighbourhood. Roofs were ripped off and cars tossed, with insured losses estimated around $100 million.
Further east, a rare outbreak of tornadoes struck the Ottawa/Gatineau area in 2018, damaging hundreds of homes and causing about $295 million in insured damage.
A violent windstorm swept across Souther Ontario from London to Ottawa in May 2022, uprooting thousands of trees and downing power lines, part of an event that cost roughly $1 billion in damages.
The financial toll of Ontario’s extreme weather is climbing fast. Insurance payouts for severe weather now routinely top $2 billion in Canada each year, compared to around $600 million per year a couple decades ago. As one Insurance Bureau of Canada official put it, “The number of extreme weather events will continue to rise, and people need to understand the financial and physical risks”.
All this data came from articles from IBC.com and newswire:
https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/july-flash-floods-in-toronto-and-southern-ontario-caused-over-940-million-in-insured-damage
https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/severe-weather-in-2022-caused-3-1-billion-in-insured-damage-making-it-the-3rd-worst-year-for-insured-damage-in-canadian-history
https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/severe-weather-in-2021-caused-2-1-billion-in-insured-damage
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ottawa-gatineau-tornadoes-cause-295-million-in-insured-damage-698232691.html
How Tenant Insurance Protects You From Extreme Weather Incidents
Contents
If an ice storm knocks out power, a flood renders your apartment unliveable, or a fire forces you to evacuate, your tenant insurance policy can cover the cost of a hotel or temporary rental. It also includes essential out-of-pocket expenses like meals, laundry, and transportation while you're displaced.
Additional Living Expenses
Whether it’s a burst pipe during a deep freeze or smoke damage from a nearby wildfire, severe weather can leave your home temporarily unlivable. Additional Living Expenses coverage helps pay for a hotel, short-term rental, and daily essentials like food and transportation while your unit is being repaired.
Personal Liability
Extreme weather can lead to unexpected accidents – like a ceiling leak you didn’t cause that damages a neighbour’s unit. If you’re held responsible, tenant insurance covers the costs. Likewise, if someone is hurt in your rental (for instance, slipping on wet floors after a leak), your policy can handle medical or legal bills.
“I am very relieved to have apartment insurance. As I have no real family or friends with houses in Toronto, I don't know what will happen to me in the event of a fire or flood. Knowing that I can get a motel room even for a short period of time is very comforting. Extremely.”
★★★★★ Karen Nelson, APOLLO Customer and Toronto Renter
Moving to Ontario? Here’s What You Need to Know
Whether you're relocating from across the country or just moving to a new city, settling into a rental in Ontario comes with a lot of moving pieces—literally. From finding a reliable moving company to navigating public transit and budgeting for life in your new neighbourhood, here are some suggestions to make the process easier.
Local Movers and Storage Solutions
Ontario has no shortage of reputable moving companies and storage options. Whether you're heading to a Toronto high-rise or a cozy townhouse in Kingston, here are a few services to consider:
Two Small Men With Big Hearts: Operating across Ontario, they offer full-service moving and packing options for local and long-distance moves.
You Move Me Toronto: A popular choice for moves around Guelph, Kitchener, and Waterloo, offering professional crews and packing help.
Access Storage: With locations throughout Ontario (including Ottawa, Toronto, London, and Mississauga), Access offers flexible short- and long-term storage solutions.
Cubeit Portable Storage: Great for DIY movers looking for mobile storage delivered right to their door.
United Van Lines Canada: Specializes in long-distance and cross-country moves, offering customizable moving and storage services.
Allied Van Lines: Provides affordable and customizable moving and storage services for household, long-distance, cross-country, and international relocations.
Six Moving: Based in Toronto, Six Moving is known for its professional and friendly service, accommodating both local and long-distance moves.
When selecting a mover, it's advisable to obtain quotes from multiple companies and read recent customer reviews to ensure quality service.
Pro Tip: Book movers at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer or month-end!
Finding a Rental in Ontario
Ontario’s rental market varies widely from city to city. In places like Toronto and Ottawa, demand is high and listings move quickly—while in smaller cities like Sudbury or Thunder Bay, you may find more flexible options.
To start your search, try:
PadMapper or Zumper for browsing verified rental listings
Viewit.ca for apartment rentals across the province
Local Facebook housing groups for city-specific rentals (especially useful for students or newcomers)
Public Transit Options
Even for Ontarians with vehicles, many residents rely on public transit to get around—especially in urban centres. Here’s what’s available:
Toronto (TTC): Features subways, streetcars, and buses, with a monthly pass costing around $156.
Ottawa (OC Transpo): Provides bus and light rail services, with a monthly adult pass priced at approximately $122.
Mississauga (MiWay): Operates an extensive bus network, offering a monthly pass for about $135.
Hamilton (HSR): Delivers bus services throughout the city, with monthly passes available for roughly $110.
Kitchener-Waterloo (Grand River Transit): Offers bus and light rail services, with a monthly pass costing around $90.
London (London Transit Commission): Provides bus services, with monthly passes priced at about $95.
Most transit systems offer reloadable cards and discounted rates for students and seniors.
Cost of Living Considerations
While Ontario’s cost of living varies from city to city, here are a few ballpark monthly estimates to help you plan your move:
Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from approximately $1,410 in Windsor to $2,620 in Toronto.
Utilities and Internet: Combined monthly costs typically fall between $150 and $250, depending on usage and service providers.
Groceries: Expect to spend around $300 to $500 per person each month.
Transportation: A monthly public transit pass costs between $100 and $160, varying by city.
Tenant Insurance: Get a quote with APOLLO starting at just $15/month (?)
Moving to Ontario offers a wealth of opportunities, but it also requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition. From selecting reliable moving services to understanding the cost of living and navigating public transit, here's an expanded guide to assist you in your move.
Affordable Cities in Ontario
If you're seeking more affordable living options within Ontario, consider these cities:
Sault Ste. Marie: Known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, offering a lower cost of living.
Sudbury: Provides affordable housing and a strong sense of community.
Thunder Bay: Features lower housing costs and access to numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
Windsor: Offers a moderate climate and proximity to the U.S. border, with more affordable housing options.
London: Combines a vibrant cultural scene with a cost of living that's more manageable than larger cities.
These cities offer a balance between affordability and quality of life, making them attractive options for many individuals and families.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Move
Plan Ahead: Schedule your move during off-peak times, such as mid-month or weekdays, to secure better rates and availability.
Declutter: Reduce moving costs by donating or selling items you no longer need before the move.
Label Boxes: Clearly label all boxes with their contents and designated rooms to streamline the unpacking process.
Secure Tenant Insurance: Protect your belongings and ensure compliance with lease requirements by obtaining tenant insurance before moving in.
Download Our Ultimate Guide to Tenant Insurance!
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Spotlight on Ontario's Most Popular Neighbourhoods
Ontario is home to some of Canada’s most sought-after rental communities—each with its own vibe, renter profile, and unique insurance considerations. Here’s a closer look at where people are renting, and why tenant insurance matters in each spot.
Could add average cost of tenant insurance to each neighbourhood if we can get it from our own data
Would be great to add photos of each neighbourhood if we can get them... can't find anything on pexels or unsplash
Liberty Village, Toronto
Who lives here: Young professionals, creatives, tech workers
Rental types: High-rise condos, luxury rentals, lofts
Risks: Elevator outages, water damage, package theft
With dense vertical living and high-value electronics and furniture, renters here are more prone to theft and water-related damage. Tenant insurance helps protect your lifestyle—and your gear—especially if a burst pipe floods multiple units.
ByWard Market, Ottawa
Who lives here: Students, government employees, short-term renters
Rental types: Apartments, student housing, heritage flats
Risks: Fire from shared kitchen spaces, liability in shared buildings
With frequent short-term turnover and shared spaces, renters face increased risks of accidental damage and liability. A tenant insurance policy with liability coverage ensures you’re protected if a guest gets injured in your unit or you cause damage to the property.
Westdale, Hamilton
Who lives here: McMaster students, university staff, young families
Rental types: Older homes converted into multi-unit rentals
Risks: Fire, structural issues, high tenant turnover
These rentals often have aging infrastructure and multiple tenants, which increases the risk of fire, plumbing failures, and shared liability. Tenant insurance can help replace your belongings and cover your costs if you're temporarily displaced.
The Glebe, Ottawa
Who lives here: Families, professionals, retirees
Rental types: Townhomes, duplexes, boutique rentals
Risks: Wind damage, snow-related water leaks, older housing stock
Even charming, tree-lined neighbourhoods have risks. Heavy snow accumulation and freezing pipes can cause serious water damage—tenant insurance covers your contents and temporary housing if the unit becomes unliveable.
Downtown Kitchener-Waterloo
Who lives here: Tech sector workers, students from UW and Laurier
Rental types: Condo towers, basement suites, co-living spaces
Risks: Water backup, basement flooding, break-ins
Lower-level rentals are especially vulnerable to water damage from storms or faulty plumbing. Tenant insurance can help replace your belongings and cover hotel costs if your basement apartment floods.
Tenant Insurance Scenarios Based on Real Ontario Headlines
Real events show how tenant insurance can be the difference between a stressful setback and a manageable inconvenience.
Mississauga Apartment Fire (2022)
A five-alarm fire forced over 700 tenants to evacuate a high-rise apartment building, displacing families for weeks.
If you had tenant insurance:
• Coverage for temporary accommodations in a hotel or rental
• Replacement of smoke- or fire-damaged belongings
• Financial support during relocation
(https://www.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/fire-at-2869-battleford-road/)
Toronto Flash Flood (2024)
Sudden heavy rainfall overwhelmed sewer systems, flooding basements and street-level apartments across the city.
If you had tenant insurance:
• Reimbursement for water-damaged furniture, electronics, and clothing
• Optional overland flood coverage for full protection
• ALE (Additional Living Expenses) coverage if your home was unliveable
(https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/july-flash-floods-in-toronto-and-southern-ontario-caused-over-940-million-in-insured-damage)
Barrie Tornado (2021)
An EF-2 tornado ripped through residential areas, causing $100M+ in insured losses. Many renters lost everything.
If you had tenant insurance:
• Recovery for lost personal property (furniture, clothing, etc.)
• Hotel or rental coverage while rebuilding or relocating
• Liability protection in shared rental buildings with structural damage
(https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/instinct-saved-peoples-lives-mayor-says-of-2021-tornado-5565945)