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.
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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.
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.
How much is tenant insurance in Nova Scotia?
SAVE25%ON AVERAGE
Our tenant insurance costs 25% less than leading competitors, on average. 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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What makes APOLLO the best choice for renters in Nova Scotia?
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.
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's the average cost of tenant insurance in Nova Scotia?
The cost of tenant insurance in Nova Scotia 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.
For more information, read our article How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost in Nova Scotia?
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 tenant insurance mandatory in Nova Scotia?
While tenant insurance isn’t legally required in Nova Scotia, 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.
To read more about this, check out our article Is Tenant Insurance Mandatory in Nova Scotia?
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.
To read more about your rights as a Nova Scotia tenant, read our article Canadian Renters 101: Nova Scotia Tenant Rights.
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.
Tenant Insurance Laws & Lease Requirements in Nova Scotia
If you're renting in Nova Scotia, you may be wondering if tenant insurance is required by law. The quick answer is no, but many landlords will still expect it before handing over the keys.
Is Tenant Insurance Legally Required in Nova Scotia?
Tenant insurance is not legally required under Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act. But just because it’s not written into law doesn’t mean you can skip it. In practice, most landlords now ask for proof of insurance before you move in, especially in larger buildings or professionally managed rentals.
What Landlords Typically Require
Landlords want to know that if something goes wrong, it’s not all on them. It’s often required to:
Provide personal liability coverage in case someone gets injured in your unit
List your landlord as an “interested party” so they’re notified if your policy is canceled or lapses
Protect your own stuff which the landlord’s insurance won’t cover
You may not be able to pick up your keys until this coverage is in place.
Why Tenant Insurance Just Makes Sense
Tenant insurance isn’t just for your landlord, it protects you too.
Avoid paying out-of-pocket for accidental damage, fires, theft, or water issues
Get reimbursed for your stuff if it’s damaged or stolen
Stay somewhere safe if your home becomes temporarily unliveable due to damage
In a province where weather can turn quickly and older buildings are common, it’s one of the smartest investments a renter can make.
Extreme Weather Risks for Ontario Renters
Coastal Storm Surges and Hurricane-Force Winds
Nova Scotia’s coastlines make it one of the most exposed provinces in Canada when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms. From Hurricane Dorian to Fiona, major weather events have ripped off roofs, downed power lines, and left thousands of renters without shelter.
When these storms hit, they hit hard. Fiona alone caused over $800 million in insured damages across Atlantic Canada — and Halifax was one of the hardest-hit cities. If your rental becomes unlivable or your belongings are damaged, tenant insurance helps cover the cost of temporary housing and replacements.
Snow, Ice, and Winter Freeze-Ups
Winters in Nova Scotia can be fierce. Snow squalls and freezing rain often lead to power outages, frozen pipes, and property damage. One burst pipe can turn your apartment into an indoor skating rink. And without tenant insurance, the cleanup cost could fall on you.
With the right coverage, you won’t have to worry about replacing waterlogged furniture or finding a warm place to stay while repairs are made.
Flooding from Rain and Runoff
Even without hurricanes, Nova Scotia sees more rain than most parts of Canada. When spring thaw or back-to-back rainstorms overwhelm drains and basements, renters can be left dealing with soaked belongings and sudden relocation.
Optional flood and sewer backup coverage can make all the difference, especially in basement units or older homes with aging infrastructure.
Nova Scotia is no stranger to billion-dollar storms. In recent years, hurricanes like Fiona have shown just how quickly extreme weather can damage homes, displace families, and rack up hundreds of millions in insured losses.
As climate risks grow, so does the cost of doing nothing. Having tenant insurance isn’t just a checkbox, it’s your safety net when the unexpected hits close to home.
Tenant Insurance in Action
Hurricane Fiona (2022)
One of the most powerful storms to ever hit Atlantic Canada, Fiona left a trail of destruction across Nova Scotia. Tenants faced collapsed roofs, flooding, and weeks without power.
If you had tenant insurance:
Reimbursement for storm-damaged personal items
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) for staying elsewhere during repairs
Optional flood coverage to protect basement units or ground-floor suites
Halifax Apartment Fire (2023)
A fast-moving fire tore through a multi-unit apartment building in Halifax’s North End, displacing dozens of tenants in the middle of winter.
If you had tenant insurance:
Temporary hotel or rental coverage while your unit was repaired
Replacement of furniture, electronics, and other damaged belongings
Support for relocation expenses while rebuilding your life
Cape Breton Flooding (2021)
Relentless rain caused flash floods in Sydney and surrounding areas, forcing families to evacuate rental homes and apartments with little warning.
If you had tenant insurance:
Help replacing water-damaged items like clothes, tech, and furniture
Financial support for temporary housing
Protection from losses not covered by your landlord’s policy
Spotlight on Nova Scotia’s Most Popular Neighbourhoods
South End, Halifax
Who lives here: University students, young professionals, and healthcare workers Rental types: Heritage homes, walk-up apartments, basement suites Risks: Fire, theft, burst pipes
With high student turnover and older housing stock, South End rentals can come with quirks and complications. Tenant insurance helps protect your belongings and covers hotel stays if your suite becomes unliveable.
North End, Halifax
Who lives here: Artists, entrepreneurs, longtime residents Rental types: Duplexes, low-rise apartments, laneway homes Risks: Storm damage, water leaks, vandalism
This vibrant neighbourhood blends historic homes with new development, but aging infrastructure means you’re more likely to face plumbing issues or storm-related damage. Coverage for water loss and alternative housing can be a lifesaver.
Downtown Dartmouth
Who lives here: Commuters, young families, remote workers Rental types: Condos, townhomes, rental houses Risks: Windstorms, power outages, building fires
Living near the harbour comes with amazing views, and stronger wind gusts. Tenant insurance helps replace damaged property and pays for temporary housing if your building is affected.
Cape Breton, Sydney
Who lives here: Retirees, essential workers, local families Rental types: Single-family homes, upper-level units, converted buildings Risks: Flooding, winter freeze-ups, chimney fires
In small communities, home conversions are common, but they don’t always come with modern plumbing or insulation. Insurance helps if frozen pipes or roof leaks leave your space temporarily unliveable.
Truro & New Glasgow
Who lives here: Families, tradespeople, newcomers to Nova Scotia Rental types: Townhouses, duplexes, low-rise rentals Risks: Wind damage, theft, temporary displacement
For those drawn to a quieter pace, tenant insurance can offer peace of mind. Sudden windstorms and aging infrastructure can leave renters unexpectedly displaced, but coverage ensures you’re not footing the bill alone.
Recently purchased tenant insurance policies in Nova Scotia
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