The occurrence of an incident in your home can quickly transform your daily life into a real nightmare. But not all damage is necessarily considered a claim in the sense of home insurance. Understanding the definition of a claim and knowing the types of damage covered by your insurance policy will allow you to better prepare and react effectively when the time comes.
With over 50 years of experience in post-disaster work, the Construction J.G. Lessard & Sons team guides you to understand the different types of claims and their implications for your property.
Legal Definition of a Claim
What is a claim damages according to Quebec law?
The definition of a claim in property insurance refers to any fortuitous and unpredictable event that causes material damage covered by your insurance contract. According to the Société d'habitation du Québec, a claim is defined as a "loss caused by the occurrence of a prejudicial event that is likely to result in compensation from the insurer."
This definition involves several essential criteria:
- Fortuitous nature: the event must be accidental, not intentional
- Unpredictability: the insured cannot have deliberately caused the damage
- Material damage: there must be concrete and quantifiable losses
- Contractual coverage: the event must be provided for in your insurance policy
Distinction between claim and normal wear
It is crucial to distinguish a claim from damage caused by normal wear or poor maintenance. Home insurance generally does not cover:
- Progressive deterioration due to time
- Pre-existing construction defects
- Lack of regular maintenance
- Damage caused voluntarily by the insured
This distinction is fundamental to determine whether you will be able to benefit from compensation from your insurer.
The Most Common Claims in Home Insurance
Water damage: the most frequent claim
Water damage represents nearly 40% of home insurance claims in Quebec. This category encompasses various situations:
Sudden and accidental leaks:
- Pipe breaks: rupture of hot or cold water lines
- Appliance failure: dishwasher, washing machine, water heater
- Sewer backup: wastewater backup (with specific endorsement)
- Roof infiltration: following severe weather
Water damage requires rapid intervention to avoid damage escalation. Professional drying must begin within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold development.
Fire and explosion
Fire remains one of the most destructive claims, potentially completely destroying a property. The most common causes include:
- Electrical failures: short circuits, overload, defective equipment
- Human negligence: poorly extinguished cigarette, unattended cooking
- Heating appliances: poorly maintained chimneys, defective stoves
- Lightning: direct impact or electrical propagation
Decontamination after fire requires particular expertise to eliminate toxic residues and persistent odors before any reconstruction.
Weather-Related Claims
Storms, wind and hail
Quebec experiences extreme weather conditions that generate numerous claims. According to the Autorité des marchés financiers, most basic insurance contracts cover:
Damage from violent winds:
- Damaged roofing: torn shingles, weakened structure
- Broken windows: impact from wind-carried debris
- Uprooted trees: falling on property or vehicles
- Exterior siding: deterioration of cladding, gutters
Hail damage:
- Roof perforation or cracking
- Damage to exterior air conditioners
- Broken skylights or glass panels
- Deterioration of siding cladding
Post-storm repairs must be performed quickly to avoid secondary water infiltration.
Ice storms and snow accumulation
Quebec winter conditions create particular challenges:
- Snow overload: partial or total roof collapse
- Ice dam formation: water infiltration under shingles
- Pipe freezing: pipe bursting during thaw
- Falling icicles: damage to structures or vehicles
Theft, Vandalism and Criminal Acts
Burglary and breaking and entering
Theft represents about 15% of home claims. Coverage generally includes:
- Stolen personal property: according to your policy limits
- Property damage: forced doors, windows, locks
- Temporary expenses: accommodation if home is uninhabitable
- Lock replacement: securing after break-in
Vandalism and mischief
Vandalism covers intentional damage caused by third parties:
- Graffiti on exterior walls
- Voluntary window breaking
- Destruction of exterior property
- Property degradation
Our team specialized in post-vandalism repairs intervenes quickly to secure and restore your property.
Specialized and Less Common Claims
Glass breakage and installation damage
This category includes:
- Accidental breakage: windows, glass doors, mirrors
- Appliance damage: household appliances, heating systems
- Vehicle impact: collision against property
- Falling objects: branches, various debris
Civil liability
Although less visible, civil liability constitutes a crucial aspect of your protection. It covers:
- Damage caused to others: injuries on your property
- Damage to neighbors: propagation of water damage or fire
- Legal fees: defense in case of lawsuit
- Compensation: financial compensation to victims
Common Exclusions and Uncovered Claims
Uncovered natural disasters
Certain events require special endorsements or are not covered:
- Floods: watercourse overflow (endorsement required)
- Earthquakes: optional protection
- Landslides: according to determining cause
- Sewer backup: requires specific endorsement
Behavior-related exclusions
Insurance generally refuses to compensate:
- Intentional acts: voluntary damage by the insured
- Gross negligence: failure to meet maintenance obligations
- Commercial activities: operation without appropriate endorsement
- Defective materials: pre-existing construction defects
Steps to Follow After a Claim
Immediate actions and securing
Upon discovering a claim, you must:
- Ensure safety: evacuate if necessary, turn off electricity/gas
- Limit damage: tarping, water shutoff, ventilation
- Document the situation: detailed photos, damage inventory
- Contact your insurer: declaration within required deadlines
For emergency work, our team intervenes 24/7 to secure your property and prevent damage escalation.
Expertise and damage assessment
The insurer generally mandates an expert to:
- Assess damages: complete loss evaluation
- Determine causes: coverage verification
- Estimate costs: repairs and replacement
- Recommend work: appropriate restoration
It is often advantageous to call upon a public adjuster to defend your interests, particularly for major claims.
View Our Post-Disaster Interventions
J.G. Lessard's Expertise in Claims Management
Partnership with insurers
Construction J.G. Lessard & Sons maintains privileged relationships with Quebec's main insurance companies:
- Recognized accreditation: contractor approved by insurers
- Multidisciplinary expertise: all types of residential and commercial claims
- Rapid intervention: teams available 24/7 for emergencies
- Complete management: from securing to final restoration
Specialized services by claim type
Our expertise covers all insurable damages:
- Water damage: professional drying and dehumidification
- Fires: complete decontamination and reconstruction
- Storms: structural and waterproofing repairs
- Vandalism: aesthetic and functional restoration
- Sanitization: air purification after contamination
Prevention and Risk Reduction
Preventive maintenance of your property
The best protection against claims remains prevention:
- Annual inspection: roofing, plumbing, electricity
- Regular cleaning: gutters, drains, chimneys
- System updates: replacement of aging equipment
- Safety detectors: smoke, carbon monoxide, water
Improving claim resistance
Certain residential renovation work can significantly reduce risks:
- Reinforced roofing: weather-resistant materials
- Alarm systems: early problem detection
- Improved drainage: water infiltration prevention
- Efficient insulation: protection against pipe freezing
Importance of Rapid Professional Intervention
The speed of intervention after a claim often determines the extent of final damage and restoration costs. An improperly treated claim in the first hours can worsen considerably, transforming minor repairs into major reconstruction.
At Construction J.G. Lessard & Sons, we understand the urgency that each claim represents for our clients. Our over 50 years of experience in the field allows us to quickly assess the situation, secure the premises, and implement appropriate measures to limit damage.
Don't wait for the situation to worsen. Upon discovering a claim, contact our experts for an immediate assessment and professional intervention adapted to your situation.