RBC Tenant Insurance Review 2023: Features, Coverage, & Costs

In 2023, with the ongoing challenges in the Canadian real estate market, more than 5 million Canadians are renting their homes. Whether you rent or own your property, safeguarding your residence and personal belongings through insurance is vital. RBC, as the largest bank in Canada, offers tenant insurance to renters across the country. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of RBC tenant insurance, covering its features, coverage options, and the importance of tenant insurance for renters in Canada.

What is Tenant Insurance?

Tenant insurance, also known as renter’s insurance, provides protection for renters against damage or loss of their personal property within their rented dwelling. Even though you don’t own the property, you are entitled to ensure the safety of your belongings. This insurance also extends coverage to personal property outside your home and can cover additional expenses such as moving costs or accommodations if your residence becomes uninhabitable. While tenant insurance is not mandatory in Canada, it is highly recommended.

How Does Tenant Insurance Work?

Tenant insurance functions like any other insurance policy: you pay a monthly or annual premium in exchange for coverage and protection of your possessions. When you need to file a claim, you pay a deductible, and the insurance company covers the rest.

What Does Tenant Insurance Cover?

RBC tenant insurance covers a range of important aspects, including:
  1. Personal Belongings/Contents: Replacement value of your personal property.
  2. Living Expenses: Coverage for expenses if your residence becomes uninhabitable.
  3. Liability Claims: Protection if you accidentally damage another person’s property or cause harm to someone.
  4. Additional Coverage: RBC’s tenant insurance also provides options to cover damaged property in your vehicle and personal property when you are away from your residence.

Do You Need Tenant Insurance?

Tenant insurance is not mandatory for renters in Canada, but it is highly advisable for safeguarding your belongings. It becomes essential when unforeseen events impact your residence, such as damages caused by neighboring units. Tenant insurance not only replaces damaged possessions but also covers living expenses if you need to stay elsewhere. If you lack the funds to replace your belongings in case of loss, tenant insurance is a wise choice for Canadian renters.

RBC Tenant Insurance Features

As Canada’s largest bank, RBC offers comprehensive tenant insurance coverage, including:
  • Personal Belongings/Contents: Covered under All Perils Coverage.
  • Special Limits on Some Belongings: Special Coverage Limits for Property Insurance.
  • Non-Owned Property: Covered.
  • Personal Property at Other Locations: Covered while temporarily away from home.
  • Property in Your Vehicle: Covered for up to 100% of Contents Coverage.
  • Additional Living Expenses: Covered for up to 40% of Contents Coverage.
  • Liability Coverage: Ranges from $1 million to $2 million.
  • Voluntary Medical Payments: Up to $5,000.
  • Voluntary Property Damage: Up to $1,000.
  • Extensions of Coverage: Options for further coverage under Property Insurance.
  • Optional Endorsements: Customize your policy with RBC Insurance endorsements.
  • Deductible: Starting from $1,000, with a deductible waiver for claims exceeding $25,000.
Note that RBC tenant insurance typically does not cover water damage from flooding or seepage. However, you can enhance your policy with additional endorsements such as sewer backup, overland water, and earthquake coverage.

Cost of RBC Tenant Insurance

The cost of RBC tenant insurance varies based on several factors, including:
  • Property details (age, price, location, construction).
  • Value of possessions.
  • Personal liability limit.
  • Deductible amount.
  • Added endorsements or additional coverage.
  • Type of heating in your home.
  • Proximity to a fire hydrant.
  • Your credit score.
For example, a standard renter scenario for RBC tenant insurance with personal liability of $1 million and no earthquake or sewer coverage could cost approximately $346 per year or $28.83 per month. Your specific premium will depend on your individual circumstances.

How to Apply for RBC Tenant Insurance

Applying for RBC tenant insurance is a straightforward process. You can obtain a quote online through their website or call RBC’s customer support at 1-877-737-7224. Note that purchasing the insurance requires contacting RBC via the provided support line or visiting an RBC branch to meet with an insurance advisor.

Advantages of RBC Tenant Insurance

RBC tenant insurance offers several advantages, including:
  • Comprehensive coverage for personal belongings and living expenses.
  • Coverage for personal property in your vehicle or when away from your residence.
  • Competitive pricing.

Downsides of RBC Tenant Insurance

Some potential drawbacks of RBC tenant insurance include:
  • Inability to purchase the insurance online; it requires contacting an agent or visiting a branch.
  • Optional coverage for incidents like sewer backup, which is included in other Canadian tenant insurance policies.
  • Exclusions for unit improvements, requiring policy updates.

Is RBC Tenant Insurance Worth It?

RBC tenant insurance is a valuable choice for Canadian renters. It provides extensive coverage, and the cost can be reasonable, as demonstrated in our example scenario. While there may be cheaper tenant insurance options available, they may not offer the same level of coverage as RBC. If you value the convenience and reliability of a major bank with excellent insurance coverage, RBC tenant insurance is a suitable option to protect your belongings from potential loss.

FAQs:

RBC insurance policies for homes and vehicles are now provided by Aviva Canada. While you purchase the policy through RBC, the coverage itself is provided by Aviva.
The cost of tenant insurance in Canada varies depending on your location and policy details. Prices can range from just over $10 per month to more than $30, with tenant insurance generally more affordable than homeowner’s insurance.
Tenant insurance is not mandatory for Canadian renters, but it is strongly recommended, especially if you cannot cover the cost of replacing your possessions.
Landlord insurance is not mandatory in Canada, but it is advisable. It can cover aspects such as rental income if your property becomes uninhabitable for a period.
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