Definition : Insurance - Risk

An unforeseen occurrence, susceptible of causing either bodily injury, moral or material damage or a loss, against which one can subscribe insurance (for example: an accident, a fire, theft, a flood, etc.). Section 4 of the Regulation to establish various measures in matters of divided co-ownership insurance, published on April 15th, 2020 in the Quebec Official Gazette enumerates the list of risks which must be covered by the insurance subscribed by a co-ownership syndicate, unless one or more are expressly excluded by the insurance contract or a covenant. The risks covered include theft, fire, lightning, storms, hail, explosions, water leak damage, sewer backup and overflows from appliances connected to water distribution piping within the building, strikes, riots or civil disturbances, the impact of an aircraft or vehicle, and vandalism or malicious acts.

Insurance deductible

Almost every insurance policy includes deductibles, the amounts of which vary depending on the risk insured. For example, the deductible for water damage is usually higher than that for fire. The amount of the deductible will be deducted from any compensation paid. Its purpose is to make the insured responsible, by making him take charge of part of the repairs of the damage caused by the disaster. The advantage for the syndicate is to see its premium reduced. In co-ownerships, deductibles are a factor in the Building insurance, and in the third party liability insurance of the syndicate, directors, meeting officers, co-ownership manager and of the condo manager. Regarding co-owner’s insurance, generally each home insurance policy contains one or more deductibles for various amounts according with the nature of the loss.

Additional insurance premium

The additional premium is a premium that is added to the existing premium. It results from a worsening of the risk or from the assumption of a new risk. This additional premium may be imposed during the course of a contract or upon its renewal. Risks are analyzed according to scales that are specific to each insurer. Ultimately, the syndicate will pay this additional premium, which will be charged to all of the co-owners through the common expenses (condo fees) or, at times, some of them.

Building insurance

The Law and the overwhelming majority of declarations of co-ownership require that syndicates of co-owners insure their building. This may seem surprising at first glance as the syndicate does not own the private portions nor the common portions. However, its main object is to ensure the preservation and the longevity of the building and to manage and administer it diligently following rules of the trade. This is why the legislator has given to the syndicate an insurable interest and has made it compulsory that it subscribe building insurance.

Definition : Insurance - Risk

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