Introduction

New to Canada and renting your first home? Summit Commercial Solutions helps newcomers secure tenant insurance across Canada (excluding Quebec) with fast, transparent service and pricing that starts from $17–18 per month. Our approach combines a technology‑enabled experience with independent market access so you can compare options and receive digital proof of insurance quickly. See our values and approach on the Summit homepage and reach our team via Contact Us.

What newcomer tenant insurance covers

Tenant insurance (sometimes called renters insurance) helps protect your financial stability while you get established in Canada. Based on Summit’s student tenant offering and core personal lines principles, typical policies include:

• Personal liability: helps protect you against third‑party injury or property damage claims that occur at your rented premises or are caused by your personal actions.

• Personal property (contents): coverage for belongings such as clothing, electronics, furniture, and small appliances against insured perils like fire or theft.

• Additional living expenses: coverage for extra costs if an insured loss makes your unit temporarily uninhabitable (e.g., hotel stays, meals up to policy limits).

Note: Coverage details, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Summit is an independent broker that compares policies to match your needs. Explore how we work with clients on our Business Insurance pages and our transparency commitment in How We Get Paid.

Pricing: from $17–18/month

• Entry pricing: Summit’s tenant programs for students start from $17–18/month; newcomer policies are available with similar entry‑level pricing depending on address, building type, coverage limits, and insurer appetite.

• What affects price: location, building construction and protections, contents and liability limits, deductibles, and any past claims.

• Ways to keep costs efficient: choose sensible limits for contents, consider a higher deductible if appropriate, and bundle any additional coverages only when needed.

Important: Actual premiums are set by insurers. Summit shops multiple markets (without exclusive ties to any single carrier) to secure competitive options for you.

Need proof of insurance fast?

Summit’s service model focuses on speed and clarity. After you bind coverage and payment is confirmed, we deliver digital documents—proof of insurance and a certificate for your landlord—by email. Turnaround is typically same‑day during business hours, often within minutes, depending on insurer processing. If your landlord needs specific wording, your broker will update and resend the certificate. For help at claim time, visit Claim Services.

No Canadian credit history? How we handle eligibility

Many newcomers have no Canadian credit file. That should not stop you from starting a quote with Summit.

• Start a quote without a Canadian credit score: we can gather your details and market your file.

• Insurer requirements vary: some insurers may ask for consent to a soft credit check to unlock discounts; others can proceed without one. Availability varies by province and by insurer.

• Outcome: lack of Canadian credit history does not automatically disqualify you. Your broker will route your application to markets that fit newcomer profiles.

Step‑by‑step: from quote to proof

1) Request a quote: use Contact Us to share your move‑in date and address. 2) Share basics: unit type and address, desired start date, estimated contents value, and preferred liability limit. 3) Compare options: we present curated quotes with coverage summaries and pricing. 4) Bind coverage: choose your option; we handle insurer documentation and payment processing. 5) Get proof: receive your digital policy documents and landlord certificate by email. 6) Move‑in support: need landlord wording updates later? We will revise and reissue at no extra charge.

Availability by province/territory (Quebec excluded)

The table below summarizes where Summit can help newcomers obtain tenant insurance. Quebec is excluded from our service area.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• Do I need tenant insurance to rent in Canada? Many landlords request proof of tenant insurance before handing over keys. Even when not required, coverage is strongly recommended to protect your liability and belongings.

• What coverage limits should I choose as a newcomer? Select a contents limit that approximates the cost to replace your belongings (e.g., furniture, clothing, electronics) and a liability limit appropriate to your lease requirements. Your broker will explain trade‑offs between limits and price.

• Can my landlord be added to my documents? Yes. We can issue a certificate naming your landlord/property manager with appropriate interest language as required by your lease and the insurer’s rules.

• How fast can I get proof of insurance? After binding and payment, proof is typically issued same‑day during business hours—often within minutes—subject to insurer processing.

• I’m an international student. Is this for me? Yes. Summit already supports student tenant policies starting from $17–18/month. We extend similar solutions to international students, workers, and permanent residents.

• What happens if I have a claim? Contact Summit first. We will coordinate with your insurer, assign an adjuster, and help you through next steps. See Claim Services.

Why newcomers choose Summit

• Independent and value‑focused: no exclusive ties to a single insurer, so we can shop the market for you.

• Technology‑enabled speed: digital applications and quick document delivery designed to meet tight move‑in timelines.

• People‑first service: a dedicated account manager stays with you as your needs evolve. Learn more on our About Us page.

Get a quote

Ready to secure tenant insurance for your move‑in date? Contact our team to get started: Contact Us.