Desjardins Home Insurance Review
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Protecting your home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. Desjardins home insurance offers coverage for homeowners, condo owners, and tenants across select Canadian provinces. Whether you’re comparing providers or looking to understand what Desjardins offers, this guide breaks down coverage options, costs, claims processes, and whether this insurer is the right fit for your needs.
As of October 2026, Desjardins home insurance is sold to homeowners, condo owners and tenants in four provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. According to Desjardins Insurance's terms of use, policies are underwritten by Desjardins General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick.
As Canada’s second-largest general insurer, Desjardins serves millions of policyholders. But size alone doesn’t determine the best choice for your situation. Compare your options carefully before committing to any policy.
What Desjardins Home Insurance Covers
Desjardins offers home insurance for three main property types: homeowners, condo unit owners, and tenants. Each policy type protects your belongings and provides liability coverage, but the scope varies based on your living situation.
Homeowner policies cover both the building structure and your personal property. Condo policies focus on your unit’s contents and interior improvements. Tenant insurance protects your belongings without covering the building itself, since your landlord’s policy handles that.
Standard Coverage Inclusions
Most Desjardins home insurance policies cover common risks like fire, theft, and certain types of water damage. Liability protection is automatically included, which covers you if someone gets injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s belongings.
- Fire and smoke damage: Coverage for damage caused by flames, heat, or smoke from fires
- Theft and vandalism: Protection if someone breaks into your home or damages your property
- Liability protection: Coverage if you’re held responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others
- Additional living expenses: Temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
- Personal property: Replacement or repair costs for your belongings like furniture, electronics, and clothing
Optional Coverage Add-ons
Basic policies don’t cover everything. Water damage from sewer backups, earthquakes, and high-value items like jewelry often require optional endorsements. You can customize your policy by adding coverage for specific risks that matter to your situation.
- Sewer backup and groundwater: Protects against water damage from underground sources
- Earthquake coverage: Covers structural damage and personal property loss from seismic activity
- Increased limits for valuables: Higher coverage for jewelry, art, collectibles, and electronics
- Overland flood protection: Coverage for water damage from natural flooding events
Cost Factors and Discount Options
Home insurance premiums vary based on multiple factors. Desjardins calculates your rate using property details, location, coverage amount, and your claims history. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate costs and identify savings opportunities.
What Affects Your Premium
Your premium isn’t random. Insurers assess risk based on measurable criteria. A newer home in a low-crime neighbourhood typically costs less to insure than an older property in a high-risk area.
- Property value and rebuild cost: Higher replacement costs mean higher premiums to cover potential losses
- Location and risk factors: Urban areas with higher theft rates or regions prone to natural disasters cost more
- Deductible amount: Choosing a higher deductible reduces your premium but increases out-of-pocket costs when you claim
- Claims history: Previous claims can increase your premium, while a clean record may qualify you for discounts
- Home age and condition: Older homes or those with outdated electrical, plumbing, or roofing systems cost more to insure
Available Discounts
Desjardins offers several ways to reduce your premium. Bundling home and auto insurance typically provides the most significant savings. Security features and claims-free history can also lower costs.
- Multi-policy bundling: Combine home and auto insurance to receive a discount on both policies
- Alarm and security systems: Installing monitored alarm systems or security cameras can reduce premiums
- Claims-free discount: Maintaining a clean claims record over several years earns you lower rates
- New home discount: Recently built homes may qualify for reduced premiums due to modern construction standards
- Group insurance rates: Alumni associations or professional organizations may offer access to group discounts
Filing Claims with Desjardins
When damage occurs, the claims process determines how quickly you recover. Desjardins offers multiple ways to file and track claims, from mobile app submission to in-person support at approved repair shops.
You can start a claim online through your account, use the mobile app, call the claims hotline, or visit a participating repair facility. The method you choose depends on the type and urgency of your claim.
Steps to File a Claim
- Document the damage: Take photos or videos of all affected areas and items before making temporary repairs
- Prevent further damage: Make urgent repairs to stop additional loss, like covering a broken window or shutting off water
- Contact Desjardins: File your claim through the app, online portal, or phone within a reasonable timeframe
- Provide details: Share information about the incident, including date, time, cause, and extent of damage
- Work with adjusters: A claims adjuster will assess the damage and determine coverage based on your policy terms
- Complete repairs: Once approved, you can proceed with repairs using approved contractors or your own choice, depending on policy terms
Desjardins processes most straightforward claims within days to weeks. Complex claims involving significant structural damage or disputes over coverage may take longer to resolve. Rates and terms may vary by financial institution.
Digital Tools and Mobile Access
Desjardins provides a mobile app for iOS and Android that lets you manage your policy, file claims, and access proof of insurance. The app includes features for policy updates, payment management, and document storage.
You can view your insurance details, update coverage, download documents, and contact support directly through the app. For claims, the app allows you to submit photos, track progress, and communicate with adjusters.
- Policy management: Update coverage, change payment methods, and adjust deductibles from your phone
- Claims submission: File claims with photo uploads and real-time status tracking
- Digital insurance cards: Access and share proof of insurance instantly without paper documents
- Payment tracking: View payment history and set up automatic withdrawals
Advantages and Limitations
Every insurer has strengths and weaknesses. Desjardins offers the stability of a major financial institution with extensive resources. However, limited provincial availability and restricted product choice are important considerations.
Key Advantages
- Financial stability: Backed by Desjardins Group, Canada’s largest cooperative financial institution with over $470 billion in assets
- In-person service option: Access to local agents for face-to-face consultations, rare among major insurers
- Single deductible bundling: Pay only the higher deductible when home and auto are damaged in the same event
- Multi-product ecosystem: Integrate insurance with banking, investments, and credit products from the same institution
- Established reputation: Over 75 years of insurance experience serving millions of Canadian policyholders
Important Limitations
- Limited provincial availability: Only offered in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick, excluding six provinces and three territories
- No price comparison: Buying directly from Desjardins means no side-by-side quotes from competing insurers to verify you’re getting the best rate
- Online checkout restrictions: Not all applicants can complete purchase digitally; some must call to finalize coverage
- Single-carrier bundling: Bundling only with Desjardins products may not offer maximum savings compared to mix-and-match options from multiple insurers
Who Should Consider Desjardins
Desjardins home insurance works well for specific situations. If you already use Desjardins for banking or want a single institution for multiple financial products, the integration can simplify your finances.
- Existing Desjardins customers: If you already have accounts or credit products with Desjardins, bundling insurance may offer convenience
- Preference for in-person service: Those who value face-to-face consultations with local agents rather than purely digital interactions
- Quebec residents: Desjardins has particularly strong presence and market share in Quebec with localized service
- Multi-policy bundlers: Households that want both home and auto insurance from one provider to simplify claims and payments
Who Might Look Elsewhere
- Residents outside four provinces: If you live in BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Atlantic Canada outside New Brunswick, Desjardins isn’t available
- Price-comparison shoppers: Those who want to compare quotes from multiple insurers simultaneously may prefer working with a broker
- Digital-first users: If you want guaranteed online checkout without potential phone requirements, some competitors offer more consistent digital experiences
Before committing to any insurer, get quotes from at least two providers. This ensures you understand the market rate for your coverage needs. Review your options carefully and consider both price and service quality.
Bottom Line
Desjardins home insurance offers reliable coverage through one of Canada’s most established financial institutions. The bundling benefits, particularly the single deductible feature, provide genuine value for households insuring both home and auto. Digital tools make policy management straightforward, while in-person service remains available for those who prefer it.
However, limited availability in only four provinces and the inability to compare multiple carriers during purchase are significant constraints. If Desjardins is available in your area and you value the convenience of consolidating financial products with one institution, request a quote. Compare it against at least one competitor to confirm you’re getting fair value for your coverage needs.
Home insurance is a long-term commitment that protects your largest asset. Take time to understand what each policy covers, what it excludes, and how claims are handled. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about insurance trends, rate changes, and money-saving strategies across all financial products.
Desjardins Home Insurance – FAQ
What provinces offer Desjardins home insurance?
Desjardins home insurance is available in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick. It is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, or the territories. Coverage is underwritten by Desjardins General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and Certas Home & Auto in the other three provinces.
Does Desjardins home insurance cover water damage?
Basic Desjardins home insurance covers certain types of water damage, such as burst pipes or water heater failures. However, damage from sewer backups, groundwater, and overland flooding typically requires optional endorsements. Given the increase in water damage claims across Canada, consider adding these coverages if you have a basement or live in a flood-prone area.
How do I file a claim with Desjardins home insurance?
You can file a Desjardins home insurance claim through their mobile app, online portal, by phone, or in person at an approved repair shop. Document all damage with photos before making temporary repairs to prevent further loss. Most straightforward claims are processed within days to weeks, though complex cases may take longer.
What discounts does Desjardins offer on home insurance?
Desjardins offers discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, installing monitored alarm systems, maintaining a claims-free record, and insuring newer homes. Group insurance rates may be available through alumni associations or professional organizations. The specific discounts and eligibility criteria can vary, so ask about all available options when getting a quote.
Can I buy Desjardins home insurance entirely online?
Desjardins allows many customers to get quotes and purchase home insurance online. However, fully digital checkout is not guaranteed for all applicants. Depending on your property details and coverage needs, you may be required to complete your purchase over the phone with a sales representative rather than finishing the transaction online.
What is the single deductible benefit when bundling?
If you insure both your home and car with Desjardins and both are damaged in the same event, you only pay one deductible: the higher of the two amounts. This benefit can save hundreds of dollars compared to paying separate deductibles for each policy. It applies only when both property types are damaged in a single incident.
Does Desjardins home insurance cover earthquakes?
Earthquake coverage is not included in standard Desjardins home insurance policies. You must purchase it as an optional endorsement if you want protection against seismic damage. This coverage typically includes both structural damage to your home and loss of personal property caused by earthquakes.
How does Desjardins compare to insurance brokers?
Desjardins is a direct insurer that underwrites and sells its own policies, so you only see Desjardins products and pricing. Insurance brokers represent multiple carriers and can show you side-by-side comparisons from different insurers. If you want to compare quotes from several companies at once, a broker may offer more options, while Desjardins provides the convenience of working directly with the underwriter.
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