Growing cannabis? Make sure your insurance covers you

Since cannabis legalization last year, you can now legally grow up to four cannabis plants per household in all provinces except for Manitoba and Quebec. According to a recent survey, nearly a fifth of Canadians with home insurance said growing legal cannabis in their homes would not affect their home insurance policy, and that their cannabis is covered. But, that’s not the whole truth.

While many homeowners are aware that their policy covers their plants, some may be unaware of all the specifics. Here’s some key points to keep in mind:

Rules may vary depending on your province. Some insurance providers, such as belairdirect, have a $500 limit on recreational cannabis products under your home insurance policy in certain provinces. Many providers also don’t cover plants growing outdoors. These rules are different in Quebec though, where the maximum amount covered depends on the type of policy you have and other limitations that may apply. It’s important for homeowners to check their policies and ask their agent if they have any concerns.

You’re at a higher risk of damages. Homeowners need to be aware of the possible increased risk of theft or fire when growing or consuming cannabis at home, which can affect insurance premiums. Just like smoking cigarettes, smoking cannabis in or around your home could increase your risk of a fire, which could negatively impact your home insurance. If you’re a smoker, remember to let your insurer know.

Consider the impact on auto insurance, too. Drug-impaired driving is against the law in Canada. As with drunk driving, police can use field sobriety tests and drug-screenings to check for impaired driving. If someone is caught driving while high, they’ll face legal penalties and there will be repercussions for their car insurance as well.

Legal or not, there are plenty of cannabis factors that can affect your home insurance. Always remember to exercise caution, prioritize safety, and call your insurer when in doubt to make sure you’re covered. You can find even more useful tips for fully understanding your policy at belairdirect.com.