Cannabis and insurance: get the facts

Here’s what legalization means for drivers and homeowners

Cannabis and home insurance

Fact: it’s legal to consume cannabis in Canada

However, 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.

Think of safety first and reduce hazards with a few simple fire prevention tips.

Fact: some provinces allow growing “a limited amount” of pot plants in your home

Sure, but that doesn’t necessarily make it safe, and it's important to take the right measures to ensure safe growing. Home-growing could cause ventilation system problems or mold due to increased humidity. Cannabis growers may also alter heating and lighting systems, which could increase the likelihood of a fire. Finally, having cannabis plants at home could put you at a higher risk for theft. All these factors could affect your safety, and in the case of a claim, your insurance premium.

Speaking of coverage: cannabis products are covered by your home insurance

However; the specifics of this home insurance coverage may vary depending on your province of residence. For example, at belairdirect there is a $500 limit on recreational cannabis products under your home insurance policy in Ontario, Alberta and BC and no coverage is provided for plants growing outdoors. The rules are different in Quebec, where the maximum amount covered depends on the type of policy you have and other limitations may apply.

Call us so we can make sure you’re up to date on what’s covered (and not covered) under your home insurance policy!

Cannabis and car insurance

Fact: drug-impaired driving is illegal in Canada

Drug-impaired driving is against the law in Canada. That’s been the case since 1925!

As stated on the Government of Canada’s website: “drugs can impair your ability to drive safely and increase the risk of getting into a collision. In fact, cannabis increases your chance of a car accident.”

Police can use field sobriety tests and drug screening to check for impaired driving. As with drunk driving, if someone is caught driving while high, they’ll face legal penalties and there will be repercussions for their car insurance as well.

Fact: it’s not strictly illegal to transport cannabis in your vehicle, but…

And that’s a big “but.” The rules about transporting cannabis in your car vary from province to province.

For most, the laws state that marijuana must be out of reach of the driver, in a closed and fastened container. For example, that’s the case for Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Transporting cannabis out of Canada into any country where it’s illegal — like the U.S. — can have very serious consequences.

Make sure you’re up to date and that you abide by your provincial rules surrounding cannabis transportation.

The bottom line

Cannabis use may be legal in Canada. But legal or not, there are plenty of factors that can affect your insurance. Always remember to exercise caution, prioritize safety, and call your insurer when in doubt to make sure you’re covered.