Loss: definition, reporting it to the insurer and the steps after a fire

In insurance, a loss is damage suffered after an unfavourable event happens, for example an accident or a fire. That is the definition of the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), Quebec's financial markets regulator. Once the firefighters have left, the insurance claim after a fire starts: the Civil Code of Québec requires you to report the loss to your insurer as soon as you become aware of it. The insurer must then pay the indemnity within 60 days.

Loss: the definition

The Grand dictionnaire terminologique of the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) gives the French word "sinistre" two meanings. In insurance, according to its 2001 entry, it is a loss caused by a harmful event that may lead to compensation from the insurer. In civil protection, according to its 2013 entry, it is an event that causes serious harm to people or major damage to property.

Article 2463 of the Civil Code of Québec says that damage insurance obliges the insurer to repair the harm suffered at the time of the loss, but only up to the amount of the insurance.

Types of losses

The AMF names three common losses at home: water damage, theft and fire. It also mentions vandalism. The OQLF gives these examples.

• A fire
• A flood
• An earthquake
• A ground movement
• An explosion
• A toxic release

Article 2464 of the Civil Code provides that the insurer never repairs harm that results from the insured's intentional fault.

Reporting the loss to the insurer

Article 2470 of the Civil Code, up to date as of August 12, 2026, requires the insured to report to the insurer any loss that may give rise to an indemnity, as soon as the insured becomes aware of it. Any interested person can make this report on your behalf. The article sets no number of days.

If the insurer was not informed and suffered harm as a result, the same article allows it to invoke a clause of the policy that makes you lose the right to compensation. The AMF advises contacting your insurer or broker as soon as you can.

After a fire at home: the steps

Québec.ca, in its page updated on August 26, 2026, and the AMF describe what to do.

• Wait for the document called Remise de propriété, which the fire department gives you, and follow what it says before going back home
• Make an inventory of the damage, with photos or videos
• Inform your municipality, your insurer and the financial institution that granted your mortgage
• Lock the doors, board up the windows and cover the damaged parts
• Keep all receipts and proofs of purchase for the damaged property

The AMF reminds you that you are responsible for limiting the damage. Emergency work is reimbursed only if the claim is accepted. Wait for the insurer's authorization before any permanent repair and do not throw away damaged property. Cleanup and rebuilding are covered in another article.

Proof of loss

Article 2471 of the Civil Code requires you, at the insurer's request, to inform it as soon as possible of all the circumstances of the loss. It names, among other things, the probable cause and the nature and extent of the damage. You must also provide supporting documents and attest under oath that the information is true.

If a serious reason prevents you from doing so, the same article gives you the right to a reasonable delay. The AMF specifies that the list of damaged or stolen property is needed to receive compensation. Article 2472 provides that any false statement makes its author lose the right to compensation for the risk concerned.

The claims adjuster and the settlement offer

According to the AMF, the insurer usually appoints a claims adjuster, who works for the insurer. You can hire an independent adjuster at your own expense. The AMF asks you to check that the adjuster is listed in its Registre des entreprises et des individus autorisés à exercer before signing an agreement.

The insurer then makes a settlement offer. The AMF writes that negotiation is possible at this stage.

Living expenses and the payment deadline

When the home is no longer habitable because of a covered loss, the contract may provide for reimbursement of additional living expenses. The AMF indicates that the insurer generally reimburses what goes beyond your usual expenses. Keep your bills.

Article 2473 of the Civil Code sets the deadline: the insurer pays the indemnity within 60 days after receiving the notice of loss or, if it asked for them, the relevant information and supporting documents.

If you disagree with the insurer

You first file a complaint with the insurer, by letter or with the AMF complaint form, stating the settlement you want. The insurer must send you an acknowledgment of receipt, then a final written answer.

If the answer does not satisfy you, you ask for your file to be transferred to the AMF. It examines the file and may offer conciliation or mediation. Handling the complaint does not stop the clock on the deadline to go to court.

This text summarizes public documents. It is not legal advice.

Further reading

• Claims adjuster in Quebec: the job, the training and the pay
• Fire damage restoration: cleanup, rebuilding and jobs after a fire
• Smoke detector: what the law requires in Quebec

Frequently asked questions

What is a loss?

In the field of safety, the OQLF defines it as an event caused by a natural phenomenon, a technological failure or an accident, which causes serious harm to people or major damage to property. A fire and a flood are examples.

What is a loss in insurance?

According to the AMF, it is damage suffered after an unfavourable event happens, for example an accident, a fire, an illness or a death. Water damage, theft and fire are the examples it gives for the home.

What is a synonym for loss?

In civil protection, the OQLF uses the term "catastrophe" (disaster), and the two French words are generally used interchangeably. In everyday language, "sinistre" rather emphasizes material damage.

How do you report a fire loss?

You contact your insurer or broker as soon as you can, as the AMF advises. Article 2470 of the Civil Code requires the report as soon as you become aware of the loss.

How do you report a loss to your home insurance?

The OQLF defines the notice of loss as a notice, generally written, that sets out the circumstances of the loss to the insurer. You then provide the list of damaged or stolen property. In case of theft or vandalism, the AMF notes that a police report may be required.

What happens with my home insurance if there is a fire?

The insurer usually appoints a claims adjuster, who handles the claim and makes a settlement offer. If the home is no longer habitable, the contract may cover your additional living expenses.

How can I get reimbursed for a fire loss?

You report the loss, list the damaged property and provide bills and photos. The insurer must pay the indemnity within 60 days after receiving the notice or the documents it asked for, under article 2473 of the Civil Code.

Sources

• LégisQuébec, Civil Code of Québec, articles 2463, 2464 and 2470 to 2473, up to date as of August 12, 2026
• Autorité des marchés financiers, Réclamer à son assureur, undated page, consulted on October 11, 2026
• Autorité des marchés financiers, Formuler une plainte, undated page, consulted on October 11, 2026
• Gouvernement du Québec, Incendie à la maison, up to date as of August 26, 2026
• Office québécois de la langue française, sinistre, insurance field, Grand dictionnaire terminologique, 2001 entry, consulted on October 11, 2026
• Office québécois de la langue française, sinistre, safety field, Grand dictionnaire terminologique, 2013 entry, consulted on October 11, 2026
• Office québécois de la langue française, déclaration de sinistre, Grand dictionnaire terminologique, 2005 entry, consulted on October 11, 2026