Monitoring your home remotely: how to protect your home and gain peace of mind

Remote home monitoring allows you to quickly detect water damage, break-ins or smoke using smart devices (cameras, sensors, smart detectors). The result: less damage, faster response time and better overall protection with your iA Auto and Home Insurance policy.

Why monitor your home remotely today?

Monitoring your home remotely is no longer a luxury: it’s an accessible and effective prevention solution. Incidents often occur when no one is home, especially water damage, which is the leading cause of home insurance claims in Quebec.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage accounts for more than 50% of home insurance claims across the country.

Thanks to smart technology, you stay in control—even when kilometres away.

What problems can be prevented by monitoring your home remotely?

Remote monitoring is primarily used to detect problems early, before they get worse.

Most common incidents detected

• Water damage (washing machine, water heater)
• Break-ins and attempted theft
• Early fires or smoke
• Property damage (doors, windows, garage)

The sooner an incident is detected, the simpler the repairs—and the claim.

How can you monitor your home remotely with your smartphone?

Good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert.

What do you need to get started?

• A smartphone (iOS or Android)
• A Wi-Fi connection
• A mobile app (Google Home, Ring, Nest, Arlo, etc.)

Which smart devices are most useful for the home?

Most commonly used devices (home security)

Water sensors are particularly recommended near the toilet, near the washing machine, near the water heater and in the basement.

What can you do remotely with these technologies?

Most smart home systems allow you to:

• View live or recorded footage
• Receive instant alerts
• Talk through a camera (two-way audio)
• Enable or disable alerts
• Check the status of your home 24/7
• Shut off the water supply remotely

A single app can often centralize all your devices.

Is it legal to install cameras in your home in Quebec?

Yes, it’s legal, provided you respect privacy.

What the law allows

• Filming the interior of your home
• Filming the exterior of your property

What is prohibited

• Filming your neighbours’ private spaces
• Recording people without their consent
• Surveilling spaces where privacy is expected

Smart home technology or home insurance: do you have to choose?

You don’t have to choose, they should be combined.

Roles of each

Even with the best systems, there is no such thing as zero risk.

FAQ – Remote home monitoring

Why monitor your home remotely?

Because it allows you to quickly detect incidents (water damage, break-ins, smoke), minimize the extent of damage and respond faster, even from a distance.

Is it legal to install security cameras in Quebec?

Yes, as long as the cameras respect privacy: they must not film neighbours or record people inside the home without their consent.

Can remote monitoring reduce my insurance claims?

Yes. Early detection limits damage, which can reduce the severity of the loss and simplify the claims process.

Are water sensors really useful?

Yes. Since water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims, water sensors are one of the most effective prevention tools.