Let Us Help You Find the Answers You're Looking for...
Filter your Questions based on the Categories you like
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
If I make improvements or renovations to my unit, will they be covered?
While your Strata corporation’s insurance policy will typically cover original fixtures and fittings, your Condo Insurance will cover any improvements that you have made, including materials and supplies being used to conduct the upgrades. Be sure to review your Strata’s insurance policy to ensure your condo policy has enough coverages to match theirs to avoid being held liable for any gaps.
Is Condo Insurance mandatory in B.C.?
Condo insurance is not mandatory by law, however if you are applying for a mortgage, most lenders will impose this as a condition for mortgage approval. Whether mandatory or not, it is extremely important to protect your investment.
What is high value home insurance?
High value home insurance is designed for properties that exceed the coverage limits of most standard insurance markets. While many insurers cap at $1M–$1.5M in replacement cost, specialized high-value programs extend coverage significantly higher. For example, some markets can insure up to $2.25M in metro areas and $1.825M in other hydrant-protected regions, with options available for homes valued even higher.
These policies go beyond insuring the structure of the home. They’re tailored to protect the lifestyle that often accompanies luxury properties by automatically including:
- Higher overall limits for the building, contents, and liability.
- Increased sub-limits for valuables such as jewelry, wine collections, artwork, and collectibles.
- Broader coverage for unique features like elevators, home gyms, or custom studios.
- Enhanced protection options such as fraud coverage and higher equipment breakdown limits.
Since the average replacement value of a home in B.C. is now around $1.2M, homes valued above $2.5M typically require placement in the high-value home market, as they fall outside standard insurer limits.
What is the best insurance company for high-value homes?
As with all of our products, InsureBC has a wide variety of Insurance Companies that offer coverage tailored to high value homes including:
- Aviva Ovation
- Intact Prestige
- Chubb
- InsureBC Underwriting
- Forward Insurance
- Special Risk Insurance Managers (SRIM)
- Cansure
- Burns & Wilcox
Do I need high-value home insurance?
High-value home insurance is designed for homeowners whose properties and assets go beyond the limits of standard insurance.
You may need this coverage if you:
- Own a home with a replacement cost above the regular market’s limits.
- Have custom architecture, luxury finishes, or heritage features.
- Maintain valuable collections such as art, jewelry, wine, or watches.
- Own lifestyle assets like boats, luxury vehicles, or multiple residences.
Unlike standard policies, high-value programs offer higher limits, broader protection, and specialized claims service. They’re built to safeguard not just your home, but your entire lifestyle.
We take time to understand the full scope of your assets, liabilities, and lifestyle considerations. By comparing coverage and costs across multiple insurers, we ensure you receive the most competitive and comprehensive options—delivering tailored protection that reflects your unique circumstances.
How does high value home insurance differ from standard homeowners insurance?
A standard home insurance policy is designed to meet the needs of most households. It covers the structure of your home, your belongings, liability, and living expenses if you can’t stay in your home after a loss. For many families, this level of protection is enough.
High-value home insurance is different. It’s designed for properties and lifestyles that need more than the basics. With a high-value policy, you can expect:
- Higher limits for your home, contents, and liability.
- Full replacement of custom finishes, luxury materials, and unique design features.
- Stronger protection for valuables like jewelry, art, wine, or collectibles. Often without the hassle of individual appraisals.
- Dedicated claims support from specialists who understand high-value properties.
- Broader coverage with fewer exclusions and added protection for risks like water damage, fraud, or equipment breakdown.
Here’s an example: a standard policy may only cover about $6,000 worth of jewelry and would require a recent appraisal for each item. A high-value policy could include $50,000 or more automatically. That means your most important possessions are protected without extra paperwork.
Do I need to keep a copy of my renewal documents in my car even if I renewed online?
You must print out your renewal documents and keep them in your vehicle at all times. If you do not have a printer, your local office would be happy to print this for you free of charge. Alternatively, you can request a copy be mailed to you via Canada Post (please allow up to 10 days for delivery)
Does being in a car accident affect my car insurance premium?
For an estimate, the impact of an at-fault claim will have on future Autoplan premiums, visit the premium impact estimator.
Does my policy cover personal items inside the trailer?
It depends on the provider but many will offer additional property replacement provisions which can include reimbursement costs incurred for personal items stored inside a travel trailer. Such coverage may extend to things like furniture, appliances, electronics and other belongings that are lost or damaged due to an eligible risk situation. It is important to check with your insurer to determine the level of coverage available.
How Much Does Auto Insurance Cost in BC?
ICBC bases your car insurance premiums on a variety of factors including the principal operator’s driving experience, the territory of operation of the vehicle, the location of the vehicle when not in use, the use of the vehicle (pleasure only, business, artisan, etc.), the type of car, and any applicable discounts that may apply. If you have more than 10 years driving experience and a good driving record, a private carrier may provide better value for your optional coverages. Ask one of our agents to see if private auto insurance is right for you. Car insurance is expensive in Canada, particularly if you have recently obtained your driver’s license and do not have any driving experience. Let one of our licensed team members assist you or your teenager with getting the best car insurance quotes for first-time drivers. They will reach out to all applicable insurance companies to find a good product for young drivers, while keeping the insurance cost as low as possible, saving you money.
How can I log in to access my online Autoplan Renewal?
You can log in using your BC Service Card app on your mobile device. This is used to prove your identity when accessing online government services. Learn how to set up and use the BC Service Card App. To complete the set-up of this app, you must verify your identity. This verification process may take a few days, so we recommend completing it in advance of your policy’s expiry date.
How do I buy, sell or import a motorcycle?
Our licensed insurance agents can transfer a motorcycle or even a scooter and get you back on the road pronto. Even if you are planning to import a motorcycle into BC from another Province or internationally, our team can assist you with all the paperwork required to get your two-wheeler back on the road. Please give our office a call in advance to find out which documentation is required to obtain a motorcycle insurance policy given your specific situation.
What should I look for in an international business insurance provider?
When choosing an international business insurance provider, it's important to look for a company with experience in providing coverage for businesses operating in your industry and geographic location. It's also important to choose a provider with a strong financial rating and a track record of paying claims promptly. InsureBC can help you find the right insurance provider for your needs.
How can I ensure that I have the right amount of coverage?
Working with an experienced international business insurance broker like InsureBC can help ensure that you have the right amount of coverage. Our experts can evaluate your business and recommend the types and amounts of coverage required to mitigate risks.
What information do I need to provide to get international business insurance quotes?
To get international business insurance quotes, you will need to provide information about your business, including its location, industry, and the types of coverage you require.
What is the role of international business insurance brokers?
International business insurance brokers help businesses find the right insurance coverage for their specific needs. They can provide expert advice on the types of coverage required and help businesses find the best insurance providers.
What kind of businesses need international business insurance with US exposure?
Any business that operates in the US or does business with US clients should consider getting international business insurance with US exposure. This can include businesses in industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, and technology.
What is US exposure in international business insurance?
US exposure refers to the risks associated with conducting business in the United States. This can include risks related to US laws and regulations, as well as risks associated with doing business with US clients.
How does the application process work for a 30-year term life insurance plan?
The application process involves filling out a form with your personal and medical information. Some insurers may require a medical exam. Check with your broker to know about the details of application process related to your case.
What happens if I outlive my 30-year term insurance policy?
If you outlive your policy, the coverage ends. However, you may have the option to renew your policy or convert it into a permanent one.
Are there any pre-existing medical conditions excluded from 30-Year Term Insurance?
Yes, some pre-existing medical conditions and high-risk activities may be excluded or require specialized coverage. We recommend discussing all potential exclusions with your insurer prior to purchase.
Can I convert my 30-year term insurance into a permanent life insurance plan?
Yes, many term life insurance plans offer the option to switch to a permanent life insurance plan during the policy term, without a medical exam. You can discuss the details with your broker for additional information.
How can I get a 25-year term life insurance quote?
You can get a 25-year term life insurance quote from InsureBC simply by filling out the form by clicking on this link.
Can I add riders to my 25-year term policy?
Yes, you can add additional coverage with riders such as accelerated death benefit, waiver of premium, accidental death benefit, etc., depending on your insurance company. These riders give you greater flexibility in customizing your policy and protecting your family.
Who needs visitor medical insurance for Canada?
All visitors to Canada, including tourists, international students, and temporary workers, should consider purchasing visitor insurance for Canada to protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses.
What is visitor insurance for Canada?
Visitor insurance for Canada is a type of travel insurance that provides medical coverage for visitors to Canada who require emergency medical care during their trip.
Can I purchase travel insurance after I've already booked my trip?
Yes, you can often purchase travel insurance after you've already booked your trip. However, some coverage options may be limited or unavailable if you wait too long to purchase a policy. It's best to purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip to ensure maximum coverage.
What does travel insurance typically cover?
Travel insurance can cover a wide range of events, including trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation or repatriation, lost or stolen baggage, and more. The specific coverage options can vary depending on the provider and plan you choose. Contact your broker for more details.
Can I get a travel insurance quote online?
Yes, you can often get a travel insurance quote online by filling out a form with your trip details and coverage preferences. InsureBC offers an online quote tool for travel insurance, making it easy to get a quote quickly and conveniently.
Why do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance can help protect you financially in case of unexpected events during your trip. Without travel insurance, you could be responsible for paying out of pocket for medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, and more. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and help you avoid significant financial losses.
An Insider Look at the Insurance Industry
Discover a wealth of knowledge on insurance-related topics, as our team of experts at InsureBC share their insights, advice, and tips to help you navigate the world of insurance with confidence.
The Ultimate Guide to Homeowners Insurance in BC - 2024
Do you know what homeowners insurance covers? And, what types of homeowners insurance coverage exist? Maybe you have heard from your family, realtors or mortgage brokers saying the importance of buying homeowners insurance. But why? If you can’t answer some or none of the questions I’ve asked, this article will help you understand all the important things about homeowners insurance so that you can make an informed buying decision when you’re ready.
