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.
What factors influence the cost of my auto insurance?
Several factors such as make and model of your vehicle, driving record, age and gender can affect the cost of your ICBC auto insurance.
What is Income Replacement benefit offered by ICBC?
The Income Replacement Benefit offered by ICBC is a part of the Enhanced Accident Benefits, designed to assist British Columbians injured in a crash who are unable to work due to their injuries. This benefit replaces the previous system where lower benefits were provided, and the non-responsible party had the option to sue for additional lost wages. Now, with Enhanced Care, individuals receive 90% of their net income as wage loss replacement, up to a maximum of $113,000 in annual gross income, in regular, non-taxable payments. This benefit is available for as long as medically needed and is accessible to those injured in crashes in Canada or the U.S. It's important to note that any income replacement received from other sources like employer benefits or Employment Insurance will be deducted from the ICBC payment. The benefit is intended as a temporary measure to support income loss during recovery, with different provisions for severe injuries and transitioning to retirement benefits at retirement age. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to the full bulletin provided by ICBC: Income Replacement Benefit Bulletin.
What is the difference between new car replacement insurance and gap insurance?
The difference between New Car Replacement and GAP Insurance is this: GAP Insurance only pays the difference between what a person owes on their leasing contract and the vehicle’s actual cash value at the time of the loss. This means that you don’t owe anything for that vehicle but also aren’t left with anything to put towards a new one. A New Car Replacement policy pays the difference between the Actual Cash Value settlement received by the Lessor from the Primary Insurer, and the cost of the same make, model, and trim level vehicle, in the newest model year available. The New Car Replacement policy settlement can then be applied to a new lease or finance contract as a down payment towards the replacement vehicle.
What other types of coverage can I get from ICBC?
In addition to basic auto insurance, ICBC also provides optional coverage such as collision, comprehensive, all-perils, and specified perils insurance.
What should I do if I get into an accident?
After any emergency medical care, contact your broker or ICBC directly and follow the instructions provided by their representatives. Be sure to keep detailed record of all details and expenses associated with the incident.
What types of coverage are available for travel trailers?
Depending on the provider, you can typically get liability insurance coverage, collision and comprehensive coverage, damage due to theft protection, and emergency roadside assistance.
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 can an insurance advisor help me choose the right plan?
Our insurance advisors are experts in the field. Our insurance advisors are experts in the field. They will take the time to understand your unique needs and financial goals. They will guide you through the various types of life insurance, explaining the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Finally, they will assist you in selecting a plan that aligns best with your situation.
At InsureBC, we're committed to finding the best policy for your needs. As a leading insurance broker in BC, we navigate the complexities of the insurance market on your behalf. Speak to an insurance advisor today for personalized advice and term life insurance quotes.
Do I need a medical exam to apply for term life insurance?
Some insurance policies may require a medical exam, while others may not. It depends on the insurance company and the type of policy you choose. Check in with your insurance broker to see what are the requirements for the policy you are looking for.
What happens if I outlive my term life insurance policy?
If you outlive your policy, you will no longer have coverage. However, you may have the option to renew your policy or convert it into a permanent one.
Can I renew my term life insurance policy?
Yes, most of our term life insurance policies are renewable and convertible, which means you can renew them for another term or convert them into a permanent life insurance policy.
How does term life insurance differ from universal life insurance?
While term life insurance offers coverage for a specified term, universal life insurance provides lifetime coverage. Moreover, universal life insurance combines a death benefit with a savings component, allowing you to build cash value over time that you can borrow against. If you want to learn more about the difference between the two, check out our comprehensive blog post about Term life vs Whole life.
What are the benefits of a term life insurance plan?
Term life insurance offers several benefits. Term life insurance provides extensive coverage at a more affordable price compared to permanent life insurance. This means you can get the most protection for your money. You can customize term life insurance to align with specific financial obligations, providing peace of mind.
What should I do if I think I've been a victim of identity theft?
If you suspect that you've been a victim of identity theft, act quickly. Contact your bank and credit card companies, place fraud alerts on your credit reports, and file a police report. Contact your broker for more details on what steps to take.
Will Identity Theft Restoration Insurance prevent identity theft from happening?
No, InsureBC's Identity Theft Restoration Insurance cannot prevent identity theft from happening. However, it can help protect you financially in the event of an identity theft event.
Can I purchase InsureBC's Identity Theft Restoration Insurance online?
Yes, you can purchase InsureBC's Identity Theft Restoration Insurance online. Simply visit our website by clicking this link and complete the online application to get a personalized quote.
What is identity theft insurance?
Identity theft insurance is a type of insurance policy that helps protect you from financial losses resulting from identity theft. It typically covers expenses related to restoring your identity, such as lost wages, legal fees, and credit monitoring services.
What should I look for when choosing a boat insurance policy in BC?
When choosing a boat insurance policy in BC, it's important to consider the coverage options, deductibles, and premiums. You should also research the insurer's reputation for customer service and claims handling.
What factors affect the cost of boat insurance in BC?
The cost of boat insurance can vary depending on several factors, such as the type and size of your boat, its age and condition, where you operate it, and your driving record. Other factors may also come into play, such as whether you have safety equipment on board, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers.
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.
