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.
Do I need landlord insurance if I’m only renting out rooms or a separate section of my home (like a basement suite)?
Yes. If you’re renting out part of your home, whether it’s a basement suite, a secondary unit, or just a few rooms, you’ll need a home insurance policy that includes a rental suite. This type of policy is essentially landlord insurance built into your home insurance.
It makes sure you’re protected not only for the usual risks to your home, but also for tenant-related exposures, such as liability claims or damage caused by renters. This way, both your living space and your rental space are properly covered under one policy.
How much does landlord insurance cost?
You can get a quick online quote with InsureBC and adjust your coverage limits to see how it affects your premium. It’s a great way to explore your options and find a policy that fits your budget.
Keep in mind, the final cost depends on factors like the location, value of the rental unit, and coverage selections (such as liability, loss of rental income, or water damage).
If your rental is a strata property, we strongly recommend reviewing your strata documents especially the strata’s insurance deductible amounts for things like water damage, sewer backup, or earthquakes. Matching your landlord insurance limits to those deductibles ensures you're not left paying out-of-pocket if a claim falls back on you as the unit owner.
What is landlord insurance?
Landlord insurance is a policy designed for property owners who rent out their home, condo, or investment property. Unlike standard home insurance, which assumes you live in the property, landlord insurance recognizes the unique risks of renting. It protects against damage to the building, loss of rental income, liability claims, and optional add-ons like earthquake or sewer backup coverage.
What does renters insurance cover?
Three core protections:
- Personal property: Reimburses you for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings like clothing, furniture, appliances, and electronics. Coverage usually applies even if items are stolen outside your home (e.g., from your car).
- Personal liability: Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or cause damage to their property.
- Additional living expenses: Pays for hotel stays, meals, and other costs if your rental unit becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss, such as a fire or major water damage.
Is renters insurance required in BC?
Renters insurance is not legally required by law in BC. However, many landlords and property managers now make it a mandatory condition of the lease. Even when not required, carrying renters insurance is strongly recommended because:
- It ensures you can recover the cost of your belongings after a fire, theft, or other loss.
- It protects you from potentially large liability claims (which can be tens of thousands of dollars).
- It covers temporary housing costs if you’re forced out of your rental.
Are renters insurance and liability insurance the same?
No. Liability insurance is just one part of a renters policy. It protects you if you unintentionally cause damage or injury to others.
Renters insurance, however, goes beyond liability. It also protects your:
- Belongings – so you’re not paying out of pocket to replace them after a fire, theft, or other covered event.
- Living expenses – if you need to move out temporarily while your rental is repaired.
Think of it this way: liability coverage protects others, while renters insurance protects you and your lifestyle.
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.
How do I get started with professional liability insurance with InsureBC?
To get started, you can fill in the quote form on our website, or contact your local office to discuss your specific needs. We'll tailor a policy that’s right for you.
How much does Professional Liability Insurance Cost in BC?
A Professional Liability policy is not nearly as expensive as people think. Depending on the type of service your company offers, a policy can start as low as $700 annually. Please contact one of our 90 locations for a free, no-obligation quote for E&O insurance.
Why do I need professional liability insurance?
Professional liability insurance gives you peace of mind that your business has protection against potential legal costs related to a claim. It also helps protect your assets, employees, and reputation should any allegations be made against you or your organization.
What types of risks does D&O liability protect against?
D&O policies typically cover negligence related claims against individual directors and officers related to financial loss caused by mismanagement, errors in judgement etc., libel/slander claims arising out of publications made within the scope of their corporate role; breach fiduciary duty claim which arise when there has been a failure by the insured person(s) to carry out their legal duties; securities litigation claiming that false information was given to the public through a press release or other form of announcement; and wrongful employment practices such as breach of contract, discrimination, sexual harassment etc.
When should I get D&O insurance?
As soon as you become a director or officer in a business, it’s important to consider getting this coverage. In some industries such as finance or health care organizations are required by law to have certain levels of D&O insurance in order to operate.
What types of Home-Based Business Insurance policies are available?
We offer a range of home-based business insurance policies, including Liability, Property and Business Interruption coverage.
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.
