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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.
Are there any discounts available on ICBC auto insurance?
Yes, drivers can take advantage of several ICBC discounts such as good driving record, safe driver discount and low-risk vehicle discount.
Can I switch between ICBC auto coverage plans?
Yes, you can switch between ICBC auto insurance plans at any time. However, you may incur additional charges or fees if you want to make changes to your existing policy. Read more: https://www.icbc.com/insurance/Pages/FAQs.aspx
Can the policy be transferred to a family member?
Yes! If you transfer ownership to any of your immediate family members mid-term, your policy can be transferred to the new owner. The recipient of your vehicle would keep the same policy number, effective and expiry date.
Can the policy be transferred to a new vehicle?
Yes! If you purchase a new vehicle while mid-term in your current policy, we can process a transfer of the policy to your new vehicle. This will generate a new policy, with a new policy number, effective and expiry date. Any unused portion of the premium for your previous policy can be applied to the new insurance premium as transfer credit.
Do I have to buy New Vehicle Replacement insurance when I buy my car, or can I get it later on?
Our unique eligibility guidelines allow for any vehicle that is 5 years old or newer to qualify for New Car Replacement coverage. That means you are not required to have just recently purchased your vehicle to qualify and can purchase a policy any time between your vehicle being brand new, and 5 model years old. There is also no kilometre restriction, just as long as your vehicle has not been driven on average more than 40,000 km a year since it was new.
Do I have to buy the same vehicle as I had previously?
No, after a total loss you are not required to buy the same vehicle as you had previously. You are more than welcome to choose a different or better vehicle, or even take the cash settlement if you’d like, however we will only pay up to the replacement value of the same make, model, and trim package as the vehicle that you had previously. It will be in the most current model year.
What type of businesses qualify for Home Based Business Insurance in BC?
Any type of business operating out of a residential property may be eligible for a Home Based Business (HBB) policy with InsureBC as long as they meet certain criteria such as gross annual revenue thresholds and having fewer than 10 employees working at the premises on any given day. Home-based business insurance covers the things you need to run your business. Whether it’s your office contents, your general liability or items pertaining to legal expenses you may incur, our home-based insurance packages offer you peace of mind so you can focus on what’s most important—growing your business.
What if I need to make changes to my policy?
Changes can be made to your Home Based Business insurance policy at any time by contacting your InsureBC broker. Your broker can help you to make the necessary adjustments or explain any available options.
Is it possible to purchase Home Based Business Insurance online?
Yes, this policy can be purchased online in a matter of minutes!
Are there any special endorsements available for Home-Based Business Insurance?
Yes, we offer additional coverage for Home-Based Business policies such as Professional Liability and Cyber Liability Insurance. These endorsements help to provide tailored protection for your specific business operations.
Do I need to purchase separate liability insurance for my home office or workplace?
Yes, it is important to ensure that your personal Homeowner’s policy does not provide the required protection. A dedicated Home-Based Business insurance policy from InsureBC provides tailored protection for your unique needs.
Can I utilize the cash value in my Permanent Life Insurance policy to cover premiums?
Yes, one of the benefits of Permanent Life Insurance is the ability to use the accumulated cash value to pay premiums. As the policy builds cash value over time, you may have the option to tap into this value to offset premium payments. This feature provides flexibility and can help ensure that your policy remains in force even if you encounter financial challenges. However, it's important to understand the implications of utilizing the cash value, such as potential impacts on the death benefit and policy performance.
How do I select the ideal Permanent Life Insurance policy and insurer?
Choosing the right Permanent Life Insurance policy and insurer requires careful consideration. Start by assessing your long-term financial goals and protection needs. Consider factors such as the coverage amount, premium affordability, policy features, and customer service reputation of the insurer.
Can I transfer my Permanent Life Insurance policy to another person?
Permanent life insurance policies are generally non-transferable. The policy owner and the insured individual are typically the same person. However, you may have the option to change the policy's ownership or beneficiary designation, allowing you to transfer the benefits to another person or entity.
It is crucial to carefully review the terms of your policy contract and seek guidance from our agents regarding any potential transfers.
Are there any medical exams required to qualify for Permanent Life Insurance?
The medical exam requirements for permanent life insurance vary depending on factors such as your age, coverage amount, and the insurance company's underwriting guidelines. Generally, larger coverage amounts may require a medical exam, which typically includes a physical assessment, blood tests, and medical history review.
Is Permanent Life Insurance suitable for retirement planning?
Yes, permanent life insurance can be a valuable component of retirement planning. It provides lifelong coverage and builds cash value over time, which can be used to supplement retirement income or cover expenses during retirement. The cash value growth in permanent life insurance is tax-deferred, allowing for the potential accumulation of funds that can be accessed in retirement.
Can I convert my Term Life Insurance policy into Permanent Life Insurance?
Most term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a permanent life insurance policy within a specified timeframe. This allows you to transition from temporary coverage to lifelong protection without the need for a new medical exam. It's important to review your policy terms and conditions to determine if conversion is available and understand any associated costs or limitations.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance policy that can provide financial protection against unforeseen events that may occur while traveling. It can cover things like trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, and more.
What types of equipment can I insure?
We insure a variety of sorts equipment, including bikes, canoes, kayaks, skis, snowboard, surfboards, windsurfers, paddle boards, golf clubs and more.
I have to cancel my event. Is event cancellation covered?
Event cancellation coverage is an important element to prevent financial hardship in case of the event’s cancellation. This coverage can also be particularly useful when the event is not entirely canceled as even certain expenditures due to unforeseen circumstances may be covered. These circumstances can include things such as catastrophic weather and other unpredictable circumstances. The coverage may include financial reimbursement to the insured for deposits and other charges paid or contracted to be paid for transport, catering services, accommodation, photographs, flowers or dress hire booked for but not used and other non-refundable cancellation expenses incurred. If you’re not sure whether your Special Events Insurance contains this coverage, do not hesitate to contact us. Our online product does not have the event cancellation coverage, but if you would like to have the option to be included, please contact us.
Where can I buy cheap Special Events Insurance in BC?
We are now pleased to offer Special Event Insurance online, through our website. We have made the buying process so simple, you merely have to answer a few easy questions and you’ll instantly have access to the insurance policy for your event. Not sure what you need? With over 90 insurance offices across BC, we are one of BC’s largest writers of Special Event Insurance. Each of our offices can assist you in finding you the best Special Event Insurance for the lowest possible price. Whether you are getting married soon, planning an anniversary party or attending a convention, we will find you the best coverage for your circumstance.
I keep my bike in my backyard or at a stand outside of my condo building overnight. Is this covered?
At night bikes must be kept locked and secure INSIDE a building. This means that they have to be locked inside your home, condo, or a secure condo bike room. During the day the bike can be outside, however it must be locked and secure.
Do you insure e-bikes?
Yes, we do insure e-bikes! Please fill out the quote form here, and once it’s submitted, we’ll reach out with a tailored e-bike quote. Please note the maximum watt allowance is 500W.
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