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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.
What are Employee Health Insurance, Health benefits & Group Health?
Employee Health Insurance is a plan provided by employers covering their employees' medical expenses. Health Benefits encompass Employee Health Insurance and can also include other forms of coverage like dental, vision, and disability insurance. Group Heath is a type of insurance plan where the employer and employees collectively share the cost of coverage.
What is a companion benefit in group health insurance?
A companion benefit in group health insurance refers to additional coverage or services that complement the base health insurance plan. This could include services like mental health counselling or wellness programs.
What is employer-sponsored healthcare coverage?
Employer-sponsored healthcare coverage is a health insurance plan provided by a company to its employees. The employer typically pays a portion of the premium and the employee pays the rest.
How to choose the best group health insurance?
Choosing the best group health insurance involves considering the specific needs of your employees, the cost of the plan, the extent of coverage, and the reputation of the insurance provider.
How should startups get Group health insurance?
Startups can acquire group health insurance the same way any other business would, by reaching out to an insurance broker or provider. It's important for startups to consider the specific needs of their team and business model.
How does an employer start a group health insurance plan?
Starting a group health insurance plan involves contacting an insurance broker or provider, discussing the needs of the business and employees, and choosing a plan that suits those needs.
Can I buy sports equipment insurance online?
Yes! While our 90 locations across BC can assist you with purchasing Sports Equipment Insurance face-to-face, our Online Tool will instantly provide you with a quote and the ability to purchase a policy for your equipment, 24 hours a day, effective immediately. We are the only insurance provider in BC to offer Sports Equipment Insurance as part of our various insurance programs.
What does boat insurance EXCLUDE?
Our product excludes the following: Applicants under the age of 25 years old. Vessel aged 15 years and older. The hull of the vessel that is fiberglass, over wood, wood or Ferro-cement. Vessels with a propane fridge. Vessels with a maximum speed exceeding 50 mph. Vessels that are not checked on a regular basis.
What other benefits does this type of coverage offer?
Special events insurance not only provides financial protection against losses, but it can also help reduce stress and give organizers peace of mind when planning their event. It’s also an important part of risk management that can help protect your business from lawsuits or other litigation if something were to go wrong during your event. InsureBC offers special events insurance for businesses and organizations hosting large gatherings, festivals or other events in BC. With this policy, you can get financial protection against potential losses as well as reduce stress and have peace of mind when planning your event.
Who should consider purchasing special events insurance?
Individuals, organizations and businesses planning any kind of public gathering in BC should consider getting special events insurance in order to protect themselves financially if something were to go wrong during the event they planned.
What types of losses are covered under this policy?
This policy covers financial loss due to legal liability from claims made by third parties resulting from bodily injury, property damage or advertising injury caused by an insured’s negligence at the event site. It also offers coverage for loss due to cancellation of the event and/or non-appearance of key personnel (e.g., speakers) due to illness or accident.
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