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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.
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 much does a surety bond cost in British Columbia?
The cost of a surety bond depends on various factors, such as the type of bond, bond amount, the risk associated with the obligation, and the creditworthiness of the principal.
What is the difference between a surety bond and insurance?
Insurance covers potential future losses, while surety bonds ensure that obligations are fulfilled. In other words, insurance protects against unexpected losses, while surety bonds protect against non-performance.
Who needs a surety bond?
Surety bonds are often required by contractors, government agencies, and individuals who want to ensure the fulfillment of obligations or compliance with regulations.
What is a surety bond?
A surety bond is a three-party agreement that ensures the fulfillment of a contractual obligation between the obligee and the principal, backed by a third-party surety company.
How much does home-based business insurance cost in BC?
Home-based business insurance is much more affordable than most small (home-based) business owners think. Depending on the nature of your business, how much equipment you have at home that is used for business purposes and how much revenue you anticipate generating, a home-based business insurance policy will only set you back as little as$50-75 monthly.
How much does Directors & Officers Insurance Cost in BC?
A Directors and Officers Liability policy is not nearly as expensive as people think. Depending on the roles the Directors and/or Officers are required to fulfill, a policy can start as low as $400 annually. Please contact one of our 90 locations for a free, no-obligation quote for D&O insurance.
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.
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