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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.
How do I get my decal?
As of May 1st, 2022, you no longer need a decal on your licence plate
How do I know how much insurance is right for me?
It depends on multiple factors including vehicle type, where you live and use the motorcycle, as well as other unique circumstances. Your InsureBC broker can help determine which types of coverage are best suited for you and provide quotes accordingly.
How do I know if Private Auto Insurance is for me?
Get in touch with one of our 80 Autoplan locations who can assess your individual situation and help you determine whether a Private Auto Insurance carrier is for you. We’ll give you a number of car insurance quotes so that you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal. Our offices can also assist you in obtaining a quote for your home insurance, travel insurance, business insurance and a number of other insurance products. Regardless of the insurance company, we will get you the most comprehensive coverage at the lowest possible price.
How do I make a claim for my new vehicle replacement policy?
All claims are processed in-house by our dedicated Optional Auto Division, Drivesure, and can be submitted in a number of different ways. You can submit your claim via an online submission form located on our website, through your issuing insurance agent or broker, or by contacting our auto department directly at 1-888-480-6641. Documents can be submitted via email or fax, and claims are processed within 1-2 business days of receiving all documentation.
How do I renew your license, or book a road test?
Visit the nearest ICBC Service location to you.
How much does Optional Auto Insurance cost in BC?
Similar to your Basic ICBC Auto Insurance, the cost for Optional Car Insurance depends on a number of factors, including your age, driving experience, the type and use of your vehicle, the limit of coverage you purchase and the size of the deductible you select. The higher your deductible, the lower your annual premium and vice-versa. Let one of our Autoplan agents assist you with getting an accurate quote for the most suitable insurance coverage.
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.
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.
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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.
