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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 much does Travel Trailer Insurance Cost in BC?
Most Travel Trailer products are very competitively priced. Each company offers different coverages and coverage limits. Contact one of our offices to find the best product for your needs.
Is New Vehicle Replacement Insurance worth having on a leased vehicle?
Yes! Nowadays, most leasing companies will build GAP insurance into their contracts, but most people don’t realize that GAP is more designed to protect the Lessor as opposed to the Lessee. In the event of a Total Loss, GAP insurance will make up the difference between what a person owes on their leasing contract and the vehicle’s actual cash value. This leaves the Lessee with no vehicle, and nothing to put towards a new one. Our New Car Replacement policy would pay the Insured the difference between the actual cash value settlement that the Lessor received for the loss vehicle, and the cost of the brand new model year, which can then be applied as a down payment towards a new lease or financing contract for a replacement vehicle.
Is there a discount if I have more than one motorcycle insured with ICBC?
Multi-vehicle discounts may be applicable depending on the number of motorcycles insured under the same policy. Speak to your InsureBC broker to find out about this option.
My transaction is not eligible online, now what?
No problem! If you cannot renew your policy online, our licenced insurance agent can assist you in one of three simple ways: Step 1: Visit an office near you to renew your policy in-person. Step 2: Call any of our offices to renew your policy over the phone. Step 3: Complete the renewal request form online and we will contact you to renew your policy via email or over the phone.
What cannot be done online?
You cannot renew your policy online if: It is for a jointly owned vehicle It is for a leased vehicle. It is for a company-owned vehicle It is for a motorcycle It is for a collector vehicle It is a commercial policy It is expired You want to add, remove or change your ICBC optional coverages during the renewal You have outstanding debt owed to ICBC Other potential ineligibilities
What does basic auto coverage from ICBC provide?
Basic coverage from ICBC includes third-party liability, accident benefits and uninsured motorist protection.
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 cash out my 20-Year Term Life Insurance policy before the end of the term?
While 20-Year Term Life Insurance policies do not typically have a cash value component like permanent life insurance policies, there may be options available depending on the specific terms and conditions of your policy. It's important to review your policy contract and consult one of our agents to understand if any cash surrender value or surrender options exist for your particular policy.
I’m retiring or losing my insurance from my workplace. How can I replace it?
If you're retiring or your workplace insurance is coming to an end, replacing it with a 20-year term life insurance policy or a permanent life insurance policy, can be a consideration. This provides continuous life insurance coverage that fits your needs. You can receive life insurance quotes directly from our agents or by dropping by one of our offices.
What if I already have insurance through my employee benefits?
Even if you have life insurance coverage through your employee benefits (it is usually quite limited) supplementing this with a personal 20-year term life insurance policy can be beneficial. This can ensure that you have continuous coverage, even if you switch jobs or lose your employee benefits.
Do you have to be Canadian to apply for 20-year term life insurance?
Most life insurance companies in Canada require applicants to be Canadian residents to apply for a 20 year term life insurance plan. However, some policies may extend to non-residents under certain conditions. You can acquire life insurance quotes directly from our representatives or by visiting any of our physical locations.
What happens if I die while my 20 year term life insurance policy is still active?
If you pass away within the term of your 20-year term life insurance policy, your beneficiaries will receive a tax-free lump sum payment, known as the death benefit. This could provide significant financial support, helping your loved ones cover various expenses, from daily costs to substantial commitments such as mortgage payments.
What’s not covered in a 20-year term life insurance plan?
While a 20-year term life insurance plan covers death due to most causes, there can be exclusions. These may include deaths resulting from undisclosed medical conditions or suicide within a specific initial period (typically two years). Understanding the terms and conditions of your specific 20-year term life insurance policy is critical.
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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