Insurance for Renters in British Columbia

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Tenants and Renters Insurance in BC

Widely known as ‘renters insurance’, tenant insurance is designed for people who rent the place in which they live, whether that’s a house, condo, apartment or basement suite. A simple and affordable insurance policy to protect their personal belongings as well as their personal liability exposure. Contrary to popular belief, while your landlord is responsible for insurance on their building, the coverage he/she has does not extend to cover your personal property or liability. That’s where a BC tenant insurance policy comes in handy.In many cases, landlords require tenants to hold a tenant insurance policy as a stipulation in the lease agreement, ensuring that tenants are protected against potential risks.

Similar to condo insurance, tenant insurance is an affordable insurance product, and quite simple to buy. In fact, we have partnered with one of Canada’s leading insurance companies to offer you the ability to buy renters insurance online. It only takes a matter of minutes to get renters insurance in Vancouver or throughout the rest of the Province by using our online tool. Our system provides tenant insurance quotes and offers the ability to buy the coverage that best suits your needs. right from the comfort of your home.

Contrary to popular belief, renters insurance can actually be purchased at a relatively low cost. Before we cover the insurance rates, however, let’s have a look at the insurance coverage offered for renter insurance by Canada’s largest insurance companies.

Policy Overview

Illustration of personal belongings in a house, representing the need for contents insurance for tena

Personal Belongings

Unfortunately, accidents are a part of life, but if you are somewhat prepared for them, they do not necessarily have to be devastating. For example, if the water in your bathtub is left running unattended and the place floods, would you have enough money to replace all of your possessions? Now may be a good time to make a list of your belongings to help you determine the amount of contents coverage you require to ensure you are adequately protected.

Illustration of a lawyer and contract discussing personal liability for tenant insurance in BC

Liability

Whether you own your place or rent it, tenant insurance coverage ensures you are legally protected for anything that happens to someone else while on your premises. If you have unsafe conditions in your own living area, you are responsible if someone hurts themselves. If the injury is serious enough, you could end up having to pay for damages as a result of a court case. Finally, liability coverage would also kick-in should a fire or flood in your residence cause damage to other units in your building.

Illustration of additional living expenses covered under tenant's insurance in BC

Additional Living Expenses

If you have to temporarily relocate while your unit is being repaired after a covered loss, this part of the policy will provide coverage for additional costs such as hotel, meals, storage costs and other living expenses.

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Optional Add-ons and Customizations

Earthquake

To cover any damage caused to your home as a direct result of an earthquake, you can add this coverage to your home insurance policy.

Water Protection

This coverage provides broader water damage protection for loss or damage caused by sewer backup, an overflowing appliance or overland flood from surface water or ground water. This coverage may not be available to all BC residents.

Other Customizations

In addition to a number of add-ons, our online home insurance policy provides a number of flexible customizations. You can set the limits that you want, schedule personal property, and more.

Coverage Details

Our online home insurance policy offers a comprehensive insurance solution. It features a series of industry-leading coverages with elevated coverage limits, while being backed by a superior, locally operated claims service. Check out our chart for the key components of our online home insurance policy.

There are a number of optional coverages available that do not form part of the standard tenants package but should be given some serious consideration when buying insurance. Sewer backup coverage, for instance, is designed to help protect you and your belongings in the event of damage as a direct result of your sewer backing-up.  Earthquake coverage, on the other hand, provides coverage for a loss or damage caused by an Earthquake. You can select your own deductible (calculated as a percentage of the limit placed on your personal belongings) and you're all set.

Coverage Type

Amount of Coverage

Dwelling
From $250,000 to $1,200,000, Guaranteed Replacement Cost
Detached Private Structure
Up to 10% of Dwelling Limit
Personal Contents
Up to 70% of Dwelling Limit
Personal Liability
Up to $3,000,000
Identity Theft
Up to $15,000
Sewer Backup
Up to Dwelling Limit - If Eligible
Bicycles
Up to $3,000 Unscheduled
Jewelry, Watches, Gems
Up to $10,000 Unscheduled

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Tips & Tricks

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Build your claims-free discount

Most insurance carriers provide discounts to those who have gone several years without experiencing an insurance claim.

Paying annually

Paying annually for your premium typically offers savings over monthly financing.

Frequently asked Questions

Is tenant insurance mandatory in British Columbia?

Many landlords in British Columbia require their tenants to purchase tenant insurance prior to moving in. Luckily, it is among the most affordable and simple insurance products in the marketplace. Depending on coverages, your policy can start as low as $20 per month.

Why do I need tenant insurance? Isn’t insurance my landlord’s responsibility?

Both parties should have an insurance policy as each one will cover different things. The landlord's insurance covers the property itself, their contents, loss of rental income, and premise liability. This coverage does not extend to tenants. Tenants insurance covers your personal belongings, your own tenant liability insurance, and any extra living expenses that you would incur should you have to temporarily relocate while your place is being repaired.

Does the tenant insurance cover hotel and food costs?

Yes, tenant insurance typically covers additional living expenses such as hotel and food costs if you need to temporarily relocate due to a covered loss. For instance, if your apartment becomes uninhabitable due to fire or water damage, your policy will cover your temporary housing costs and meal expenses until you can move back in. This provision ensures that you’re not left stranded or financially burdened by unexpected events. Always review your policy’s specifics to understand the limits and conditions of this coverage.

How many roommates are allowed on a tenants insurance policy?

Roommates are not covered by tenant insurance policies, as each tenant must have their own policy. Please note, immediate family members do not qualify as roommates and will be automatically covered by the policy.

How much does Tenant's Insurance cost in BC?

Tenants insurance is among the most affordable and simple insurance products in Vancouver and the rest of the BC marketplace. In many situations, the cost of tenant insurance is far lower than people expect. Depending on the coverages you select and the number of possessions you own, a typical tenants insurance policy can start as low as $20/month. All of our offices specialize in Tenants insurance and represent Canada’s largest and most reputable insurance companies. Our online system is backed by a number of licensed insurance brokers who are true experts in the field of Tenants Insurance. We have just put the entire purchase experience online to allow you to purchase it on your own. Give it a try and get a quick renters insurance quote.

You may also be eligible for discounts by bundling your tenant insurance with other policies, such as car insurance.

Despite what some people believe, renters insurance can actually be purchased at a relatively low cost. Before we cover the insurance rates, however, let’s have a closer look at the coverage offered within a renter insurance policy, offered by one of Canada’s largest insurance companies.

Looking to File a Claim?

Our dedicated claims department is committed to making the claims process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you need to file a claim for your home, vehicle, or business, we have the expertise to guide you through the process.

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