Let Us Help You Find the Answers You're Looking for...
Filter your Questions based on the Categories you like
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
I own a condo and rent it to someone else. Should I get Condo Insurance?
Absolutely! But, rather than a Condo policy, you’ll need a Rented Condo policy, also known as a Landlord policy. These differ significantly from a Condo policy where you live in the unit yourself as the exposures are somewhat different. You can get a quote for your Landlord insurance policy here. Those who use their Condo for occasional Airbnb rentals will require a different policy again, as the exposures are somewhat different. If you’re not sure which policy to purchase, don’t hesitate to contact one of our insurance advisors.
How much does condo insurance cost in BC?
One major benefit of condo insurance is that it is generally inexpensive to purchase. Despite condo insurance rates in Vancouver being on the rise recently, the annual cost of a typical condo insurance policy in Vancouver does not have to set you back more than $400-$500/year, depending on the insurance coverage you select. More than anything, however, for those who own or are looking to buy a condo in Metro Vancouver, or other parts of the province, it is important to find a condo insurance policy that fits the unique needs of both your individual unit as well as the strata corporation. Be forewarned that it is not always about the lowest rate when it comes to reviewing insurance quotes. Make sure your insurance company provides coverage for the areas you need, whether that’s a certain type of replacement cost coverage or special coverage to protect you from possible water damage.
What is condo deductible protection?
Your strata corporation has a policy insuring the whole building and common areas. They have a deductible, which is the amount that they are responsible for in the event of a claim. Condo deductible protection helps protect you if the deductible is assessed back on to you by your strata corporation.
If I make improvements or renovations to my unit, will they be covered?
While your Strata corporation’s insurance policy will typically cover original fixtures and fittings, your Condo Insurance will cover any improvements that you have made, including materials and supplies being used to conduct the upgrades. Be sure to review your Strata’s insurance policy to ensure your condo policy has enough coverages to match theirs to avoid being held liable for any gaps.
Is Condo Insurance mandatory in B.C.?
Condo insurance is not mandatory by law, however if you are applying for a mortgage, most lenders will impose this as a condition for mortgage approval. Whether mandatory or not, it is extremely important to protect your investment.
What does home insurance cover?
The basic coverages included in any homeowners policy are coverage for your home and its contents, as well as your personal liability, anywhere in the world. More specifically, for those who live in their homes year-round, your homeowners insurance will typically cover: The building (ie the dwelling) Detached Structures on the premises, like a garage, shed outhouse, etc The Personal Property you own, such as computers, books furniture, electronics, clothing, books, jewellery, etc Any trees and shrubs located outside and on the premises Your Additional living expenses, should you have to relocate as a result of a covered claim The loss of any rental income after making a claim, if applicable. Your homeowners insurance typically also covers the same things for your spouse and any relatives who are living with you in the same household. Keep in mind that you can typically customize your insurance policy to get the right type and amount of insurance for your specific needs, such as adding a high-end bicycle or an expensive piece of jewelry. It’s always good to keep your policy current and up to date with the value of the personal possessions of everyone on the policy to ensure you’re adequately covered.
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.
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.
Can I utilize the cash value in my Permanent Life Insurance policy to cover premiums?
Yes, one of the benefits of Permanent Life Insurance is the ability to use the accumulated cash value to pay premiums. As the policy builds cash value over time, you may have the option to tap into this value to offset premium payments. This feature provides flexibility and can help ensure that your policy remains in force even if you encounter financial challenges. However, it's important to understand the implications of utilizing the cash value, such as potential impacts on the death benefit and policy performance.
How do I select the ideal Permanent Life Insurance policy and insurer?
Choosing the right Permanent Life Insurance policy and insurer requires careful consideration. Start by assessing your long-term financial goals and protection needs. Consider factors such as the coverage amount, premium affordability, policy features, and customer service reputation of the insurer.
Can I transfer my Permanent Life Insurance policy to another person?
Permanent life insurance policies are generally non-transferable. The policy owner and the insured individual are typically the same person. However, you may have the option to change the policy's ownership or beneficiary designation, allowing you to transfer the benefits to another person or entity.
It is crucial to carefully review the terms of your policy contract and seek guidance from our agents regarding any potential transfers.
Are there any medical exams required to qualify for Permanent Life Insurance?
The medical exam requirements for permanent life insurance vary depending on factors such as your age, coverage amount, and the insurance company's underwriting guidelines. Generally, larger coverage amounts may require a medical exam, which typically includes a physical assessment, blood tests, and medical history review.
Is Permanent Life Insurance suitable for retirement planning?
Yes, permanent life insurance can be a valuable component of retirement planning. It provides lifelong coverage and builds cash value over time, which can be used to supplement retirement income or cover expenses during retirement. The cash value growth in permanent life insurance is tax-deferred, allowing for the potential accumulation of funds that can be accessed in retirement.
Can I convert my Term Life Insurance policy into Permanent Life Insurance?
Most term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a permanent life insurance policy within a specified timeframe. This allows you to transition from temporary coverage to lifelong protection without the need for a new medical exam. It's important to review your policy terms and conditions to determine if conversion is available and understand any associated costs or limitations.
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.
The Ultimate Guide to Homeowners Insurance in BC - 2024
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.