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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.
What is Permanent Life Insurance and how does it work?
Permanent Life Insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for your entire lifetime, as long as you continue to pay the premiums. Unlike term life insurance, which covers you for a specific period, permanent life insurance offers lifelong protection. It combines a death benefit with a cash value component that grows over time. The premiums you pay contribute to both the cost of insurance and the cash value accumulation.
How is critical illness insurance different from other types of insurance?
Critical illness insurance is specifically designed to provide a tax-free lump sum.
Can I convert my critical illness insurance to a different policy?
Yes, the ability to convert your critical illness insurance policy to a different policy type largely depends on your provider and the specific terms of your policy. However, not all policies have this feature. It's crucial to thoroughly read and understand your policy or discuss it with one of your insurance agents to know your options.
Do my kids need critical illness insurance?
While it's not pleasant to think about, critical illness insurance can provide financial security in the event of a child facing a serious illness. Connect with us today to explore your options and ensure your coverage aligns with your evolving life circumstances.
Do I need critical illness insurance?
Whether you need critical illness insurance depends on your personal circumstances, including your health risks, financial situation, and if you have dependents. It provides a financial safety net if you are diagnosed with a covered life-threatening illness.
Does critical illness insurance cover me for my whole life?
Critical illness insurance coverage duration varies by policy. Some provide coverage for your entire lifetime, while others may be term policies covering a specific period.
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.