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What type of coverage do I need?
The type of coverage you need is typically based on the value of the home you live in, and therefore want to insure. The insurance company considers every little thing required to rebuild your home to the same state it was, before experiencing the loss. This includes items such as the number of stories of the home, the area covered by the dwelling, the possible presence of a garage, and even down to the basement, whether it was fully finished or not. It’s important to remember that the value you insure your home for is not necessarily a reflection of the current market value of your home or how much you think you could get for your home if you were to sell it today.
How much should I be paying for home insurance in BC?
The cost of your homeowners insurance policy will depend on a number of factors and can differ greatly between insurance carriers. One of the main factors affecting your premium is the location of your home. All major insurance companies use your postal code to determine the frequency and severity of the claims reported in your neighborhood, and they will use it to determine the risk, and therefore set the rate accordingly. For example, if you live in an area with a high likelihood of break-ins or vandalism, your rate could be higher than what you would pay in an area where those things are rare. The same can be sent for areas prone to flooding, forest fires, etc. Other items that affect your premium are the age, structure and construction type of your home, as well as the heating system you use, the type (and age) of your electrical system and of course your insurance experience, and the various optional coverages you choose to add, such as coverage for Earthquake, overland flooding and others.
Does homeowners insurance cover a home business?
Most homeowners insurance policies do not automatically extend coverage for a business that is being run out of the home. That doesn’t mean it cannot be added, however. Contact one of our insurance advisors if you’re unsure whether your home-based business can be added to your homeowners insurance policy.
Will my home insurance go up if I make a claim?
Depending on the nature of your loss, the premium you pay for your homeowners insurance policy the subsequent year may see an increase, but that’s not a guarantee. Depending on the type of policy you have, you may lose your claims-free status or you may lose your claims-free discount leading to a small increase in your policy premium. Other factors will also come into play, including inflation, the overall performance of your insurance carrier, and even claims-related data within the same period in your postal code.
What should my home insurance deductible be?
Within your homeowners insurance policy, the deductible is the amount that you agree to pay out of your own pocket before the insurance company gets involved to pay the remaining balance of a covered claim, up to the limit you have purchased in your policy. Depending on the homeowners policy you purchase, your main policy deductible can range from $500 to $5,000. The deducible you select should reflect the amount of risk you are willing to take on yourself. Keep in mind, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium, and vice versa.
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.
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 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.