Home Insurance – British Columbia
Your home is your sanctuary – it’s your safe space where you gather with family and friends and keep your most important belongings. It’s important to protect it with a comprehensive home insurance policy, so you’re never caught off-guard by unexpected expenses. Home insurance is the safety net you need to enjoy your home worry-free.
Westland Insurance is your go-to local insurance expert. A proud home insurance provider in B.C., our local advisors will help you find the policy you need for a price you’ll love. Start your online home insurance quote in British Columbia today!
Get InsuranceTypes of home insurance in British Columbia
Condo insurance
Suited for condo owners, this protects your unit, what’s in it, and renovations and upgrades you might make inside it. Made to complement your condo corporation’s insurance, it’s the protection you need to safeguard your investment. It also provides you with protection if you are assessed all or part of the strata corporation’s deductible in the event of a claim.
Tenant insurance
While your landlord’s policy will protect the structure of your home, you’ll still want tenant insurance – also referred to as renters or contents insurance – to keep your personal belongings safe. A tenant policy will also provide you with additional living expenses and personal liability coverage.
Insurance for rental properties
Get the right protection for your rental property to safeguard your investment. Be covered for rental income loss, commercial use, and personal property you’ve trusted your tenants with (like yard maintenance equipment).
Cabin & cottage insurance
Protect your home away from home with a policy for your cottage or cabin. With specialized coverage, we’ll help you find the right policy for even the most remote locations.
Mobile home insurance
Provides protection for your building, detached structures, additional living expenses, and personal liability.
Home insurance in British Columbia, explained
Standard home insurance policies in B.C. include coverage for the structure of your home, your belongings inside it, additional living expenses, and liability. Common risks covered by home insurance in British Columbia include fire, water damage, wind, theft, and vandalism. However, many B.C. homeowners choose to level up their home insurance by adding additional coverages for extra protection.
Extreme weather events are becoming more common so it’s no surprise that homeowners are looking for that added security – without adequate home insurance coverage homeowners would be left to cover the cost of repairs or replacement out-of-pocket.
Choosing the right home insurance policy can be daunting – but that’s what Westland Insurance is here for. Our local insurance experts understand the risks your home is up against and can help you build the home insurance policy you need to make sure you and your assets are protected.
When shopping for the best home insurance in British Columbia, you’ll want to ensure you have the coverage you need for peace of mind. See what comes standard, and what you might want to add to your policy.
Dwelling coverage helps cover the cost of rebuilding or repairing the structure of your home in the event of an insured loss.
This protects your personal belongings that are inside your home. They’ll be repaired or replaced if they’re damaged or lost due to an insured loss. Most standard home insurance policies will protect them whether they’ve been damaged at home or anywhere in the world.
This provides protection for additional structures on your property like a driveway, patio, fence, shed or gazebo.
Provides protection if someone is injured on your property by covering legal costs if you’re held legally responsible. This will also cover you if you cause injury or property damage to others either at home or anywhere in the world.
Suppose your home can’t be occupied due to a related insurance claim; your home insurance policy will cover Additional Living Expenses (‘ALE’) over and above your normal living costs during this time. The cost of alternative living arrangements will be covered, even extending to the additional cost of meals over and above your normal food costs until you’re back home or have access to cooking facilities in your temporary accommodation.
Covers direct losses or damage caused by an earthquake. Damage from subsequent tidal waves or tsunamis are not typically covered by this endorsement.
Helps cover loss or damage caused by water that enters your home as a result of torrential rainfall, the sudden rising of a fresh body of water, or the sudden melting of snow or ice.
Covers damage caused by the escape of wastewater or sewage into your home.
Helps pay for the repair or replacement of service lines to your home. This coverage can include underground water and sewer piping, electrical service lines, and more.
If your home requires repairs, this coverage protects you for any improvements required as a result of updated by-laws.
You can add certain belongings to your policy for extra coverage – think jewellery, fine art, expensive sports equipment. There are generally specific limits on standard home insurance policies to ensure your valuables are adequately protected.
Many homeowners are opting to add personal cyber protection. With more elements of day-to-day life being online, it’s more important than ever to protect your personal information and digital identity.
How much is home insurance in British Columbia?
There are many different factors that determine the cost of home insurance in British Columbia, including the age of your home, where it’s located, and more.
What factors determine the cost of home insurance in British Columbia?
How much you pay for home insurance in British Columbia depends on the coverage you choose, the type of home insurance you need, and other factors including:
Depending on how old your home is, it could be more at risk of a claim compared to others.
Your address provides insight into whether your area is prone to flooding, at risk of crime, and other common types of claims made. Its distance to services is also taken into account – your homes proximity to emergency services like a fire station or fire hydrant will affect your claims risk, and premium.
Some materials are harder to work with, could pose an increased risk, or increase the cost of repairs/replacement. The materials used during the construction of your home will inform the price of your insurance.
Your home insurance premium can be reduced when you’re eligible for discounts. Most insurance companies in British Columbia offer discounted rates for having a monitored or local alarm system, mature, or age-related discounts, having a good claims history, and more.
How to save on home insurance in British Columbia
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Optimize your policy
Another way to save on home insurance is to review and optimize the coverages that are included on your policy. You can install alarms, or water sensors, add or remove optional endorsements, and even adjust your deductible to save on your home insurance premium.
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Ask about discounts
Many insurance companies in British Columbia offer a menu of discounts you may be eligible for, bringing down the cost of your insurance.
Discounts on home insurance in British Columbia
If you’re looking for cheap home insurance in British Columbia, always ask about discounts you may be eligible for.
Customer 55+ can save more on home insurance.
Get rewarded for having a good home insurance claims history.
Protect your home with an alarm system to deter break-ins and theft.
Enjoy a loyalty discount when you stay with your insurance provider for multiple consecutive years.
Get ahead of water damage with a leak detection and shut off device.
Why choose Westland for British Columbia home insurance?
Expert advisors go above and beyond
Our advisors go the extra mile every step of the way and do the legwork to provide personalized home insurance coverage in British Columbia to suit your lifestyle.
We work hard to make things simple
Whether it comes to finding the right home insurance coverage or navigating a claim, we keep things simple and use language that everyone can understand.
Our large network of insurers means more choice
We have a large network of insurers that we can tap into - guaranteeing great rates and options - so you know you’re not missing out.
Example of a home insurance claim
There’s a wildfire heading towards your region, and there’s been an evacuation order. You have to find alternate living arrangements for you and your family while first responders work to contain the fire. Once you’re able to return you find that there’s been significant damage, making your home unliveable. What now?
Depending on your home insurance coverage, different parts of your policy may step in to help you recover:
Mass Evacuation coverage
Provides coverage for sudden expenses you personally incur when a mass evacuation order is issued for your neighbourhood or town, including Short-term shelter costs, such as a motel or hotel, travel costs such as gas, and increased food costs. This coverage is available even if your home is not damaged in the incident.
Additional Living Expenses
The cost of a rental, hotel room, food, and other living expenses will be covered while you’re displaced as the fire is contained. This coverage can also help cover your living expenses while your home is being repaired.
Building/dwelling
Damage to your home’s structure may be addressed and repaired to make things safe for your family again.
Personal Property coverage
Damaged items – like furniture, clothes, and electronics – that need to be repaired or replaced are typically covered under your Personal Property coverage.
Connect with us
Our expert advisors are waiting to help you find the perfect home insurance policy.
Find a branch
Come in and speak to an advisor to get a customized policy made just for you.
Request a quote
Start an online quote at your convenience, and we’ll help you select a plan that works for you.
FAQs about home insurance in British Columbia
No, home insurance is not mandatory in B.C. However, if you have a mortgage on the property or live on Leased Land you may be required by the lender, or the owner of the land to have a valid home insurance policy.
Because of the unique weather-related risks on the coast, many homeowners in B.C. opt to include Earthquake coverage to their home insurance policy.
Home Insurance costs are most affected by the details of your home including construction details, rebuilding costs and location, and insurance history.
Buy home insurance in British Columbia with confidence
Whether you’re shopping around for a new policy or just want to review your current coverage, our advisors are here to help. Contact us to get the protection you need at a price you’ll love.
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