Harbord – The Home Insurance People is an expert at Home Insurance in British Columbia.
We might be biased, but we really think that BC is the most beautiful place on earth. From the ocean views on Vancouver Island to the Rockies’ mountain terrain, we live in the best province. However, all of that beauty does come with some specific concerns regarding Home Insurance.
Here are three things you should keep in mind when buying Home Insurance in BC
Earthquake Insurance
If you live in BC, you’re probably more than aware of the risk of ‘The Big One’ hitting certain parts of our province. You may have grown up with Earthquake drills as a yearly school routine. If you’re living in one of those high-risk Earthquake zones, it’s crucial to ensure that your policy has enough Earthquake insurance to protect you if (or when) it happens.
Earthquake Insurance can be confusing, with many different options for what is covered, how much is covered, and how much you would need to pay (the deductible) if you had to make a claim. It can also double the cost of your insurance if your home is located in those high-risk zones. If you have added or are considering adding Earthquake Insurance to your policy, ensure your broker can explain the coverage you’re paying for and the available options. Want to know more about preparing for an earthquake? Click here.
Flood Coverage
In the last few years, the insurance industry has made some drastic changes regarding covering floods in homes. It used to be that there was zero coverage for an actual flood. If water rising from a freshwater source came into your home, you would be on your own to repair the damage. Recently more and more insurers are adding their own versions of flood coverage to policies. If you are in an area prone to floods or live near a freshwater source, you should have this coverage on your policy. If your current insurer doesn’t offer this coverage, try getting comparison quotes from other companies that do offer that coverage.
Keep in mind that the insurance companies continue to exclude saltwater flooding. Unfortunately, Home Insurance in BC still won’t cover tsunami damage.
Pipes Freezing
If you’re living in one of the province’s colder areas, you won’t be worried about Earthquakes. However, you probably want to ensure your pipes are covered if they freeze during those sub-zero temperature days. Most policies automatically cover this. If you leave your home for a vacation, some companies require you to have someone visit the house every day.
Not all policies require this but confirm whether your policy does before leaving town. Even if you don’t have any requirements, it may make sense to drain your pipes to give you peace of mind. We hope you’re going somewhere warm!
RELATED: Which BC Cities Are The Most Expensive For Home Insurance?
Contact Us!
Harbord – The Home Insurance People are proud to be British Columbians, and we’re experts in Home Insurance in BC. If you have any questions about the coverage you should be looking for in your area, send us an e-mail at [email protected] or call us at 1.844.544.4663.
