Tenant insurance for renters in British Columbia (BC)
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Tailored tenant insurance for renters in British Columbia
Whether you’re renting a condo in urban Vancouver, an apartment in Surrey or a house in the family-friendly city of Delta, Sonnet
Why do I need tenant insurance in BC?
Tenant insurance isn’t mandatory in British Columbia, but it’s highly recommended. That's because your landlord’s policy doesn’t cover your personal belongings. Think about all the stuff you own and how much it would cost to replace everything. In BC, the average cost of a content insurance claim is $10, 492.1 Surprised? Your stuff is valuable. Tenant insurance also includes personal liability – this coverage is usually why landlords want their tenants to have their own insurance. Accidents happen and when they do, it’s better to file a
What does tenant insurance cover in British Columbia?
Here are some of the common coverages included in tenant insurance in BC and a few additional coverages that we think you should have. Remember, every tenant policy is different. Be sure to review your tenant insurance policy so you know what’s covered and what’s not.
Standard tenant insurance coverages
Protect yourself and the people in your home in case you’re sued with tenant liability insurance. You’re covered if someone gets hurt while visiting or for damage you may unintentionally cause.
Often called contents insurance, this protects anything you own that you could pack in a bag or put in a moving truck. Contents insurance in BC covers things like your clothing, electronics and furniture. These are covered while they’re on your property or temporarily removed (like when you’re travelling to work or out of the country).
In case something happens and you can’t live in your apartment in BC, you’re covered while your unit is being repaired. Choose to stay in a hotel or with friends and family. We’ll help cover your extra living expenses either way.
You’re covered for the cost of any damage to improvements you’ve made to your rental unit to make it your own. This could be built-in closet organizers or unique light fixtures.
Additional tenant insurance coverages
This coverage can help in some smelly situations. If water backs up or escapes into your rental unit through a sewer, sump, septic tank or floor drain, this will cover you for the damage caused. Coverage offered depends on eligibility.
You’re covered for damage to your belongings caused by fresh water, such as excessive rain, spring run-off and melting snow, coming in at ground level through windows and doors. Coverage offered depends on eligibility.
This protection covers you for loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from an earthquake. You’re also covered if the earthquake shock results in snowslide, landslide, or other earth movements that cause damage to your property.
This covers you and anyone else on your policy in case your identity is stolen. We’ll reimburse you for legal fees as well as certain other costs, up to a limit. These could include lost wages if you have to take time off work to sort it out, and payment for services that help you restore your identity.
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Questions about tenant insurance in BC? We've got answers
Getting a
In Canada, the average cost of renters insurance is $30/month which totals around $360 per year, give or take.2
Insurance companies calculate the cost of tenant insurance based on unique things like:
- Where your rental is located and the property type
- The age of the home and the condition that it’s in
- Insurance history like past claims
- Age, credit score (if applicable), etc.
Based on this information and a whole lot of insurance math, you’ll get a price for tenant insurance that’s just for you! Not ready to commit just yet? No problem, start by getting a quote to lock in your price for 45 days or until the coverage start date (whichever comes first).
If you have renters insurance in BC your spouse, common-law partner and your kids are already covered by your policy. Anyone else who is living with you and is on your lease can be added to your tenant policy when you purchase insurance.
To add your roommate to an existing Sonnet policy:
• Log in to your account
• Select the policy you want to edit
• Choose Tenants and select Add a tenant
• Enter requested details such as date of birth, email and phone number
• Select Add
Your roommate is now added to your policy.
Yes, there are coverage limitations for certain belongings. Some personal belongings fall into a category called standard limits. These items or covered up to a fixed-dollar limit and these limits cannot be increased. Things like business property, gift cards and spare auto parts fall into the standard limits category.
You’ll see a full list of items in the standard limit category when you complete a tenant insurance quote. If you’re already a home customer – find the list in your policy wording document.
Learn how your
It’s easy for BC residents to get a tenant insurance quote with Sonnet. Simply start a home quote, answer a few questions and customize your coverage, then you’re all set. You can buy your policy now or if you’re not ready yet, we’ll save your quote for 45 days (as long as no changes are made) or until your selected coverage start date (whichever occurs first).
The cost of tenant insurance is based on several factors such as public information about the place you’re renting and your personal information. Here are things can impact your rate:
- Where your rental is located
- Home structure, age, type of heating, etc.
- Number of past insurance claims
- Information about you (age, credit score if applicable, etc.)
Using this information and a whole lot of math and statistics, you get the most competitive price – savings included. The whole process takes just minutes and the price you’re quoted is final. Buy online right away or save your quote and lock in your price for 45 days or until the coverage start date (whichever is sooner).
No, renters insurance, like home insurance, isn’t mandatory by law in BC. However, some landlords
Sometimes the unexpected happens like your laptop gets stolen while you’re moving. Or there’s a fire in your building and you can’t live in your apartment while your unit is being repaired. You’ll be glad that you have tenant insurance so you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for unforeseen scenarios.