Homeowner/Condo/Tenant

NOTE: All of the insurance policy and coverage information contained in this website is subject to the actual policy wordings - the points herein are a general summary of details most commonly found in our policies and they are not intended to amend or replace any of the terms or conditions of your actual Insurance Policy.

Who's Covered?
Your BC Land & Insurance policy covers you, your spouse, your children and any relative living at your address. It also covers anyone in your care who is under 21 years of age.

Your policy also covers your dependants while they are living outside the home but are attending College or University.

In some circumstances, coverage extends to partners in common-law relationships and to children born of such relationships. The rules vary from Insurance Company to Insurance Company, please consult with your BC Land & Insurance customer service representative for specifics.

Who's Not Covered?
Your BC Land & Insurance coverage does not extend to people living in independent suites located in your home - even if these people are relatives. Tenants must purchase separate coverage.

What's Covered?

Buildings
Your BC Land & Insurance policy covers the replacement cost of your Principal Residence (subject to the policy limits) including:

1. The Principal dwelling and attached structures;
2. Permanently installed outdoor equipment;
3. Outdoor swimming pools and attached equipment;
4. Materials that are intended for use in construction or repair of your home or other structures on your property.

Personal Property
Your BC Land & Insurance policy covers the replacement cost of your Personal Belongings and the personal property of anyone covered by the terms of the policy (subject to the policy limits). This coverage includes protection against damage or loss due to any insured peril for items in your home or items temporarily located anywhere in the world.

The total amount of Personal Belongings coverage depends on the value of the overall policy and your personal needs. However, there are limits to this coverage for items such as jewellery, furs, coins, bicycles, antiques, collectible. These items can be insured for higher limits than those in the standard policy wording, you should discuss with your BC Land & Insurance customer service representative.

If you choose, the coverage also includes the personal property of others while it is stored on your property or if it has been borrowed by anyone covered by the terms of your policy.

Liability
Your BC Land & Insurance policy provides liability protection against lawsuits filed on behalf of someone who dies or is injured on your property.

Limits from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 can be arranged. All coverage is subject to the deductibles and terms & conditions stated on your policy.

What is Not Covered?
Your BC Land & Insurance policy will protect you and your family under most circumstances. However, all insurance companies place some limits on basic coverage most notably damage caused by War or Insurrection.

The basic policy does not include earthquake coverage - although you can purchase this protection. Your policy does not include protection against floods (surface water) although it does cover damage caused by sewer back-up, broken pipes or water mains.

Your coverage does not extend to wilful damage by anyone covered under the terms of your policy.

Your Responsibilities as a Policyholder
Your BC Land & Insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company that protects you and your property against loss or damage caused by any number of perils. As a party to the contract, you have certain legal obligations.

1. You must limit the risk of personal injury through regular maintenance of your property and elimination of hazardous conditions that may develop.
2. You must limit the risk of fire damage or personal injury through the use of smoke detectors.
3. You must do every thing reasonably expected to limit damage once it occurs. For example, you would be expected to turn off the water if a pipe burst or board up a door if it was broken by thieves.
4. You must arrange regular care for your home if you are going on a prolonged vacation.

In summary, you should do everything possible to protect your property - limit and eliminate your exposures to loss "as if" you had no insurance at all. If these efforts fail then your insurance policy is there to help you through the subsequent loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have decided to sell my home and purchase another. Does my insurance follow me to my new location?

A. No. Insurance coverage and premiums are unique to the home you own. However, you personal property will be covered under your old policy for 30 days beginning the moment begin your move. You should consult with your BC Land & Insurance customer service representative to arrange coverage for your home and to continue coverage of your old home until it is sold. Your existing policy can be transferred to your new home but it is not automatic, we must know the full underwriting details of the new home first.

Q. I am going on vacation for a week. Are there any special precautions that I should take to protect my home and property?

A. Yes, most certainly. There are many things you can do to reduce the risk of experiencing a loss while you are away. As they say..."an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Nothing could be more accurate when it comes to insurance - having a loss is never a good experience even if you have great insurance, fires burn up years of memories that can never be replaced and burglaries cause great upset and leave a sense of personal invasion that haunts for long periods. Some conditions apply which may effect or even Void your coverage such as:

• In the heating season you must have the home checked every 48 hours to make sure the heating stays on and the pipes don't freeze. Alternatively you can have the water system drained to avoid freezing if the heating goes off. Have a trusted family member, friend or neighbour move in to house sit for you while you are away.
• Have a trusted family member, friend or neighbour move in to house sit for you while you are away.
• Have a trusted family member, friend or neighbour gather the mail & newspapers from your porch daily.
• Have a trusted family member, friend or neighbour open the drapes and blinds to change the look of the house from day to evening, so it looks occupied. You can also use timers on interior lighting and porch lights towards the same goal.
• Tell trusted family members, friends or neighbours that you are away and ask that they keep an eye to unexpected activity in your home.
• Have someone mow your lawn and take care of other routine outdoor chores.

For more information please contact B. C. Land and Insurance by email: home@bclandinsurance.com or by phone 250-478-5588.