Get a free quote in minutes and see how much you could save.
Do you own a condo in BC? Get coverage that’s right for you
Make sure you have the right insurance for your condominium or townhouse. Whether you live in Vancouver, Richmond, or Burnaby, get a condo insurance quote online in minutes. Get a customized quote, in language you can understand, at a competitive price – and do it all online. We’ve simplified getting condo insurance, so you can focus on what you love.
Are you renting a condo unit as a tenant? Get a quote online for renters insurance.
If you’re renting out your condo to a tenant, take a look at our landlord insurance.
What does condo insurance cover in British Columbia?
Although condo insurance policies can differ, here are some of the common coverages you can find. Don’t forget to review your policy to learn how you’re covered (and where you aren’t).
Standard condo insurance coverages
Protect yourself and the people in your home in case you’re sued. With personal liability coverage, 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. Your stuff is covered no matter where it is (whether it’s in your condo in BC or not). If you’re renting out your condo, only major appliances are covered for theft.
If you can’t live in your condo during repairs from a claim – you’re covered. You can choose to stay in a hotel or with friends and family. We’ll help cover your extra living expenses either way. Renting out your condo at the time of loss? You’ll be covered for your net rental income until your tenants can move back in.
This includes three extra protections:
- Unit improvements coverage
Have you been making improvements or upgrades to your unit – like installing special lighting or customized closets? Don’t worry, they’re covered.
- Unit contingency coverage
This coverage protects you if your condo corporation’s insurance isn’t enough to take care of damages to your unit, that would normally be its responsibility to repair or replace.
- Property loss assessment coverage
Your condo corporation could require its members to collectively pay for any damage to common areas (like the lobby or elevators). This coverage will pay for your share.
Additional condo insurance coverages
This coverage can help in some smelly situations. Your unit and belongings would be covered for damage caused by sewage that backs up in your unit through a sump, septic tank or floor drain. It also includes belongings in your condo’s basement storage unit. If you can’t get into your condo because the lobby or lower levels are affected, you’d also need sewer backup coverage so that extra living expenses (like living in a hotel during repairs) are covered. Coverage offered depends on eligibility.
You’re covered for damage caused by fresh water, such as excessive rain, spring run-off and melting snow, coming in at ground level through windows and doors. If you can’t get to your unit due to an overland water flood in your condo’s lobby or lower levels, you’d need this coverage to get help with extra living expenses (like living in a hotel). It also includes belongings kept in your condo’s basement storage unit that are damaged. 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.
Ways to save on condo insurance in British Columbia
You can save if you’re a member of an eligible association, an affinity partner, or an employee or retiree of a sponsored company. It’s easy – start an online quote and search for the name of your organization or association. A few organizations that trust Sonnet:
Questions about condominium insurance? We’ve got you covered
Insuring your condo should be simple. That’s why we’ve made getting a condo insurance quote quick and easy. Check out our blogs and frequently asked questions (FAQs) and learn more about condo insurance.
- At home
Condo Insurance 101: What’s covered and what’s not
While a home would have a single policy to cover everything, your condo has two different policies that provide different types of coverage. Confused already? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.
- At home
Water Damage: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Flooding, sewer backup, and water damage can be costly. Learn about water damage insurance and what types of water damage home insurance covers here.
- At home
How are my personal belongings covered?
We’ve recruited our very own expert and licensed Insurance Advisor, Tawsif, to unpack everything you need to know about how your belongings are protected under your home policy. We figured it’s easiest to hear him explain it …
No. Sonnet doesn’t cover short-term rentals through any home sharing service, including Airbnb and Vrbo. This applies to all our property policies ¬(homeowners, condo, and landlord). Under the terms of our renters insurance, tenants also aren’t allowed to offer short-term rentals of their apartment or house – or a room in their unit – through one of these networks.
If you’re offering short-term rentals via one of these services and something happens where you need to file a claim, your claim could be denied.
Want to know more about how Sonnet covers long-term rentals? Check out our FAQ about renting out your home, condo, or rental property. Or, contact us! We’re here to help.
Condo insurance covers certain types of water damage caused by sudden or accidental events. For example, you'd be covered if your bathroom pipes burst or your dishwasher leaked all over the kitchen floor.
Some condo insurance water damage coverages, like sewer backup and overland water, aren't included in a standard policy. You can add these optional coverages to your policy for extra peace of mind.
Condo insurance helps cover your personal belongings, improvements to your unit, personal liability and certain costs your condo corporation may ask you to pay.
A standard policy generally covers:
- Personal belongings (contents): covers items you own, like furniture, electronics and appliances, if they're damaged or lost due to a covered event like fire or theft.
- Unit improvements and betterments: Helps cover upgrades you've made to your unit, like hardwood flooring or custom closets.
- Personal liability: Protects you financially if someone gets hurt in your condo unit or you accidentally damage someone else's property.
- Property loss assessment: Helps cover your share of repair costs if your condo corporation asks owners to contribute after damage to the building or shared spaces.
Insurers look at a few key factors to calculate your premium. These details help us understand how likely you are to file a claim and what it might cost.
Let’s look at a few of those factors:
- Your condo’s location: Local risks like severe weather or theft can affect your price. For example, what you pay for condo insurance in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia can vary quite a bit.
- Your coverage: The amount of insurance you choose can affect how much you pay. Generally, more coverage means a higher premium.
- Your deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket when you make a claim. A lower deductible typically means a higher premium, but less to pay if you make a claim. A higher deductible means a lower premium, but more to pay if you make a claim.
- Your claims history: If you’ve made insurance claims in the past, your premium could be higher.
While condo insurance isn’t legally required in Canada, you’ll likely still need it. Most mortgage lenders require proof of insurance before they’ll finalize your mortgage, and many condo corporations require it before you can move in.
Without condo insurance, you’d have to pay out of pocket to repair damage or replace your belongings after a fire, theft or water damage. These costs can add up fast. That’s why having your own coverage is a smart choice, even when it’s not legally required.
Your appliances may be covered by your personal condo insurance or your condo corporation's master policy – it all depends on how they're classified.
Appliances you own are generally covered under your Sonnet policy if they're damaged by a covered event, like a fire. Some built-in appliances might fall under your condo corporation's master policy instead. Check with your condo corporation to see what their insurance covers.
Renting a condo from someone else? Your landlord's insurance will generally cover appliances they own. If you've purchased your own appliances, your tenant insurance may cover them instead.
The type of insurance you need for your townhouse depends on whether a condo corporation governs the property. If it does, you'll typically need condo insurance. If not, you'll need a standard home policy instead.
Not sure which applies to you? Check your property ownership documents to see if a condo corporation is listed.
