Vancouver Home Insurance You Can Trust
Everything You Need To Know
Home Insurance in Vancouver: Recommended, Private
Average cost: $1000-$2000 / year
Includes: Theft Coverage, Fire Coverage, Liability Coverage
If you own a home in Vancouver—or are planning to—you already know how valuable real estate is on the West Coast. From heritage homes in Mount Pleasant to sleek downtown condos in Coal Harbour, your home is a major investment that deserves the right protection.
At Western Coast Insurance, we specialize in helping Vancouver homeowners get customized home insurance coverage that fits their lifestyle, property type, and budget. With a local office on West Broadway and decades of experience in BC’s Lower Mainland, our brokers understand the risks unique to Vancouver living—like rising sea levels, earthquakes, and seasonal rainstorms. Whether you own or rent, we’re here to help you stay protected.
How Home Insurance Works in Vancouver
Home insurance in Vancouver is designed to protect you financially if something unexpected happens to your home or belongings. It also provides liability coverage if someone gets hurt on your property. But not all home insurance policies are the same—and that’s where our experts come in.
Here’s what a typical Vancouver home insurance policy includes:
- Dwelling coverage: Covers the cost to rebuild or repair your home after damage from things like fire, wind, vandalism, or water damage (depending on the cause).
- Detached structures: Coverage for garages, sheds, laneways, and fences.
- Contents coverage: Protects your personal belongings—furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.—even when they’re temporarily outside your home.
- Personal liability: If someone slips and falls on your icy front steps, this helps cover legal and medical expenses.
- Additional living expenses (ALE): Pays for hotel stays, meals, and other costs if you’re forced to leave your home during repairs.
In Vancouver, home insurance also needs to account for coastal risks like flooding and earthquakes. While not automatically included, you can (and often should) add protection for these perils.
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Visit One of Our Vancouver Insurance Broker Locations
We believe home insurance should be personal—which is why our expert brokers are available right here in Vancouver to meet with you face-to-face.
Whether you prefer to discuss your coverage in person or want help choosing between policy options, our teams are ready to help at two convenient Vancouver locations:
40+
years caring for our customers
202
employees
28
locations
Over 40 Years of Dedicated Service
For over four decades, Western Coast Insurance Services has built a legacy rooted in personalized service, community connection, and professional insurance expertise. Originally founded as Coast Capital Insurance Services, we began with a simple but powerful mission: to help individuals and businesses in British Columbia protect what matters most.
In 2014, we proudly joined the Western Financial Group family, a trusted name in insurance across Canada. This transition marked a new chapter for our organization as we rebranded to Western Coast Insurance Services — uniting the local strength of Coast Capital with the national resources and stability of Western. While our name changed, our people, our commitment, and our purpose remained steadfast.
Our rebranding was more than a name update — it was a strategic evolution that allowed us to expand our product offerings, deepen our service capabilities, and reinforce our commitment to customers throughout B.C. The brokers you’ve trusted for years are still here, offering the same thoughtful advice, now backed by broader support and a stronger national network.
Today, we continue to serve British Columbians from Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland and beyond, delivering tailored personal and business insurance solutions with the same local expertise that’s been the foundation of our success since day one. Whether you need ICBC coverage, home insurance, or a customized commercial policy for your business, you can count on us to guide you with knowledge, honesty, and care.
Understanding Home Insurance: What Every Vancouver Homeowner Should Know
We get it—insurance can be full of industry jargon. At Western Coast, we believe in plain-language explanations so you can make informed decisions. Let’s break it down:
Policy Types:
- Comprehensive / All-Risk: Covers all risks unless specifically excluded. This is the most complete option and often recommended in Vancouver.
- Named Perils: Only covers events listed in the policy, like fire or theft. It’s cheaper, but offers less protection.
- Broad Form: A hybrid—comprehensive for the dwelling, named perils for contents.
Key Questions Answered:
- Do I need earthquake coverage in Vancouver? Yes. Vancouver is in a seismic zone and standard policies don’t include this automatically. It’s a smart add-on.
- What about water damage? Water-related claims are the most common in BC. Consider adding sewer backup and overland water protection.
- Do I need insurance if I live in a condo? Absolutely. Your condo corporation’s insurance doesn’t cover your personal belongings, liability, or any unit upgrades.
- What if I work from home? If you run a business from your home, let us know. You may need extra protection for equipment or liability.
What’s Included in a Standard Vancouver Home Insurance Policy?
Here’s a more detailed look at what typical policies include and what you might want to add:
Included in Most Standard Policies:
- Home structure (dwelling): Rebuilding costs based on replacement value, not market value.
- Detached structures: Garages, laneways, sheds, fences.
- Contents: Coverage for personal belongings up to a set limit.
- Liability protection: Usually up to $1M or $2M.
- Additional living expenses: Hotel, meals, temporary housing.
Common Add-Ons in Vancouver:
- Earthquake coverage: Especially important in Metro Vancouver.
- Sewer backup: Critical in older neighbourhoods with aging infrastructure.
- Overland water: Protection from flooding due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
- Service line coverage: Protection for underground pipes and wiring.
We work with top Canadian insurance providers to ensure your policy includes the protection you need, without paying for coverage you don’t.
What’s the Average Cost of Home Insurance in Vancouver?
Vancouver’s real estate is some of the most expensive in Canada, and home insurance rates reflect that. On average, homeowners in Vancouver can expect to pay:
- $1,200 to $2,000 per year for detached homes
- $600 to $1,200 per year for condos
- $300 to $600 per year for renters
These are general ranges. Your specific premium depends on:
- Home size, age, and construction materials
- Location and proximity to fire services
- Whether you’re in a floodplain or earthquake zone
- Claims history and deductible choices
- Whether you’ve bundled with auto or other policies
Want to lower your premiums? Our brokers can help you:
- Increase your deductible (higher risk, lower premium)
- Bundle home and auto insurance
- Install a monitored security system
- Stay claims-free for discounts
- Choose replacement cost over actual cash value
Vancouver Home Insurance FAQs
Is earthquake coverage included in standard policies?
No. You’ll need to add it. Given Vancouver’s location near the Cascadia fault line, earthquake coverage is strongly recommended.
What is overland water coverage?
It protects your home from water that enters due to heavy rainfall, river overflow, or melting snow—not from inside plumbing or sewer lines.
Does my insurance cover my basement suite?
If you rent out part of your home, you need to declare it. You may need landlord coverage or special liability protection.
What’s the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost pays for a new version of what you lost. Actual cash value subtracts depreciation—so you get less.
Do I need insurance if I’m renting?
Yes. Tenants need coverage for personal belongings and liability, even if the landlord has insurance on the building.
Why Choose Western Coast Insurance in Vancouver?
We’re not just another call centre—we’re part of your community. Our West Broadway team lives and works in Vancouver, which means we understand the city’s real estate market, climate risks, and neighbourhood quirks better than anyone.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We’re a broker: That means we compare multiple insurers to get you the best rate and coverage—not just one company’s offer.
- Local expertise: From East Van to the West End, we know Vancouver.
- Claims support that cares: We’ll guide you through the process if something happens.
- Custom policies: No two homes are the same—your insurance shouldn’t be either.
- In-person or online: Visit us on West Broadway, or get your quote started online.
Get a Personalized Vancouver Home Insurance Quote Today
Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Make sure it’s protected with expert guidance, local insight, and coverage that fits your life.
Western Coast Insurance Services Ltd. is a wholly owned division of Western Financial Group Ltd. Insurance products are underwritten by certain licensed insurance companies and are only available throughout British Columbia, Canada.