Car insurance & ICBC
Renew your ICBC insurance at Port Place from 8:30 a.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays. Whether you drive Highway 1, commute across town or head for the ferries, we’ll also review optional coverage for your car, motorcycle or RV.
Western Coast Insurance · Port Place, Nanaimo
Your local insurance
broker at Port Place
Our Port Place Mall location is your neighbourhood insurance partner in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. We help residents of South Nanaimo, the Old City Quarter, Harewood, Brechin Hill, Departure Bay and nearby communities with car insurance, ICBC renewals, home and condo insurance, and business insurance.
648 Terminal Ave #105 · Nanaimo, BC
Advice, Coverage, and ongoing support
How your Port Place broker helps
Understand your coverage
We explain what’s covered, what isn’t and where your limits are, in plain language, so you know what your policy actually protects.
Review limits and deductibles
We’ll walk you through your plan, including what you may need to pay out of pocket if you make a claim.
Compare insurance options
We compare coverage, limits and pricing across multiple insurers to help you find an option that fits your needs and budget.
Spot gaps in coverage
We look for areas where you may not have enough protection, so you can address them before you need to make a claim.
Keep your insurance up to date
Buying a home, renovating, adding a driver or starting a business? We’ll help make sure your coverage keeps up as things change.
Get help with a claim
We’re here to help you understand your coverage and guide you through the next steps.
Port Place Broker Location Details
Broker information
Your Western Coast team in downtown Nanaimo. Find our contact details, hours and location below.
Port Place, Nanaimo, British Columbia
- Contact your Port Place broker
- 1-844-802-7619
[email protected] - Visit us
- 648 Terminal Ave #105
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5E2 - Hours · Pacific Time
- Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
648 Terminal Ave #105Nanaimo, British Columbia
Open map ↗People helping people
What Port Place customers say
Sometimes the best way to get to know a broker is to hear from their customers. See what people have to say about working with our Port Place Nanaimo team.
An enjoyable renewal
“I always have an actually enjoyable experience renewing my vehicle insurance here. Today with Sammy it was great. Prompt, professional, friendly. Could not recommend this branch higher!”
Small office, big rewards
“Small office with big rewards. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff. I’ve found this company to have the most reasonable insurance rates in the market. You’d have to offer me something pretty special to switch.”
Support through a claim
“I have been coming to Western coast insurance for almost five years. Staff are all very friendly and welcoming. Hailey is especially wonderful and goes above and beyond to put my mind at ease and help me through the process of insurance claims.”
Part of your community
Brokers who live
and give back here.
Nanaimo is known for its coastal setting, active downtown and strong community connections. From the Port Place area and the Old City Quarter to local schools, shelters and neighbourhood programs, we’re proud to support customers throughout the city.
Whether you live near the waterfront, commute across the city, attend VIU or run a business close to Nanaimo Harbour, your insurance should fit your life. A downtown condo, a family home in Harewood and a shop near the harbour each come with their own unique insurance needs.
Your insurance should reflect your home, vehicle, business and how you actually use them. Our brokers can help you take a personalized look at what makes sense for you rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Contact your Port Place broker →Part of Western Financial Group
Western Coast Insurance Services has been part of Western Financial Group since 2013. That means our Port Place customers get local BC insurance advice, with the resources of a national insurance brokerage.
Coverage for the life you’re building
Insurance we offer in downtown Nanaimo
Insuring a downtown condo, a family home, a car or a business in Nanaimo? Our Port Place brokers compare options from multiple insurers, so you’re not relying on a single provider.
Home insurance
From single-family homes in South Nanaimo and Harewood to character homes in the Old City Quarter, we’ll help protect your property, belongings and liability, with rebuild costs, water and earthquake options in mind.
Condo & tenant insurance
Own a condo downtown or near the waterfront, or rent near VIU? Your strata or landlord only insures the building. We’ll cover your belongings, upgrades, liability and strata deductible.
Business insurance
Downtown Nanaimo businesses across retail, hospitality, professional services and trades can access insurance that protects property, liability and day-to-day operations.
Boat, RV & motorcycle
Moored in Nanaimo Harbour or exploring Newcastle and Protection islands? Tell us how you use and store your boat, RV or motorcycle so your coverage keeps up.
Travel insurance
With ferry terminals, the seaplane harbour and regional travel routes close by, Port Place is a handy stop before a trip. Compare TuGo travel insurance with our brokers.
Your local ICBC Autoplan broker
Renew your ICBC insurance
with our Port Place team.
Start online and choose Port Place on the request form. A broker will call to help complete your renewal. Prefer to talk in person? Visit us at Port Place Mall on Terminal Avenue, or call us to plan your next step.
Submitting a request does not activate or extend coverage.
Local questions worth asking
Downtown Nanaimo risks to review with your broker
Where you live can make a difference to your insurance. From low-lying waterfront areas to downtown condos, student rentals and earthquake risk, our Port Place brokers with Western Coast Insurance Services can help you understand what your policy covers, what it doesn’t and whether there are additional options worth considering.
Low-Lying Waterfront Areas
The Regional District of Nanaimo identifies the area as low risk for tsunami, with an estimated wave height of less than 2 metres above normal sea levels, but this can still cause some damage to low-lying areas. Homes and businesses near the harbour especially should know how their policy treats earthquake and water damage.
Ask your Port Place broker
Review home coverage If water came ashore after an earthquake, what would my policy cover for my home or business? Am I covered for sewer backup?
Downtown Condos and Strata Deductibles
Downtown Nanaimo has a growing number of condos. Your strata’s policy covers the building, but you could be responsible for part of the strata deductible if a leak or fire starts in your unit, along with your upgrades and belongings. Condo insurance can help fill those gaps.
Ask your Port Place broker
Review condo insurance How much strata deductible coverage do I need for my building?
Businesses Near the Harbour
Shops, restaurants and offices downtown depend on foot traffic, utilities and suppliers. Commercial insurance can cover your property, inventory and liability, and business interruption coverage may help when an insured event forces you to close for a while.
Ask your Port Place broker
Explore business insurance Would my business interruption coverage apply if damage next door forced me to close?
Earthquake Coverage
Nanaimo shares Vancouver Island’s seismic risk. Earthquake damage isn’t generally included in a standard BC home or condo policy, but coverage may be available as an add-on. Your broker can help you understand what it would protect and how the deductible works.
Ask your Port Place broker
Explore earthquake protection Does my policy include earthquake coverage, and what would I pay before it applies?
For household preparedness information, visit the Regional District of Nanaimo’s tsunami information.
Your local broker, your questions
Insurance FAQs for downtown Nanaimo
Living downtown, renting near VIU or running a business by the harbour? Here are a few questions Port Place customers often ask.
What types of insurance can I get at Western Coast’s Port Place broker?
Our Port Place brokers can help with ICBC renewals and optional car insurance, home, condo and tenant insurance, business insurance, life and travel insurance. The options available will depend on the insurer, what you’re insuring and your individual circumstances.
When is the Port Place broker open?
We’re at Port Place Mall, 648 Terminal Avenue, Unit 105. We open early on weekdays, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What does ICBC Basic Autoplan include?
ICBC Basic Autoplan is mandatory for every vehicle registered in BC. It includes $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, Enhanced Accident Benefits for injury care and recovery, Underinsured Motorist Protection of up to $1 million per insured person, and inverse liability where local laws don’t let you claim against the other driver. Many Nanaimo drivers add optional coverage such as extended third-party liability, collision and comprehensive. Our brokers can help you review which options fit how you drive.
What is extended third-party liability?
ICBC Basic includes $200,000 in third-party liability. If you’re responsible for a crash that injures someone or damages property, costs can go well beyond that. Extended third-party liability is optional Autoplan coverage that raises your limit, often to $1 million or more, and many drivers choose it.
Do I need condo insurance if my strata already has insurance?
Yes, in most cases. The strata policy covers the building and common areas, not your belongings, upgrades or personal liability. Condo insurance can also help pay your share of the strata’s deductible if a claim starts in your unit, which can be a significant amount.
Do VIU students need tenant insurance?
It isn’t required by law, but many landlords ask for it. Tenant insurance protects your belongings and covers your liability if a fire or leak starts in your unit - it's a good idea to have it! If you live away from home, check whether a parent’s home policy extends to you to potentially save some money.
Is earthquake insurance included with home insurance in Nanaimo?
No. Standard home insurance in BC does not include earthquake coverage, but it can usually be added as an endorsement. Nanaimo shares Vancouver Island’s seismic risk, so it’s worth reviewing with your broker.
Earthquake coverage typically includes dwelling coverage to repair or rebuild your home, personal property coverage for belongings like electronics and furniture, and loss-of-use coverage for additional living expenses while your home is repaired.
Earthquake deductibles are often a percentage of your coverage limit rather than a fixed amount, so ask us to show you the dollar figure.
Is downtown Nanaimo at risk from a tsunami?
The Regional District of Nanaimo identifies the area as low risk, with an estimated wave height of less than 2 metres above normal sea levels, which may still damage low-lying areas. If you feel strong shaking near the water, move to high ground right away. We can review how your policy treats earthquake and water damage.
What insurance does a small downtown business need?
Most businesses start with commercial general liability and property coverage for their equipment, inventory and improvements. Depending on what you do, you may also need business interruption, crime or professional liability coverage. Tell us about your business and we’ll help you compare options.
Is Western Coast Insurance part of Western Financial Group?
Yes. Western Coast Insurance Services is part of Western Financial Group. Western Coast serves customers in British Columbia while benefiting from the broader nationwide resources of Western Financial Group.
Need claims help? Find Western Coast’s claims reporting information →
More local brokers
Western Coast brokers near Port Place
Spending time elsewhere on central Vancouver Island? These Western Coast brokers can also help with ICBC, home and business insurance.
Aulds Road
Nanaimo, BC
6581 Aulds Rd #300, Nanaimo1-844-802-7602View Aulds Road brokerBeverly Corners
Duncan, BC
2749 Beverly St Unit B, Duncan1-844-802-7604View Beverly Corners brokerMill Bay
Mill Bay, BC
2734a Barry Rd, Mill Bay1-844-802-7617View Mill Bay brokerYour Port Place insurance team
Talk to a Port Place broker or get a quote online.
Have a question or ready to get started? Choose your insurance product online, or call our local team for help with your next step.
Your broker will confirm your coverage and when it starts.
Insurance is subject to insurer eligibility, terms, limits, conditions and exclusions. Policy wording determines coverage.
Western Coast Insurance Services 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.