What Do You Know about Home Insurance in B.C?

September 22, 2025

B.C. home insurance doesn’t cover everything, but it does protect against unexpected events such as fire, vandalism, and some severe weather-related losses.

Understanding what your British Columbia home insurance covers — and what it doesn’t — is essential. Let’s break down some of the most common coverage questions homeowners ask.

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What’s home insurance?

Home insurance is a type of property insurance that protects your B.C. home and its contents from losses caused by events such as theft, fire, storms, or other covered risks.

It also typically covers personal belongings and may help pay for additional living expenses if you must live elsewhere while your home is repaired following a covered loss.

In Canada, home insurance policies generally respond to sudden and accidental damage, rather than damage that occurs gradually or due to neglect.

Why is liability insurance part of homeowner’s insurance?

Your B.C. home insurance policy includes personal liability coverage, which helps protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property.

Liability coverage provides financial protection if you’re found legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage, whether it occurs at your home or is caused by your actions elsewhere. This protection is especially important when accidents lead to legal claims or lawsuits.

Do I have to get home insurance?

In Canada, home insurance is not legally required, but most mortgage lenders require it to protect their financial interest in the property.

Even if your home is mortgage-free, carrying home insurance in British Columbia is strongly recommended to protect what may be your most valuable asset.

Here are 9 common questions about home insurance

Does B.C. home insurance cover a barbecue fire?

Most home insurance policies cover damage caused by an accidental barbecue fire. If a barbecue fire damages your home, deck, yard, or outbuildings, your policy will usually respond, subject to your deductible and coverage limits.

Does my B.C. home insurance cover my boat?

Home insurance may provide limited coverage for small, low-value boats, depending on size, value, and engine horsepower.

Many policies automatically include small watercraft such as canoes or rowboats, typically valued under $3,000, under 26 feet long, and with engines of 50 horsepower or less. Coverage is often limited and may exclude theft.

Always review your policy details and confirm coverage with your insurer. For broader protection, consider separate B.C. boat insurance.

My neighbour’s tree fell on my house. Whose insurance covers this?

In most cases, your own home insurance covers damage caused by a neighbour’s tree if the fall was due to a sudden and accidental event like wind, ice, or snow.

You would file a claim with your insurer, who would pay for repairs (minus your deductible), up to your policy limits.

Your neighbour is not liable unless there was clear negligence, such as ignoring a known hazardous or dead tree.

If my basement is flooded, does B.C. home insurance cover cleanup and damage?

Standard home insurance does not cover all types of basement flooding. Coverage depends on the cause of the water damage and the optional coverages you’ve selected.

If flooding results from a sudden internal issue — such as a burst pipe or appliance failure — B.C. home insurance typically covers cleanup and repairs.

Overland flooding from heavy rain or rising water usually requires a separate endorsement added to your policy.

Does B.C. home insurance cover sewer backup damage?

Sewer or drain backup damage is generally only covered if you’ve purchased a sewer backup endorsement as part of your home insurance policy.

A neighbour’s car hit my house. Whose insurance pays?

If a vehicle damages your home, the driver’s auto insurance typically pays for repairs under property damage liability coverage.

However, homeowners should still notify their home insurance provider so both insurers can coordinate repairs and, if needed, pursue subrogation.

Is my pool insured under B.C. home insurance?

Pools are usually covered under B.C. home insurance, but coverage depends on pool type and construction.

In-ground and indoor pools are typically covered under dwelling coverage, while above-ground pools may fall under personal property limits.

I had a bonfire that damaged my neighbour’s shed. Whose insurance covers this?

Your home insurance policy liability coverage usually pays for damage to your neighbour’s property caused by an accidental fire.

This process may involve subrogation, where insurers recover costs from the responsible party’s insurer.

How do I know which home insurance policy pays?

If damage results from a sudden, accidental event, your own home insurance usually pays first, even if someone else caused the loss.

If negligence is involved, your insurer may seek reimbursement from the other party’s insurer after paying your claim.

Final thoughts

B.C. home insurance protects what is often your largest financial investment. Understanding your coverage — and its limits — helps you avoid surprises when the unexpected happens.

5 FAQs

Why are B.C. home insurance claims denied?

Common reasons include negligence, excluded losses, misrepresentation, missed deadlines, and failure to meet policy conditions.

How are pet-related incidents handled?

Pet-related injuries or property damage are usually covered under personal liability coverage. Damage caused by your own pet to your property is typically not covered.

Why does false information void a claim?

Providing inaccurate or misleading information can be considered misrepresentation and may void your home insurance policy.

Do I need to tell my insurer about renovations?

Yes. Unreported renovations can result in denied claims related to renovation-related damage.

Do I need to report long-term vacancy?

Yes. Leaving a home vacant for over 30 days without notifying your insurer may void coverage due to increased risk.