Short-term rentals and home insurance: the potential pitfalls

With the advent of websites such as Airbnb and VRBO for short-term rentals, many property owners are taking the opportunity to generate extra income by renting out their homes to visitors. Sounds like a great idea. Unless you are like the unfortunate Calgary couple whose home suffered approximately $150,000 damage last week during a “drug-fueled […]

The challenges of insuring older apartment buildings in BC

We are often asked at Habitat Insurance Agencies to quote on insurance for pre-1960s apartment buildings in British Columbia. During the last few years, we have seen significant increases in insurance rates for older buildings, much to the chagrin of building owners or buyers who are looking for competitive quotes. Additionally, fewer companies are willing […]

Tenants’ Insurance: Must-Have Coverage for Responsible Renters

If you rent a condo, apartment, or house, don’t make the mistake that many renters do by not having tenants’ insurance. Often renters don’t worry about getting insurance because they feel that their personal belongings aren’t valuable enough to warrant insuring them. The key point to remember is that tenants’ insurance covers far more than […]

Strata insurance in BC: rising rates and what you can do

Significant increases in insurance rates have been a common scenario that many strata councils and apartment building owners in British Columbia have had to contend with since 2012.  There are two primary reasons for the substantial upswing in insurance rates:  Rising claim costs:  insurance rates for strata are not keeping up with rising claim costs, […]

Contents in storage: insurance for your property away from home

Are you downsizing, in between homes, or needing to store your personal property for the short-term or long-term in a storage facility?  If yes, you should consider getting Contents in Storage Insurance.  Storage Insurance coverage protects your personal property against various perils, as well as providing liability coverage. Most professional storage facilities in BC advise […]

Pet insurance:  protect your pet and your finances

Anyone who has ever taken their cat or dog to the veterinarian knows how quickly the bills can pile up. Here is an effective way to help protect your beloved pet and your pocketbook.  Habitat Insurance Agencies Ltd is happy to announce that we can now offer our clients a 5% discount on pet health […]

New BC Tribunal for Strata Property Disputes and Small Claims Matters

Under BC’s new Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, a new dispute resolution and adjudicative body, the Civil Resolution Tribunal, which has authority to hear some strata property disputes and, where the parties agree, small claims matters will begin operations in 2014, according to BC’s Ministry of Justice. The new Civil Resolution Tribunal will provide an alternative […]

Beware of Buying Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Found a great deal on a car? The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) warns Canadians to avoid unknowingly purchasing storm-damaged vehicles. Make sure you have your Flood-Damaged car insurance ready before the disaster. After flooding disasters, such as those that occurred in Alberta and Ontario in 2013,  there are attempts by fraudsters to clean up […]

Automobile theft in Canada: how you can help prevent it

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, automobile theft costs Canadians every year close to $1-billion, including $542-million for insurers to fix or replace stolen cars, $250 million-in police, health-care and court-system costs and millions more for correctional services. Tips to help stop car theft: Always roll up your car windows, lock the doors and […]

New house insurance program for BC homeowners

We are pleased to announce that Habitat Insurance is now offering a new house insurance program for homes located in British Columbia.  This program offers  comprehensive coverage with generous features and special limits coverages at excellent premiums. Examples of homes recently insured under this program at Habitat Insurance: Building replacement cost of building* Total premium […]

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