Coverages Offered in British Columbia

We use plain language to help you understand the laws affecting home insurance. If your question is not answered here, please contact us.

What home packages are available?

Depending on your circumstances, we offer comprehensive and standard policies for tenants, condominium owners, and homeowners. We also have a broad form package available for homeowners (read on for definitions!). In addition, we can customize your policy to increase your protection. For example, you can increase your limits on jewellery and bicycles for an additional premium. 

What is a deductible?

The deductible is the part of your loss that you pay yourself. In some cases, you can buy a lower deductible by paying an additional premium. 

What is Canadian Direct Insurance's standard coverage?

Subject to the limitations, exclusions and conditions set out in the policy, a standard package covers you for the following specified perils:

• fire, lightning, or explosion other than if the fire follows or results directly or indirectly from an earthquake,
• smoke from a heating or cooking unit in or on the premises,
• falling object which strikes the exterior of the building,
• impact by aircraft or land vehicle, satellite or spacecraft,
• riot, vandalism, or malicious acts,
• water damage,
• weight of ice, snow or sleet,
• windstorm or hail,
• transportation,
• theft, attempted theft or burglary,
• glass breakage (not applicable to tenants' policies).

What is comprehensive coverage?

Subject to the limitations, exclusions and conditions set out in the policy, a comprehensive policy generally works in the opposite manner to a standard package. Instead of listing everything you are covered for, the comprehensive policy states you are covered for everything and then lists the exceptions to the coverage in the exclusions and conditions set out in the policy. Typical claims which are covered by the comprehensive policy, but would not be covered by the standard policy, include:

• disappearance of property
• spills on furniture and/or carpeting
• higher amounts of coverage for items with special limits

To be eligible for a comprehensive policy, you must have no claims in the past 3 years and the building must meet certain age and update requirements. Comprehensive policies are also available for tenants or condominium unit owners who take a minimum of $40,000CAD coverage for their contents. 

What is broad form coverage?

Subject to the limitations, exclusions and conditions set out in the policy, a broad form policy gives you specified perils coverage on your contents and comprehensive coverage on your building. Because we are not insuring the building for condominium unit owners or tenants, this option is only available to homeowners. 

What are the limits on property?

The following tables outline items with limits that people typically increase. These are not complete lists of all property limits. Please talk to a Canadian Direct Insurance advisor for more details.