Insurance Guides

Plain-language answers to common insurance questions in BC.

Two Real Stories: Visitor Medical Insurance for Family Coming to Canada

Parents, relatives and friends visiting Canada have no provincial health coverage. One hospital stay can cost a fortune. Two real cases on why visitor medical insurance must be bought before anything happens — and why buying it afterward is too late.

Parents Visiting on a Super Visa: How to Choose Insurance (Coverage, Pre-existing Conditions, Refunds)

A Super Visa requires qualifying medical insurance. This article explains the coverage requirements, pre-existing condition clauses, refund rules and key buying points so you don't make costly mistakes.

How New Immigrants Can Use Overseas Driving History for an ICBC Discount

New to BC and buying car insurance? Your driving history from back home can save you a lot on premiums. This article explains what documents you need, the process and common mistakes.

Buying Car Insurance as a Student in BC for the First Time

Buying your first car as a student in BC — how do you set up ICBC coverage? This article explains Basic Autoplan, optional coverages, how to save money, and common beginner mistakes.

The Full ICBC Claims Process: How to Report, and How Much Your Premium Goes Up

Had a crash or vehicle damage in BC? How does an ICBC claim work? This article covers reporting steps, the claims process, how fault affects your premium, and whether to report a minor scratch at all.

What Business Insurance Does a Restaurant or Small Shop Need

Opening a restaurant, bubble tea shop, nail salon or small store — what business insurance do you need? This covers the basics — CGL liability, property, business interruption — plus what your lease and licence may require.

Bought a Condo? The Difference Between Strata Insurance and Personal Condo Insurance

Your condo already has strata insurance — so why buy your own? This article explains how the two divide responsibility, what personal condo insurance covers, and the risk of being assessed the strata deductible.

Renting in BC: Do You Really Need Tenant Insurance?

Should renters buy tenant insurance? This explains what it covers, roughly what it costs, why your landlord's insurance won't save you, and when it's all but mandatory.

The Difference Between Landlord Insurance and Owner-Occupied Home Insurance

Renting out your home — can you still use your owner-occupied policy? This explains the difference between landlord and owner-occupied insurance, the extra coverage landlord insurance adds, and the claim risk of using the wrong one.