Vacation Rental
Insurance BC
Specialized insurance for BC short-term rental hosts - Airbnb, VRBO, and direct bookings. Standard home policies exclude STR activity entirely; without proper coverage, a single guest claim can void your policy. We arrange BC STR Act compliant coverage for properties in Whistler, Tofino, Kelowna, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and across British Columbia.
Most BC hosts are uninsured and don't know it
Standard home insurance policies in Canada specifically exclude commercial use - and short-term rental qualifies as commercial. If you rent on Airbnb, VRBO, FlipKey, or even direct booking, your home insurance does NOT cover guest claims, host liability, or rental income loss.
Worse: insurers can void your entire home policy if they discover undisclosed STR activity at claim time. A single guest fire, slip-and-fall, or water leak could leave you paying out of pocket for the rebuild plus liability damages.
As of May 1, 2025, the BC Short-term Rental Accommodation Act also requires every host to register provincially and comply with municipal bylaws. We help BC hosts arrange compliant insurance and understand the regulatory layer.
What BC vacation rental insurance covers
Properly structured STR insurance covers six core areas. We compare quotes from multiple BC carriers to find the right mix for your property and rental frequency.
Building & Dwelling
Coverage for the physical structure of your vacation rental against fire, water damage, wind, theft, and other insured perils. Replacement cost endorsements available for higher-value properties.
Contents & Furnishings
Furniture, appliances, electronics, kitchen equipment, linens, and decor. STR policies typically cover contents at higher limits than standard home policies given the wear-and-tear of frequent guests.
Host Liability
Personal liability if a guest is injured on the property or accidentally damages another unit (water leak, fire spread). Most policies include $1M-$5M in liability with options for higher umbrella coverage.
Loss of Rental Income
If the property is uninhabitable after a covered loss (fire, water damage, etc.), this coverage replaces lost rental income while repairs are made. Critical for properties where the rental is a primary income source.
Guest Property Damage
Some policies include coverage for guest belongings damaged by a covered event on your property. Helps avoid disputes and chargebacks. Coverage limits and conditions vary by carrier.
BC STR Act Compliance Documentation
We help you understand exactly what coverage your property needs to satisfy provincial registration, municipal bylaws (Whistler RMOW, Vancouver, Tofino, Kelowna, etc.), and Strata insurance requirements where applicable.
BC vacation rental regions we serve
We arrange vacation rental insurance for BC hosts province-wide. Each region has its own bylaw layer, common claim types, and insurance market dynamics:
Sea-to-Sky
Whistler (RMOW business licence + tourist zoning), Squamish, Pemberton. See our Whistler-specific page
Vancouver Island
Tofino, Ucluelet, Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley, Sooke, Sidney. Salt Spring + Gulf Islands.
Okanagan
Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Naramata, Osoyoos. Wildfire risk varies sharply by neighbourhood; coverage often requires specific endorsements.
Interior + Kootenays
Sun Peaks, Big White, Revelstoke, Fernie, Nelson. Many properties combine ski/ride + summer recreation use.
Vacation Rental Insurance FAQs
Common questions BC short-term rental hosts ask us.
Does my home insurance cover Airbnb or short-term rentals in BC?+
Almost never. Standard home insurance excludes commercial activity, and short-term rental is treated as commercial. Without a vacation rental policy or rider, a single guest fire, water leak, or injury claim can void your entire home policy and leave you personally liable for the loss.
What does BC vacation rental insurance typically cover?+
A proper STR policy covers: (1) the building and dwelling structure, (2) contents and furnishings, (3) host liability for guest injuries, (4) guest property damage, (5) loss of rental income if the property is uninhabitable after a covered loss, (6) some policies add bedbug remediation, theft by guests, and identity protection. Specifics vary by carrier - we compare options.
How much does vacation rental insurance cost in BC?+
Typically $1,500-$5,000/year for a BC vacation rental, depending on property value, location, occupancy frequency, and whether it is a primary residence with occasional rentals or a dedicated short-term rental. Whistler, Tofino, and Kelowna properties tend to be on the higher end given high rebuild costs and frequent rental activity.
What does the BC Short-term Rental Accommodation Act require?+
As of May 1, 2025, all BC short-term rental hosts must register with the provincial Short-term Rental Registry, display the registration number on every listing, and comply with local municipal bylaws (e.g. Whistler RMOW business licence). Non-compliant hosts face fines up to $3,000 per day. The Act applies to most STRs - principal residences and a few exemptions are detailed in the Act.
Do Airbnb and VRBO host protection programs replace insurance?+
No. Airbnb's AirCover and VRBO's host protection are limited liability programs with strict exclusions and dollar caps - they are NOT a substitute for proper insurance. Most BC carriers and STR insurance specialists strongly recommend a dedicated vacation rental policy in addition to the platform's coverage.
Can I get vacation rental insurance through InsureBC Squamish for properties outside Squamish?+
Yes. We arrange BC-wide vacation rental coverage. Our local concentration is Sea-to-Sky (Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton), but we serve clients with vacation properties across BC including Tofino, Kelowna, Penticton, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands. Most STR work is done by phone, email, and document upload - no in-person visit required.