Preparing for Disaster: Earthquake Insurance for your Home or Business

Marci • March 19, 2013

Preparing for disaster:  earthquake insurance for your home or business

 

With the devastating financial toll of the Feb 2011 earthquake in New Zealand predicted to reach $16-billion, many people in British Columbia are considering whether they should insure their homes and business against losses due to earthquakes.  And with good reason.

 

According to the Geological Survey of Canada, there is approximately a 10% chance that a subduction (oceanic plate) earthquake – similar in force as the catastrophic earthquake that killed over 300,000 people in the Southeast Asia – will occur off the coast of BC in the next 50 years.

 

There is a 12% chance that a crustal or shallow earthquake – similar to the Christchurch earthquake – would strike Vancouver in the next 50 years.  This type of earthquake could easily cause over $30-billion of structural damage to the city

 

Why should I have earthquake insurance?

 

A Habitat Insurance, we believe that the main objective of insurance is to protect you from a devastating loss from which you would find it difficult to financially recover.  A home or business is usually the most valuable asset that you will ever own.  So you must ask yourself,  “Could I easily recover without financial assistance if my home or business were damaged or destroyed by an earthquake?”  If the answer is no, you should seriously consider buying earthquake coverage.

 

Facts about earthquake insurance in BC

 

Earthquake insurance provides coverage for loss of or damage to personal property and buildings. It is optional coverage in all property insurance policies.

 

Earthquake rates are on the rise:  during the last 12 months, we have noted that many insurance companies have increased their premium rates and, with large losses such as those in New Zealand, this is a trend likely to continue.

 

If you own a detached home and have earthquake insurance, you will have coverage for the building and a certain percentage of coverage will be “built in” to the policy for personal property.  For example, a house valued at $500,000 replacement cost will be insured at $500,000 building cost with 80% ($400,000) for personal property.  (Depending on the insurance company, lower limits for personal property can be chosen. )

 

Insurance deductibles are always higher for losses due to earthquake.  Your house insurance or business policy may state $500 to $2,500 deductible for specific perils such as water damage.  Earthquake deductibles are typically stated as a percentage of the total loss.  So, if you have a 5% deductible on your $500,000 home, you will be responsible to pay the first $25,000.

 

A special note for condo owners about earthquake insurance

 

A condo owner policy provides coverage for your personal property, not the building.  (The building should have its own separate strata policy with earthquake coverage. )  You may also choose to add earthquake coverage to your condo policy.  We highly recommend that you do this, as your policy will can provide up to about $25,000for building earthquake deductibles coverage.

 

To illustrate the point more clearly, imagine this scenario:  your building is damaged/destroyed by an earthquake.  The condo owners will be responsible for paying the building earthquake insurance deductible.  A large strata building can be easily valued at $20,000,000; a total loss with a 10% deductible would result in a $2,000,000 earthquake deductible to pay.  If there is not enough money in the strata’s reserve fund, the remainder of the deductible to be paid will be divided between all of the condo owners.  If you have a condo owner’s policy with earthquake coverage, your insurance company will pay your portion of the deductible, up to the indicated policy limit.  If you don’t have earthquake coverage, your policy will likely pay no part of the earthquake deductible.

 

Condo policy limits can vary substantially for insurance deductible coverage.  Check with your broker about this important point.

 

How to pay less for earthquake coverage

 

Here are a few ways to reduce your premiums for earthquake coverage:

 

Location:   Premium rates for earthquake insurance in the Lower Mainland are highest for areas such as Richmond and parts of New Westminster, which would likely be most devastated by an earthquake.  You will pay lower rates elsewhere.

 

Deductible:   Ask for a higher earthquake deductible on your insurance policy.  For example, the standard earthquake deductible on your business or house insurance policy may be 5%.  You could opt instead for a 10% deductible.  Keep in mind that your deductible payment will also be much higher in the event of an earthquake claim.

 

Choose a lower personal property limit:   If you are home owner, some insurance companies will allow full value coverage for the building and a lower limit for personal property.  Ask your broker if this option is available.

 

 

 

If you have any questions about earthquake insurance for your home or business in British Columbia, or you would like a quote, please contact us:

 

Habitat Insurance Agencies, Ltd

 

Grace Catao – Managing Partner

 

Tel. 604-438-5241 / Cell 778-997-2583

 

Copyright © Habitat Insurance Agencies Ltd.   All rights reserved.

 

Disclaimer:  This article is designed to provide information for personal use only.  Please consult your professional insurance broker for further information. Habitat Insurance Agencies Ltd is not responsible for any legal disputes of this matter.

 

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How to Access Your Home Equity Wisely

By Marci Deane • April 1, 2026
Need to Free Up Some Cash? Your Home Equity Could Help If you've owned your home for a while, chances are it’s gone up in value. That increase—paired with what you’ve already paid down—is called home equity, and it’s one of the biggest financial advantages of owning property. Still, many Canadians don’t realize they can tap into that equity to improve their financial flexibility, fund major expenses, or support life goals—all without selling their home. Let’s break down what home equity is and how you might be able to use it to your advantage. First, What Is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on it. Example: If your home is valued at $700,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $500,000 in equity . That’s real financial power—and depending on your situation, there are a few smart ways to access it. Option 1: Refinance Your Mortgage A traditional mortgage refinance is one of the most common ways to tap into your home’s equity. If you qualify, you can borrow up to 80% of your home’s appraised value , minus what you still owe. Example: Your home is worth $600,000 You owe $350,000 You can refinance up to $480,000 (80% of $600K) That gives you access to $130,000 in equity You’ll pay off your existing mortgage and take the difference as a lump sum, which you can use however you choose—renovations, investments, debt consolidation, or even a well-earned vacation. Even if your mortgage is fully paid off, you can still refinance and borrow against your home’s value. Option 2: Consider a Reverse Mortgage (Ages 55+) If you're 55 or older, a reverse mortgage could be a flexible way to access tax-free cash from your home—without needing to make monthly payments. You keep full ownership of your home, and the loan only becomes repayable when you sell, move out, or pass away. While you won’t be able to borrow as much as a conventional refinance (the exact amount depends on your age and property value), this option offers freedom and peace of mind—especially for retirees who are equity-rich but cash-flow tight. Reverse mortgage rates are typically a bit higher than traditional mortgages, but you won’t need to pass income or credit checks to qualify. Option 3: Open a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Think of a HELOC as a reusable credit line backed by your home. You get approved for a set amount, and only pay interest on what you actually use. Need $10,000 for a new roof? Use the line. Don’t need anything for six months? No payments required. HELOCs offer flexibility and low interest rates compared to personal loans or credit cards. But they can be harder to qualify for and typically require strong credit, stable income, and a solid debt ratio. Option 4: Get a Second Mortgage Let’s say you’re mid-term on your current mortgage and breaking it would mean hefty penalties. A second mortgage could be a temporary solution. It allows you to borrow a lump sum against your home’s equity, without touching your existing mortgage. Second mortgages usually come with higher interest rates and shorter terms, so they’re best suited for short-term needs like bridging a gap, paying off urgent debt, or funding a one-time project. So, What’s Right for You? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right option depends on your financial goals, your current mortgage, your credit, and how much equity you have available. We’re here to walk you through your choices and help you find a strategy that works best for your situation. Ready to explore your options? Let’s talk about how your home’s equity could be working harder for you. No pressure, no obligation—just solid advice.

Smart Strategies to Save for Your Down Payment

By Marci Deane • March 25, 2026
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — March 18, 2026

By Marci Deane • March 18, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For anyone watching the mortgage market — whether you're renewing, purchasing, or simply keeping an eye on borrowing costs — here's a breakdown of what was announced and what it may mean for you.