Do I need house and fire insurance?

Joel Olson • June 9, 2017

All homes that have a mortgage need house and fire insurance.

Depending on the location of the home, they may require earthquake and flood insurance as well.

 

It is important to quote this out prior to removing subjects, as if the cost of insurance is higher than expected you

will be stuck if you do it after the fact.

 

House Insurance must cover the cost of the replacement value of the home, which means that the insurance policy

must cover whatever it costs to replace the home should the home be damaged, and the insurance company must

be listed as first loss payable.


When getting house insurance, if you feel like you are getting a quote that is much higher than expected, check

with your provider to see if their are any repairs, etc that may change the quote.


A man with a beard and a suit is smiling for the camera.
Joel Olson
GET STARTED
Two people reviewing papers at a kitchen table with a tablet and laptop, in a bright home interior.
By Joel Olson June 17, 2026
A reverse mortgage lets BC homeowners 55 and older access their home equity without monthly payments. Here is how it works, who it suits, and what to watch out for.
Four colleagues in a meeting around a laptop and papers in a bright office with city view.
By Joel Olson June 15, 2026
Alternative mortgage lenders approve files that banks won't. Here is a plain-language guide to how they work, who they help, and when they are the right choice in BC.