Home Renovation and Insurance Claims in BC: What’s Covered

Will Your Home Insurance Cover Renovation Damage in BC?

Renovation creates insurance risks that many BC homeowners don’t consider — and discovering you’re not covered after a loss can be financially devastating. This guide clarifies what’s covered, what isn’t, and what you need to do before starting any major renovation.

Notify Your Insurer Before Starting

This is the single most important action: call your home insurance broker before any major renovation begins. Failure to notify can void coverage. Most standard home insurance policies have vacancy clauses (coverage reduced if home is unoccupied 30+ consecutive days) and construction exclusions.

Standard Home Insurance During Renovation

• Typically maintains coverage for fire, theft, and basic perils
• May exclude coverage for construction-related damage (water damage from renovation work)
• May exclude damage to renovation materials (cabinets stored before installation)
• Always excludes contractor negligence (their insurance covers that)

When Standard Coverage Is Insufficient

For renovations over $25,000–$50,000, most brokers recommend adding:

• Course of Construction (COC) endorsement: Covers the renovation in progress
• Builder’s Risk extension: Covers materials on-site before installation
• Vacancy permit: If the home will be empty 30+ days

What Contractor’s Insurance Covers

Your contractor’s Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance covers damage they cause to your home or third parties. It does NOT cover materials on-site, your personal property, or your home’s existing structure. Verify they carry minimum $2M CGL and request a Certificate of Insurance naming you as additional insured.

→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Planning Guide

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VGC Editorial Team

✓ Licensed Contractor500+ Projects15 Years Experience

Vancouver General Contractors has completed 500+ home renovations across Metro Vancouver since 2010. Our articles are written and reviewed by licensed contractors, project managers, and renovation specialists with hands-on field experience.

1044 renovation guides published on this site.

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