Who licenses insurance brokers in British Columbia?

The Insurance Council of British Columbia licenses insurance agents, brokers, and adjusters in BC. You can check any broker's licence on the Council's public registry before you share information or buy a policy.

Do I need WorkSafeBC coverage as a sole proprietor?

BC employers must register with WorkSafeBC. Owners without workers can usually buy optional personal coverage. Many general contractors and property managers won't let you on a job without proof you're in good standing, so most trades carry it either way.

Can I buy business auto insurance from a private insurer in BC?

Only part of it. ICBC Basic Autoplan is mandatory for most vehicles and only available from ICBC. Extra third-party liability above the basic $200,000, plus collision and comprehensive, can be bought from ICBC or from private insurers through a licensed broker.

Does commercial property insurance in BC cover earthquakes?

Not by default. Earthquake cover is usually an added endorsement with a deductible set as a percentage of the insured value. It's worth asking a broker to compare deductibles, because they vary a lot between insurers.

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Commercial Business Insurance in British Columbia

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What shapes business insurance in British Columbia

Commercial insurance in British Columbia is shaped by risks you won't find in most of Canada. Earthquake exposure on the coast, atmospheric-river flooding in the Fraser Valley, and wildfire seasons in the Interior all feed into property pricing. Contractors also deal with WorkSafeBC clearance rules, Technical Safety BC licensing for electrical and gas work, and BC Housing licensing for new-home builders. Your vehicles work differently too: basic auto insurance comes from ICBC, and only the extra coverage is open to competition.

Key rules in British Columbia

Workers' compensation

WorkSafeBC clearance letters

If you hire a contractor who stops paying WorkSafeBC premiums, you can be held liable for what they owe. Before you pay a sub, get a clearance letter addressed to you. Brokers and general contractors will ask whether you do this.

Vehicles

ICBC basic plus optional

Every BC vehicle carries ICBC Basic Autoplan, which includes $200,000 of third-party liability. Higher liability limits and collision coverage can come from ICBC or a private insurer. That optional layer is where brokers can compete for your business vehicles.

Property

Earthquake and flood deductibles

Earthquake deductibles on BC commercial property are usually a percentage of the insured value, not a flat amount. On the coast and in the Fraser River delta, that can mean a very large deductible. Flood cover is often a separate endorsement.

Licensing

Technical Safety BC and BC Housing

Electrical and gas contractors need a Technical Safety BC contractor licence. For electrical contractors, that includes a bond. Builders of new homes need a BC Housing licence and 2-5-10 home warranty insurance on every new home.

Insurance guides by trade in British Columbia

Local risks, rules, and common questions for your trade:

Roofing Contractors in British Columbia General Contractors in British Columbia Electricians in British Columbia Plumbers in British Columbia HVAC Technicians in British Columbia Home Renovation Contractors in British Columbia Landscaping & Snow Removal in British Columbia Excavation & Demolition in British Columbia Commercial Trucking & Fleets in British Columbia Professional & Consulting Services in British Columbia

Where we match businesses

QuoteMatch takes applications from businesses across British Columbia, including:

Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley
Vancouver Island & the Sunshine Coast
Okanagan, Kamloops & the Interior
Prince George & Northern BC

Official resources

British Columbia business insurance FAQs

Who licenses insurance brokers in British Columbia?: The Insurance Council of British Columbia licenses insurance agents, brokers, and adjusters in BC. You can check any broker's licence on the Council's public registry before you share information or buy a policy.
Do I need WorkSafeBC coverage as a sole proprietor?: BC employers must register with WorkSafeBC. Owners without workers can usually buy optional personal coverage. Many general contractors and property managers won't let you on a job without proof you're in good standing, so most trades carry it either way.
Can I buy business auto insurance from a private insurer in BC?: Only part of it. ICBC Basic Autoplan is mandatory for most vehicles and only available from ICBC. Extra third-party liability above the basic $200,000, plus collision and comprehensive, can be bought from ICBC or from private insurers through a licensed broker.
Does commercial property insurance in BC cover earthquakes?: Not by default. Earthquake cover is usually an added endorsement with a deductible set as a percentage of the insured value. It's worth asking a broker to compare deductibles, because they vary a lot between insurers.